Council Wants To Bring Entrepreneurship Into Schools

COLUMBUS, Ohio —There’s a new partnership in Ohio aimed at helping students and business.

The new entrepreneur initiative is a partnership between the Ohio Department of Development and the Department of Education.

“Every company was founded by a woman or a man who was willing to take a risk and willing to go beyond where everybody else was. That’s what entrepreneurship is all about,“ said Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher.

Now, both departments are all about bringing that spirit into the classroom. A 45-person advisory council has been formed to develop programs for Ohio’s students, starting as early as 6th grade.

State officials said small business ownership is something that in this economy, many students are already thinking about.

“They’re being impacted through their households. Their parents are being laid off. They’re looking at what’s the value of how do I not fall into the same situation?“ said Eric Troy, of the Ohio Department of Education.

Eventually, Fisher and the Department of Education want entrepreneurship to be part of Ohio’s core curriculum.

Fisher said that while math, science and history are all important, it’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will be needed in the 21st Century. But most importantly, Fisher said we need them to help make Ohio competitive.

“It’s important because we want them to stay here to thrive here, to start their small businesses here and the state of Ohio will be their partners all the way,“ Fisher said.

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