“Thank you for an amazing experience of learning and sharing passions, a plethora of resources, and opportunities to learn as a student, and then incorporate these for possible integration into lesson planning for our students. I feel as if we are receiving a great gift that we can pay forward.”

“The gift of an entrepreneurial mindset could be life saving for [disenfranchised] populations. They desperately want to support their families but are not being taught that they have other options. They need to hear about the freedom of entrepreneurship to give them hope. Thank you for equipping me.”

“The resources provided were amazing and can easily be adapted to any student level in a variety of subjects. Our ability to collaborate with such diverse educators throughout the Commonwealth was priceless. What an amazing opportunity to learn from colleagues each class via breakout rooms. Thank You for this life-changing educational opportunity.”

“This class provided a wealth of information about how the entrepreneur mindset can be used in every subject taught and how it will benefit students in life overall, even if they are not interested in being an entrepreneur. These are real life skills and that is what I want to bring into every class I teach.”

“I want to thank you and let you know how appreciative I am for having the opportunity to attend your Entrepreneurial class.  Since my enrollment into your class, my mind has been racing – ‘how to become a millionaire.’ Because of your class, I am no longer just a thinker/slacker.  This morning, on FM 95.7 The Beat – Tampa, FL, the Talk Show hosted Kevin O’Leary, ‘Mr. Wonderful,’ from the TV show, Shark Tank. His episode talked about Pivoting and knowing when to Pivot. As you can see, I immediately thought of you and the lessons learned in your class. Thank you for lighting the fire!”

COABE NATIONAL
ONLINE ENTREPRENEURSHIP INSTITUTE
FOR ADULT EDUCATORS & SERVICE PROVIDERS

Put GED and workforce skills to work (literally) for your adult learners!
(no background knowledge or experience in business required)

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 #1 of the COABE Online Entrepreneurship Institute!