The entreSchools® Initiative

  Entrepreneurship is the unconstrained pursuit of new ideas resulting in an innovative creation. (1998 KSTC)

  The entreSchools Initiative sets a context for schools' role in the knowledge economy where entrepreneurship is a vehicle for growth and innovation. The entreSchools' goal is to create, explore and share pathways for always asking and acting on the question what if we could help all students learn every day and help students generate and implement their own ideas for new ventures right in their own communities -- as opposed to lamenting all the reasons why we can't. The entreSchools approach is about student-powered, minds-on learning. Student-created, student-powered ventures are an extraordinary way for young people to learn and quite possibly at the same time contribute to the community with a new solution to local needs (i.e., creations). Students can and do thrive in an entrepreneurial environment. (See EdVentures)

  Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC) (www.kstc.com) has embarked on a program called the entreSchools Initiative in which learning communities intentionally embrace an entrepreneurial frame of mind.  This is evident by a daily pursuit of new ideas (i.e., ideation) -- shaped more heavily by future possibilities rather than past realities -- systematically results in innovative, entrepreneurial programs, policies, practices, and places (i.e., creations).  This entreSchools framework was developed initially in conjunction with three Kentucky county-wide school districts: Jessamine Schools, Lincoln Schools and Rowan Schools.

  The entreSchools Initiative is defined by KSTC as a learning community in which:

  • People are relentless learners, compelled as a habit of mind to stretch their dreams of what their future could be in this rapidly changing world;
  • Creative problem solving leading to innovative creations is the norm in achieving its mission;
  • Programs and policies intentionally and systematically incorporate the pursuit of new ways to serve all learners every day and break down barriers that stand in the way of learning; and
  • Physical spaces actively encourage learning.

  We invite you to join the journey, start by zooming in on one of the entreSchools sample pathways -- or create your own in the true spirit of entrepreneurship! Wherever you choose to start or your talents lie along the entrepreneurial path, taking part in the journey promises to be full of twists and turns, surprises and, yes, hard work, but quite possibly the most fun you' ve ever had on the job.






entreSchools is an initiative of Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation with support from Appalachian Regional Commission, BellSouth Foundation, and Cralle Foundation. For more information contact jlang@kstc.com