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.

Josh Vassar

I believe the most important element of being a creative, is the importance of maintaining your “childlike” wonder. Being able to look at the world from from a very different perspective, and also creating a world in your mind and bringing it to life. The educational system is built to create people who just obey the rules, get straight A’s, and try to fit into the system. Read more>>

Kimra Major-Morris

I’d like to see basic intellectual property lessons introduced to students much earlier. Society consumes intellectual property in every environment, and kids should have an awareness of the basic concepts. I didn’t learn about intellectual property law as a practice area until I was in law school. I had never heard of it and had never met an IP attorney until I was almost 40! With earlier education, kids will be more informed as they watch television, engage on social media, participate in talent contests, and share creative ideas at school and in other environments. Read more>>

Ciera Jones

If I could change anything about the education system, it would be to get rid of those state tests and focus on real life skills more. I feel like there is so much focus on the tests that our children aren’t getting the full access of how it is after school. I think there should be more talk about being a Business Owners as well as other professions besides the main lawyer, doctor, nurse and athlete. There is nothing wrong with those professions however there is so many other careers opportunities available for our youth that they’re not seeing until after high school or later in adulthood. Read more>>

Paul Wyman

The North American education system seems to be very focused on preparing students for university/college with what seems to be a dismissive attitude towards trade vocations. Many schools are without a woodworking/metalworking/auto mechanic shop and the trades are viewed as a fall back option versus a first choice career. Not all students are academically inclined, but could excel in skills based classes. Read more>>

Tiphany Kane

I love this question! I spent 20 years as a teacher in California’s public education system and I definitely have strong feelings on this topic! Public School was created as a way to both educate children and train a workforce. The workforce that was needed when public education was born were factory workers & office workers. Read more>>

Antonia Campanella

This response is in reference to an arts education. I think it is extremely important that artists understand the significance in treating themselves as a business. The art education should teach techniques and get the students inspired through prompts and critiques, but also have them seriously start considering how they will make a sustainable career from their art. What will they do with the money they earn? Read more>>

Brandon Lind

If I could change anything about the educational system, it would be to promote the availability of alternative paths at a young age, whether that’s entrepreneurship or trade skills. The idea that a college education is the end-all-be-all for every kid is a fallacy. For example, I started my business after my first year of college, and by the time I graduated, it kept me busy enough to the point where college was the distraction. Read more>>

Codi Villalobos

If I could change anything about the educational system, it would definitely be to diversify it as a whole. With a few exceptions, parents and students have very few choices for educational routes. Much of the main educational focus tends to be on performance, getting into college, and getting a job. Read more>>

Christine Roberts-Kelly

Introducing financial literacy and entrepreneurial training into the education system would help prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career by equipping them with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about their finances, creating a sense of financial literacy, and giving them the tools to start their own business or venture. Read more>>