JA Be Entrepreneurial (Think Like an Entrepreneur)
JA Be Entrepreneurial is a reimagined, modular program that teaches students about the mindset and the skills needed for success by aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators who add value to any organization. Students completing all three modules use Design Thinking, a problem-solving approach, to create business ideas. Students also learn to transform their ideas into concise, effective, and actionable one-page business plans.
In JA Think Like an Entrepreneur, students develop a mindset that enables opportunity identification, innovation, value creation, and problem solving. They learn the principles, strategies, and skills through the experiences of others and apply them to their own lives.
Following participation in the program, students will be able to:
— Define entrepreneurship and some key qualities of entrepreneurs.
— Describe the advantages of embracing a growth mindset.
— Evaluate personal entrepreneurial strengths and areas for refinement.
— Develop a personal action plan.
JA Be Entrepreneurial is part of the JA Entrepreneurship Pathway and is recommended for high school students (grades 9-12).
The program is a blended model that includes teacher-led content, volunteer-led opportunities, and self-guided content to support flexible implementation options. JA Be Entrepreneurial is available as a classroom based, remote live, or afterschool program.
Modules can be offered together or as stand-alone experiences to meet the diverse needs of educators and students. Each module offers a culminating, self-guided project for students to create an artifact that allows them to apply what they have learned.
Participating students will have the opportunity to compete in a new national virtual competition, JA Social Innovation Challenge, which provides a platform for them to share their innovative ideas for improving their communities and to compete for national honors.