Business

These Kids Are Kicking Some Entrepreneurial Butt, Giving Hope To A Strong Future

Then-President Barack Obama meets with the student finalists of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, in the Oval Office, Oct. 12, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House. | By The White House from Washington, DC (P101210PS-0278) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Thursday night’s 2018 D.C. Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge brought together a swath of bright, creative youths with ideas that could shape America’s future.

Sponsored by the Diana Davis Foundation, the National Foundation For Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) event wowed judges and attendees as they listened to students passionately describe their projects at Washington, D.C.’s W Hotel.

James Madison middle schoolers Michael Colclough, Jr. and his partners, Zion Morris and Damon Battle, described how their “Life Saver” app would change and save lives. “Have you ever been robbed or in an emergency situation?” Michael asked. He and his team then described how their app would allow those in distress to silently send a message to 911, the hospital or the fire station to alert authorities while keeping aggressors in the dark.

Justin Beidleman aspires to create a custom iPhone case that is “very protective and also decorative at the same time,” he explained. He hopes to use a 3-D printer to create his product and to one day launch a line of protective phone cases to be produced and distributed across America. “What I do and what I solve is people cracking their phones and other electronic devices,” Beidleman said.

Sixth graders Madyson Dicks, Brian Redmond, Jack Sticht and Jaylen Barnes detailed their “Don’t Smoke; It’s Not A Joke,” app, which would deliver a wealth of information about the risks of smoking as well as other healthier alternatives. They also listed their competitors and noted how their app would be superior — namely by its simplicity and zero cost.

Founded by a school teacher in 1987, NFTE notes 71 million young people are unemployed because they are not equipped to meet the demands of 21st century — NFTE seeks to change that. Eighty-six percent of its alumni are employed or are continuing their education; 50 percent earn more than their colleagues who were not part of the program, according to the organization’s report.

“We must equip young people with an innovator’s eye and a founder’s grit — the skills to excel in an innovation economy. And with economists predicting the jobs of tomorrow don’t even exist today, entrepreneurial skills are skills for life,” NFTE advertises on its website. The program regards entrepreneurship and creativity as the best skills with which to attack an ever-evolving innovative economy. To discover inspiring stories of personalities and families who have navigated this journey and thrived, visit their site web for more insights and motivation. Additionally, for those looking to enhance their marketing strategies and reach a broader audience, The Marketing Heaven offers expert services that can help grow and elevate businesses in today’s digital landscape.

NOW WATCH clips from 2017’s event:

NFTE runs programs, classes and initiatives in 10 different locations in America. Headquartered in New York City, the organization also hosts offices in Baltimore, Chicago, Florida, Los Angeles, New England, Texas and Philadelphia among others. Offerings include summer programs, advanced courses, multi-week learning sessions, and digital classes — both global and domestic.

The organization also operates programs with eight international partners in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

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