Ozark Heritage region is focused almost exclusively on youth entrepreneurship, primarily high school seniors. They will also be working with the Youth Summit, sponsored by 4-H, to increase the number of students that are exposed to entrepreneurship concepts. They hired someone to work with the school districts regarding incorporating entrepreneurship into their curriculum. They seem to be making progress with the schools and a number have expressed an interest in incorporating some type of entrepreneurship curriculum in their business classes. Review their 2007 Action Plan.
April, 2007 Update:
Ozark Heritage has distributed curriculum to 14 schools and completed training on "Starting a Business in Missouri" and "Preparing the Business Plan".
Additional school districts in three counties will participate with the project next year.
Lyle Wright, Director, West Plains Satellite Center at Missouri State University is leaving Missouri to take a job in California. His contribution to this project will be greatly missed. We wish him success in his new appointment.
Project leaders met with Missouri Department of Economic Development looking for future funding and presented an update on their project.
A database of students that complete training is being developed so the project can follow-up to determine what impact the entrepreneurship education had on their career and location decisions.
The 2006-2007 school year Youth Biz Summit involving the 14 student-led businesses will finalize on April 27th when awards and recognitions will be announced at an evening event. The businesses range from catering of healthy snacks, DVD and photo production services, crafts, coffee shop, florist, and embroidery shop.
Highlights of the Youth Biz Summit held on April 27th in West Plains, MO included presentations by the students on their school projects, two local entrepreneurs talk share their experiences in building and growing a business, and presentation of certificates and awards to all participating schools.
Project description for the Ozark Heritage Region