The number one thing we hear from entrepreneurs and artists and creatives when we ask them about their education is about how irrelevant it was to their story. Sure, some folks had wonderful educational experiences, but for many their experiences left them feeling ill prepared for life and their careers. So, we wanted to create a space for folks to share their experiences and ideas for how we can improve our educational system.

Ashley Hilt

I worked in the education system for a short period of time. It is complete chaos. I wish I could say that changing one thing about it would help but honestly, it needs a complete overhaul. Today’s students are being taught to be better test takers and get the score so that a school, district, superintendent, whoever looks good. In reality, this vastly hinders our students. In my opinion we are setting our students up to fail once they graduate. Education needs to be about creating better human beings, ones who think for themselves and have compassion for others. Read more>>

Ashley Hade

The educational system in the U.S. needs a lot of reform. I think we need to emphasize a larger variety of class offerings in middle school, high school, and college. We should be teaching children a second language and exposing them to a wide variety of subjects so that they are well-equipped to figure out what they’re good at and what they enjoy. Read more>>

Brendan Blocker

Our education system does not properly prepare students for life after school. Some of the most important skills that people need to live a better quality life are not taught in schools. After graduating high school, and even college educations, people often do not have a good understanding of credit, financial literacy, wealth creation, or even how to pay bills. All of which are key aspects to living a more comfortable and higher quality life. Read more>>

Laura K Aiken

I am referring to the Fine Arts program and design schools here. Students are not taught how to set up their businesses. there are many ways to make money on your own as a designer or artist. But if you don’t have the foundation of a good business model and how to manage that money you are doomed for failure. Read more>>

Jaydee Betances

I believe the education system should teach students about finances and entrepreneurship, instead of telling them to go to school, get good grades, to go to college and get a good job that you’ll work at for 30-40 years so then you can retire and then start enjoying life. In a perfect world that sounds great but now I believe kids are more advanced and they are exposed to more due to social media and I believe the educational system should be more appealing to the younger generations by preparing them and giving them options. Read more>>

Andre Notice

For me to achieve the level of success of where I am now and even where I’m going, I had to learn A LOT. I’m still constantly learning everyday. Unfortunately, most of what I learned that really helped shape my business mind and geared me for success was NOT taught in school and I actually did not learn until I dropped out. If these areas are taught in school, they were not taught along my path and made necessary as basic school knowledge for my first 12 years in school. Read more>>

Rafael Vanoni and Mauro Tarakdian

There are so many challenges with the educational system that it’s hard to pick just one or two issues to discuss. The cost of getting a university education and the debt industry that it created holds the country back in more ways than we can imagine. That has to end, full stop. Read more>>

Deprina Godboldo

When it comes to the educational system I believe there are two changes that need to take place. Financial knowledge should be taught to all kids from the moment they start to learn about numbers and fractions. Financial literacy is going to be the backdrop for their future. Everything we do in life has something to do with money and how well you handle it. No one is teaching people how to grow it, invest it or sustain it. The second thing and most important to me is internet safety. Read more>>

Nicole Miller

This question hits a little close to home for me for a few reasons. Growing up, I always wanted to create. I dreamt of becoming an artist and living out my life making and doing whatever I wanted. I felt I never really had the opportunity to explore that. Creativity was never really something that was pushed in my schooling, and none of my teachers (specifically art teachers) ever helped me evolve or recognize that I could have a career doing what I loved. In elementary schools, the art teachers see so many students a day that I’m not even sure they recognized my potential, or even truly cared. Read more>>

Sandy Bastien

I would eliminate standardized testing. I think that would be a great start in helping students prepare for a fulfilled life. This would help them realize that they are not a number, but a unique individual with special gifts, talents and abilities that maybe different from their peers. Read more>>

Drew Richmond

Between 2009-2019 the CDC’S Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Data Summary & Trend Report: reported that 1 in 3 high school students experienced persistent sadness and hopelessness. Facilitating a learning environment that improves youth self-efficacy and recognizes their skills and abilities is currently the focus of MyPurpose Impact Enterprise. Creating a learning environment that is more student-focused and collaborative with students’ needs will allow students and teachers to have a more personal relationship to improve learning and comprehension standards. Read more>>

Matt Poischbeg

There is a growing recognition that the traditional K-12 education system, which is focused on preparing students for higher education, may not be the best fit for everyone. Some students may be more interested in pursuing vocational or technical careers that do not require a traditional four-year college degree. Apprenticeships can provide a valuable alternative to traditional higher education by offering hands-on, on-the-job training and the opportunity to earn a salary while learning a trade. Read more>>