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About Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship

Background

In 1987, NFTE was founded by Steve Mariotti (a former business executive and entrepreneur) while he was a public high school teacher. Since 1987, NFTE has worked with nearly 280,000 young people. NFTE currently operates programs in 21 states and 12 countries outside the U.S., and has over 1,500 active Certified Entrepreneurship Teachers. In 1994, the NFTE-Greater Washington division opened, which makes this year our 15^th Anniversary! Over the past 15 years, NFTE-Greater Washington has provided nearly 20,000 youth with the life and entrepreneurial skills needed to become active participants in our community.

Who We Are

NFTE's mission is to provide entrepreneurship education to young people from low-income communities. NFTE's vision is that every young person will find a pathway to prosperity. NFTE's strategy for achieving this mission is to:

• Partner with schools, universities, and community based organizations
• Create an innovative and experiential curriculum
• Train and support teachers and youth workers
• Provide supportive alumni services

Our Programs

The "mini-MBA" curriculum that NFTE created is an award-winning program. Students are taught by NFTE certified entrepreneurship instructors, they write and defend a basic business plan and can even receive seed capital to launch their companies. Selected students compete locally and nationally through NFTE regionwide and nationwide competitions.

A Proven Model

Research shows a powerful connection between NFTE's program and increased school engagement as well as increased interest in attending college. In a recent internal evaluation of NFTE students in the Greater Washington, DC area, the following outcomes were found:

• 93% started a business plan
• 81% completed a business plan
• 65% presented a business plan
• 23% started a business
• 73% answered "Yes" when asked if the NFTE course changed their future plans for education, career, and interest in running a business

We found in a Harvard study that nationally, NFTE students' interest in attending college and job aspirations increased by 32% after completing the course!

Learn More About NFTE:

NFTE Greater Washington Website
NFTE Website

For sponsorship and ticket information please click "Become a Sponsor" or "Get Gala Tickets" or contact:
Erika Langhart 970-749-3963 elanghart@smithfairfield.com