Entrepreneurship: Can College Teach a Mindset?
A big buzz these days is an interest in a degree in Entrepreneurship. Parents understand that in today's job landscape, it is likely their students will need entrepreneurial skills to jump ship quickly when their job is outsourced, or have a home business that sustains their corporate paycheck. But can college teach a mindset? NO, but parents can!
How can you foster that mindset and skill set in your student? By age 14-15, I encourage all students to start some sort of small business. One year my two young kiddos made water balloon launchers and sold them at Christmas to earn money for their own purchases. It started when my son made one as a birthday gift for a friend and it received rave reviews. Then my single over-30 friend asked for one ... a great way to be introduced to the sons of her soon-to-be-fiance'. We had proof of concept (Shark Tank fans here!) and they were ready to take orders.
Some are born with a natural affinity to be entrepreneurs. For the rest of us, it starts with looking through the lenses of someone who has struggled, worked hard, and found success. Introduce your students to them. Here are some ideas:
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Homeschooling through High School - Where to Begin
Every one has different reasons to begin homeschooling. Maybe you are at a crossroads trying to decide what direction your student’s high school years will take? Maybe, like me, there is hesitancy on your part to homeschool high school simply because you are unsure of what to accomplish, how to go about it, or wonder if you have what it takes to get it done?
Standing on this side of graduating three students, I can now say there is a feeling of gratitude and accomplishment in homeschooling through the high school years. Not because homeschooling was done in my strength, but because God’s wisdom and grace are abundant. During my years of homeschooling, I made some discoveries that I hope will encourage and prepare you to move forward in confidence.
If you homeschooled K-6, let me assure you that you can do this too. The best advice is to become informed – ask questions, do research, and find the answers you need. Being prepared will help relieve the anxiety you might feel. Educating your students through their teen years can truly be the most rewarding time with your children. Here are some ideas to make these next four years the best they can be.
Ask questions. Ask a homeschooling friend or acquaintance to invite you to her kitchen table so you can talk to her and her children and see how they homeschool high school. There is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but seeing how another family does it will help take the mystery out of the process. Also become familiar with your state’s regulations regarding homeschooling.
Keep records. You will need to record your student’s high school courses on a transcript. Find a template online or create one yourself. It’s easier if you do this as you go along and don’t try to compile the information at the last minute from memory.
Think of yourself as a facilitator. You don’t have to be an expert in all subjects to homeschool high school. Teach what you are able to and utilize the many resources available to you for other subjects, including video-based curriculum, online instruction, local co-ops, study with a buddy, and outside classes. Sometimes a reminder that we are not replicating public high school at home is helpful.
... Read More Whether you choose to homeschool or actively participate in your student's public education, I hope you find these ideas valuable!
Upcoming Seminars ~
Arizona Families for Home Education Conference
If you have friends in this area, please share this information with them! I will be presenting several times throughout the conference.
July 11-12 in Phoenix, AZ
Credits Before College Workshops - REGISTRATION IS OPEN
August 7 AND August 23 (Community Education) in Elk River, MN
August 14 in Prior Lake, MN
These 3-hour workshops provide insight, answers, and resources to widely available programs that receive little attention. Connect the dots between high school credits, CLEP, DSST, and Dual Enrollment (PSEO) and you will see the big picture of all that can be accomplished without debt. Learn the steps to help your student discern career options, pathways, and how to make the most out of the high school years.This workshop covers it all, giving you the resources you need to start today.
Who should attend? Parents with students in Grades 6 and up including Public, Private, Charter, and Homeschool. Bring your teens at no extra cost!
In the News ~
- You Are Invited: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 | Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fridley, MN Discipling America: Church-Based Higher Education
Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi, a prominent reformer and lecturer, will present the vision to equip churches to double-up as college classrooms. I will be there as part of the initial launch team.
- A job at Starbucks may offer more than your student bargained for! Starbucks employees nationwide will be eligible for a free college education through Arizona State University's online program beginning fall 2014.
Resources ~
- We have written them for you! Homeschool co-ops and Groups are eligible for a group discount when purchasing Course-for-Credit Course Guides: World Religions (one-semester for grades 7-12) and Introduction to Psychology (full-year for grades 9-12). Consider facilitating a class and enjoy the rewards of students earning college credit, developing college-readiness skills, and studying age-appropriate material written from a Biblical Worldview.
- Timely Tip: Whether you are applying for college or graduating, ALWAYS insist on receiving official documents, including transcripts, in print and in advance from the Records Dept. Don't rely on conversations or emails, even from college advisors.This time of year I hear from parents that their student "thought" they met graduation requirements (per their advisor) only to find they are short credits. OR, their credits did not transfer in as they were told and now have to pay for another semester. Insist on getting your source documents in advance so if all is not as expected, you have time to implement Plan B.
