BE THE “e” Entrepreneurship 4-H Peer Plus, January 19-21, 2007

BE THE “e” Presenters MSU Extension 4-H Youth Development Laura Allen Career Education Coordinator (517) Sheila Urban Smith Program Leader (517) Erica Tobe, MSW Program Leader – Youth Financial Education (517)

Workshop Goals To understand the foundation of BE THE “e” To learn the components of the Youth Activity Guide and Helper’s Guide To experience activities from BE THE “e” To leave ready to enter the world of entrepreneurship

BE THE “e” is for Middle & High School Youth Created by the National 4-H Cooperative Curriculum System, Settings –Project Groups –Clubs –After-School Programs –Independent Study with Project Helper

Why Entrepreneurship? Entrepreneurs create 44% of all new businesses “Small business, not large corporations, are the driving engine that will expand America’s world- wide market in the 21 st Century.” (Be the E creators)

Defining Entrepreneurship IT IS YOUR PASSION!!! It means not settling for things the way they are, but looking for a better way See an opportunity & take it See a problem & fix it

Youth participants will: Think “outside the box” Look at the world differently Discover if they have what it takes to become an entrepreneur Learn how to evaluate a potential opportunity Gain skills to put their business plans into action Complete much of their activity guide independently Some will choose to start their own business and others may choose to help

Role of the Project Helper Encourage youth to learn independently (take a back seat) Help by listening as youth consider questions and draw conclusions Act as a resource person for some activities Nurture entrepreneurial leadership to build a stronger economic future for our state, the nation and the world.

Role of the Home Helper (Optional) A parent, older sibling, another relative, or neighbor Home Helpers become familiar with the material & activity guide & support youth in their goal setting & activity completions Home Helpers can date & initial the activities on the Achievement Program Help youth see their strengths & weaknesses Incorporate “hands-on” learning throughout the project

Key Design Elements Activities –Meet the entrepreneurial and life skills set by the National Education Standards –Are developmentally appropriate –Fit the “learn by doing” experiential learning model - key in all 4-H programs

Ages and Stages of Youth Development Characteristics | Teaching Tips Can take responsibility in planning and evaluating their work. Can plan their social and recreational activities. Give youth responsibility for group activities, including planning, implementing and evaluating. Provide opportunities for youth to work together. Form committees to plan recreational and social activiites.

Ages and Stages of Youth Development Characteristics | Teaching Tips Gain skills in social relations with peers and adults. Can be quite self- conscious. Provide activities that foster social interaction with peers and adults. Avoid asking youth to share their work individually until they feel more comfortable with the group.

Ages and Stages of Youth Development Characteristics | Teaching Tips Can discuss current events, international affairs and social issues with some help. Want to make decisions but still depend on adult guidelines. Use discussion activities and games to encourage awareness of current events and issues. Establish guidelines that give parameters for youth to follow.

Ages and Stages of Youth Development Characteristics | Teaching Tips Strong emotional attachment to older youth and adults. Choices are often unrealistic. Encourage youth to participate in activities with older youth and adults. Assist youth in making realistic choices. Review their plans, discuss alternatives and help them weigh options before making decisions.

Key Elements Youth Development and Life Skills –Targeting Life Skills (TLS) Model

Tips for working with groups Set group goals Make meeting plans together

Be the “e” Levels 1.Love it! 2.Plan it! 3.Do it!

Level One – Love it! Exploring entrepreneurship –Is it for you? –Identifying talents and interests –Defining business vision –Are you passionate about your plan?

Level Two – Plan it! Practicing skills –Business and economics language & culture –Getting started Planning, organizing, evaluating goals & services & gathering information –Promotion strategies for using information –Legal issues

Level Three – Do it! Marketing Finance Ethics Putting it together Business plan presentations

Be the “e” Activity Guide

More Key Elements Achievement Program Post- then Pre-Evaluations Journaling Resources –MSU Product Center or Small Business & Technical Development Centers –n4hccs.org Project Online –Young Biz.com