Introducing Entrepreneurship at Every Level
To create an ecosystem that spans age and education level , entrepreneurship education must be found in every classroom .
“ The state would like to see entrepreneurship as a pre-K to an adult type concept ,” says Burch .
The WVDE is working with its partners on implementing entrepreneurship curriculum at every level with programs like Discover Your Future , which was created for grades 6-8 to introduce students to all 16 national career pathway clusters . The development will expand to include local opportunities for students to see the careers near them . E-Ship Program of Study is a high-school program being built by WVU and Marshall to ensure students have opportunities and resources that include dual credit , mentors and university level access .
Burch ’ s reach also extends beyond CTE and into adult basic learning for West Virginians working toward their GED , studying English as a second language or simply brushing up on computer skills , perfectly positioning him to extend the entrepreneurial ecosystem beyond the traditional classroom and into the existing workforce .
He is particularly proud of the James Rumsey Technical Institute , which is being established as a pilot makerspace location to offer adults in the Martinsburg area a place to explore entrepreneurial opportunities , small business ventures and product fabrication . This initiative will also offer training to high school students who are interested in exploring these types of career pathways . A partnership of the WVDE , WVU and Marshall , the goal is to have as many resources available to local communities to expand entrepreneurial enterprises as much as possible .
This is echoed by the work of the Encova center , which offers strategic business consulting , facilitating mutually beneficial partnerships between WVU students and West Virginia businesses through student experiential projects . The center is also currently in the process of hiring a business coach dedicated to supporting veterans and their families to start or grow their businesses in West Virginia . This position will offer one-on-one coaching , host workshops across the state and establish a veteran business ecosystem to connect these individuals .
WVU Impact Challenge
An immersive weekend experience where students work in teams to define solutions for West Virginia ’ s most pressing challenges .
Moving the Mountain State Forward
In order to make the most of this entrepreneurial movement , the concept will need buy-in and support from every level of government , education , business and industry .
West Virginia ’ s business community can offer its support and create and empower its future workforce in a variety
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