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.

Dr. J.D. LaRock

The future of work is ever evolving with new technologies, jobs that didn’t exist before, and a new hybrid workforce. The U.S. education system has a real opportunity to evolve with new, better, and engaging ways to learn in order to prepare all learners for this future. Cutting-edge entrepreneurship education must be part of the solution. At its core, entrepreneurship education empowers students to discover their passions and own their futures. The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has seen success in igniting foundational entrepreneurial mindset traits – like adaptability, creativity, opportunity recognition, and self-reliance – through project-based, iterative learning that directly translates to postsecondary education, future careers, or business ownership. Read more>

Hunter Franklin

I think we all know nowadays that attending traditional school isn’t the only path. Every day, you hear stories from the younger generation making money online—whether through a laptop or camera! As someone who completed four years of school and earned a Bachelor’s in Business, I have to say that it’s not something you HAVE to do. I don’t regret my educational journey, but if I were to advise someone on the verge of deciding, I would encourage them to consider other options. Read more>>

Amy Thakrar

Firstly, I would encourage students to know that traditional education can be one path to a successful career, but it is NOT the only path. Your success in a career will rarely have anything to do with whether you had good or bad grades. It comes down to whether you have the skills to get quality work done. Full stop. Whether those skills are learned in school or through years of working a job, skilled workmanship is in demand. Today more than ever, there are so many avenues for skilled and talented workers, who may not have a traditional education, to connect with clients and community. Read more>>

Chanice Ball

I come from a family where education was super important. Both of my parents are college graduates, my grandmother was a schoolteacher and many people in my family have gone on to complete higher education, and as a college graduate myself, I was raised knowing that education is a top priority and something that no one can take away from you. I do believe that the word education is often misinterpreted though, meaning that it can only be received one kind of way, which is typically through formal institutional schooling, and through life, I have learned that this is no longer the case. Now being out of college for some years now, I often reflect on my years in the education system, especially being a person now who works in the creative industry and followed a path that completely deviated from what I was studying in school and what I have a degree in. Read more>>

Pasha Carter

Education is a crucial part of life, and it should provide students with the tools and knowledge necessary to become successful and prosperous in life. However, in the American school system, there is an overwhelming focus on traditional areas of learning, such as mathematics and language arts, while other important topics, such as finances, wealth, and leadership, are often overlooked. It is my belief that the school system should be updated to include more resources and instruction on these topics to better prepare students for their future. Read more>>

Craig Alexander

Growing up, I always wanted to be an artist. In school I was surrounded by some of the most talented and inspiring artists that had similar dreams. We spend thousands of hours working on our art, in art class, during homework time, and even for fun. A large part of our childhood was in the pursuit of the arts. This all came crashing down when we graduated and “had to get a real job”. Read more>>

Shurland Cooper

If I were to change the education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career, I would focus on, incorporating more practical life skills into the curriculum, such as financial literacy, communication skills, problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making. These skills are essential for success in both personal and professional life. I would encourage a more holistic approach to education, promoting the development of a well-rounded individual. This would involve nurturing creativity, emotional intelligence, physical fitness, and social skills alongside academic learning. I would provide students with early exposure to different career paths and opportunities. This could be in the form of internships, mentorship programs, or career guidance sessions. By helping students understand their interests and strengths, they can make more informed decisions about their future career paths. Read more>>