VentureLab

logo

Website

venturelab.org

Countr(ies)

USA

Grade Level of Students Participating

K-12

Number of Students Participating per Year

1000+

Year Organization Began

2013

Relationship to the public education system

VentureLab partners with schools and non-profit organizations to provide a tailored package of in-school, after-school, and summer enrichment programs. 

VentureLab works with schools to provide a suite of K-12 entrepreneurship programming and professional development. 

In addition to in-school programs, VentureLab organizes camps for students outside of school.

Organization’s Vision and Mission

Mission: To empower young people to be next generation innovators and entrepreneurs through inspiration, experiential learning, and mentorship. 

VentureLab programs aim to introduce, inspire, and encourage young people to enter and succeed in technical, creative, and entrepreneurial fields. 

VentureLab has a particular focus on increasing the number of women in STEM, leadership roles, and entrepreneurial roles, by igniting the entrepreneurial spirit in young girls and developing the next generation of creative leaders. 

Brief Description of Program Activities

Through project-based learning and engaging web-based activities, VentureLab connects STEAM concepts to real-world problems and brings college-level entrepreneurship to the classroom. 

VentureLab programs introduce students to entrepreneurship skills and through specific technology topics such as video game design, maker skills, and more. Students learn what it means to extend their interests and passions outside the classroom as they solve real-world problems. 

VentureLab school curriculum is available by grade for K-12 settings, and can be used as an elective, supplement, after school, or as a standalone course. The organization also offers professional development programs for teachers and schools.

VentureLab organizes a range of different camps, including the following:

  • High School Startup 101: Students launch their own company, conduct customer research and competitive analysis, build a product prototype and practice pitching and demoing. 

  • Youth Startup/Girl Startup 101: Students are equipped with fundamental tools to determine their own path in life. Students learn about product development, build their own company with their peers, construct prototypes and practice pitching to investors. The Girl Startup 101 program is only open to young women, particularly encouraging young girls to get involved in entrepreneurship. 

  • Gamer: Students learn about what it means to be a game entrepreneur as they use physical supplies and digital platforms to create their own games.

  •  Maker: Students learn concepts of entrepreneurship while experimenting with new technology such as 3D printing, robots, and lasers.

Program Content: Intrapersonal Competencies

Self-efficacy, Creativity, Ingenuity, Critical thinking, Independent learning, Learning from failure, Entrepreneurial mindset

Program Content: Interpersonal Competencies

Teamwork, Collaboration, Cooperation, Public speaking

Program Content: Cognitive Competencies

Problem solving, Pricing and selling strategies, Hydroponic farming technology, Coding, Market research and customer validation, Prototyping, Business model, Financial literacy and budgeting, Product ideation, Marketing, Research and Higher Order Thinking

Program Content: Attitudes and Values

  1. Work hard and be persistent to achieve your goals.
  2. Be positive. Anything is possible.
  3. Follow your passion and you will be successful.
  4. Have fun. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
  5. Keep your promises. Do what you say you will do.
  6. Just do it. Don't be afraid to try and fail.
  7. Make a difference. Think big. Change the world.
  8. Be transparent. Honesty is the best policy.
  9. Strive to learn more. Learning is growth.

Program Content: Pedagogy/ Active Engagement of Students

VentureLab programs teach entrepreneurship in a way that brings science and technology to life through real world applications. 

Students are encouraged to make their ideas a reality through hands-on, project-based activities that create connections across traditional classroom learning and real-world problems. In fact, students undergo the process of ideating, designing, prototyping and testing, developing models, and pitching their ideas and projects. 

Each VentureLab program covers key concepts in the following areas: 

  • What is entrepreneurship & entrepreneurial thinking 
  • Entrepreneurial mindset 
  • Idea generation 
  • Market research and customer validation
  • Creative and critical thinking 
  • Teamwork 
  • Prototyping (using web design, application design, 3D printing) 
  • Lean launchpad business model methodology 
  • Pitching to an audience 
  • Leadership 
  • Research and analysis 
  • Technology awareness 

VentureLab believes that mentorship is critical to teach and train students to become the next generation of entrepreneurs. Mentors offer guidance, advice to students, and students remain connected with them after the camp has ended.

Reference List

1 All information in this table comes from the VentureLab website and information provided by Cristal Glangchai, Founder of Venture Lab.

Prepared by

Seungah Lee