For many students in under-resourced schools, NFTE's course can lead to new opportunities and create their own business. NFTE St. Louis plans to run it's third annual Summer Business Camp for 25 students. This two-week program will help our young entrepreneurs learn the 21st Century Skills necessary to compete in the global economy.
During the recent difficult economic times in America, youth unemployment has skyrocketed. Young people who do not finish high school in our nation's capital are even more likely to face prolonged joblessness. For minority students, the dropout rate is above 50% in some schools. Without a reason to stay in class, without real world learning that is relevant a student's interests, this problem will only persist.
NFTE's BizCamps are two-week, intensive programs that support motivated young entrepreneurs as they create their own business ventures. Helped by a certified NFTE teacher, these students will strengthen their entrepreneurial ventures with the support of volunteers who lend their guidance with business development and financial advice. The past two years have seen St. Louis BizCamp graduates go on to win seed funding for their ventures at the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.
NFTE St. Louis is building its position within the area's impressive entrepreneurial ecosystem with support from some of the city's top business, civic, education, and philanthropic leaders. We are specifically helping to fill the gap in providing entrepreneurship training to a younger demographic throughout St. Louis. In the past two years we have helped several hundred students dare to dream of brighter future through our programs.
