Deeds: What An ‘Entrepreneurial Mindset’ Means For K-12 Education And The Skills Students Must Learn Before Entering The World Of Work
Deeds: What an ‘Entrepreneurial Mindset’ Means for K-12 Education and the Skills Students Must Learn Before Entering the World of Work
The concept of an "entrepreneurial mindset" has gained popularity in recent times. It encompasses a range of behaviors, skills, competencies, knowledge, and beliefs that are seen as crucial for fostering innovation, creativity, and adaptability in the future workforce. The phrase highlights the importance of equipping students with new skills and competencies to navigate a rapidly changing world, where they will not only be taking on existing jobs, but also creating new ones. Experts predict that by 2030, a significant portion of the jobs available will be ones that do not currently exist. This shift is already underway, with a noticeable increase in independent work and a growing number of temporary contractual workers.
Recognizing the urgency of this swiftly changing future, the Kauffman Foundation has been actively engaged in research and community outreach. They have conducted extensive surveys, design thinking sessions, and consultations with educators, parents, industry leaders, and civic change-makers. The consensus among these stakeholders is that students need better preparation for the evolving world of work.
Unfortunately, present-day high schools generally prioritize preparing students for traditional college, rather than equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for life after graduation. A report by the Mid-America Regional Council highlights that employers, including those hiring high school and college graduates, often find a lack of core competencies among potential candidates. These essential competencies, which industry experts consider essential for future employment, include the ability to drive results, collaborate effectively, foster trust, plan strategically, interpret information, and apply basic mathematical skills. Financial literacy is also identified as a major gap in high school education, as identified by both parents and students. All these skills should ideally be attainable through the K-12 education system, provided that students are given the right tools, experiences, and support.
Initiating a new paradigm, school district leaders in the Kansas City metro region are responding to these challenges by connecting their high school students with local businesses and providing them with real-world problem-solving opportunities within their communities. These programs offer authentic learning experiences that result in industry-recognized credentials and/or dual college credit. For instance, the Independence School District facilitates links between high school students and businesses, while the Northland CAPS program, established by eight school districts, ensures that all students gain robust internship experiences in high-demand careers. The Diploma+ initiative in the Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools aims to empower students with more than just a diploma, equipping them to successfully transition into their chosen career path or further education.
The foundation of these programs lies in the belief that learning should be purposeful and relevant, allowing students to explore real-world problems and acquire the necessary skills to solve them. However, it is estimated that only a small fraction of high school students in the Kansas City metro area currently have access to such real-world learning experiences that foster entrepreneurial skills and prepare them for the future workforce.
It is essential to recognize that the entrepreneurial mindset is not limited to aspiring business leaders or a fortunate few. While postsecondary education is important for all students, traditional college is not the only pathway to success. Currently, only a quarter of high school graduates in Missouri earn a college degree within six years, and the situation is not much better in Kansas. Consequently, the Kauffman Foundation will focus on developing a scalable infrastructure to ensure that all students in the region have access to real-world learning opportunities.
As our economy undergoes unprecedented change, uncertainty becomes a catalyst for innovation in education. While we work towards expanding and scaling educational programs, it is crucial to ensure that historically underserved students are not left behind as the focus of schools shifts from traditional instructional methods to centers for problem-solving.
Ewing Marion Kauffman, the founder of the Kauffman Foundation, understood the potential impact of entrepreneurship and education in addressing societal problems. Embracing an "entrepreneurial mindset" involves believing in one’s ability to solve problems and mobilizing resources to tackle those challenges.
Donna Deeds holds the position of educator-in-residence for education at the esteemed Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Be sure to subscribe to Newsletter to receive enlightening stories like this directly in your inbox.
