NFTE’s Mission to Equip St. Louis Youth

Entrepreneurship education is much more than teaching young people how to start a business—it’s about equipping them with the skills, confidence, and mindset to thrive in an ever-changing workforce. 

The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), a global organization with programs in 14 schools and community organizations across the St. Louis metro area is redefining traditional education by providing students with the tools they need to succeed, no matter their background or career goals.

What is an entrepreneurial mindset?

NFTE’s mission is to make entrepreneurship accessible to all, focusing on students from under-resourced communities. But what does an entrepreneurial mindset actually look like? 

NFTE’s evidence-based model is rooted in eight domains:

• Initiative and self-reliance
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Comfort with risk
• Future orientation
• Communication and collaboration
• Opportunity recognition
• Creativity and innovation 

“There’s this assumption that you either have or don’t have these kinds of skills, but they absolutely can be taught and ignited,” shared Dr. Scott Nasatir, NFTE’s Executive Director for the Midwest region. “Employers aren’t just hiring for technical knowledge—they want durable skills. Through our program, students develop the professional and interpersonal abilities they need to thrive in any setting.”

From ideation and marketing to financial literacy and pitching business plans, NFTE’s experiential, project-based approach emphasizes real-world learning.

Through partnerships with school districts and community-based organizations, NFTE provides programs for middle and high school students. This includes business plan competitions, virtual and in-person networking, mentoring, and coaching with entrepreneurs and professionals from  the local community. 

Annual programs culminate in local, regional, national and global competitions, in which students pitch their ideas for funding—Shark Tank style.

“Students learn by doing,” explained Dr. Nasatir. “It’s not just about starting a business. It’s about building an entrepreneurial mindset—skills like creativity, taking risks, and future orientation, which are critical in any career.”

NFTE in Action: Success Stories from St. Louis

Though a global organization, NFTE has a strong presence in local communities. In St. Louis, NFTE partners with 14 schools and organizations, including the St. Louis Science Center and Jennings High School, to deliver its programming. 

One standout success is Josh, a high school student who developed a modern media business concept and won NFTE’s National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in 2022—marking St. Louis’ first-ever national winner. Competing against peers from major cities like New York and San Francisco, Josh’s win marked a milestone for St. Louis and highlighted the program’s impact. Today, he gives back as a mentor, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Another recent example is Raahi, a student from the St. Louis Science Center who designed adaptive prosthetic clothing, addressing the needs of individuals with limb differences. Her innovative idea reached the semifinals of NFTE’s World Series of Innovation, showcasing the program’s ability to spark creative solutions to real-world problems.

Connecting Students and the St. Louis Community

Beyond the classroom, NFTE fosters connections between students and local business leaders. These partnerships provide mentorship opportunities and open doors for internships and funding.

“In marginalized communities especially, there’s a disconnect that occurs between students and businesses—students can’t be what they don’t see,” said Nasatir. “By bringing the St. Louis business community into the classroom, we’re bridging the gap between young talent and the workforce.”

This dynamic exchange benefits both sides. These relationships also help businesses develop the talent in the St. Louis community and build a skilled, diverse workforce and invest in creating a pool of emerging local entrepreneurs and leaders.

“We really want to build a bridge between the students and the workforce—that’s where the magic of this program happens,” Dr. Nasatir added. “Through NFTE, we’re helping both of those groups see the power, talent and opportunity right here in St. Louis and how to build that.”

NFTE’s impact in St. Louis is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship education to change lives and communities. By fostering skills like resilience, creativity, and leadership, NFTE prepares students not just for the workforce but for a lifetime of success.

For schools, community organizations, or business leaders interested in partnering with NFTE, now is the time to act. Visit NFTE’s website to learn more about how you can help fuel the future of young entrepreneurs in St. Louis and beyond. Together, we can cultivate talent right here in the St. Louis community and offer opportunities that create a brighter future for all.

This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship. To learn more, visit www.nfte.com.