The COABE Online Entrepreneurship Institute for Adult Educators & Service Providers is aligned with the U.S. Entrepreneurship Certification Examination, equipping adult educators and service providers with the content knowledge, instructional strategies, curriculum, and resources they need to successfully prepare adult learners to pass the U.S. Entrepreneurship Certification Examination.

Entrepreneurship is an excellent multidisciplinary, real-world context for teaching literacy, basic skills, and HSE/GED academic subjects (English, math, social studies, science) while simultaneously developing workforce-based skills. Developing an entrepreneurial mindset (opportunity recognition, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, innovation, adaptability, initiative, collaboration, etc.) prepares individuals to also become better employees in any career field (intrapreneurship) and solve community problems (social entrepreneurship). Entrepreneurship also seamlessly integrates across workforce development programs and optimizes engagement by unleashing individual potential to pursue unique interests, hobbies, and passions in the new Innovation/Gig Economy. Self-employment is a real “game- changer” for disenfranchised individuals living in impoverished areas because it offers freedom, hope, and empowerment via more personally fulfilling career options while capitalizing on and affirming existing skills and talents. Important life skills are also developed (intrinsic motivation, growth mindset, resourcefulness, resiliency, calculated risk-taking, agency, etc.) by starting simple “side hustles” requiring minimal start-up costs to earn additional income that may lead to full-time careers.

The overarching goal of this field-tested Institute is to streamline adult educators and service providers’ learning of basic entrepreneurship content and peda/andragogy by reviewing real-world instructional resources (400+ free, online resources including news articles, videos, podcasts, infographics, textbooks, lessons, PPT slides, test bank, etc.). The Institute content is extremely flexible and accessible to a variety of adult programs and easily customizable to organizational missions and target populations. Online modules are mostly self-paced and live Zoom classes feature introductions to supportive community resources, grassroots entrepreneurs who share “lessons learned,” and breakout groups for WIOA and cross-state/agency collaboration, resource sharing, and planning. Practical module assignments result in a collection of lessons and workforce- based activities (Part A) and a business plan first draft (Part B) to inspire creative strategies for high quality education and employment outcomes.

COABE Entrepreneurship Educator Certification, Certificate of Completion, and Digital Badge included. Participants may complete both Part A and Part B in any order for COABE Certification or just complete either Part for professional development hours.

Congratulations to cohort #2 of the COABE Online Entrepreneurship Institute!