NFTE Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship

NFTE North Texas has activated the entrepreneurial mindset including innovation, self-reliance, comfort with risk, communication, adaptability, future orientation, and problem-solving, in more than 18,000 DFW students since 2005. NFTE serves schools and districts with FARL% of 50% or more with North Texas having one of the highest rates at 75% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch. NFTE North Texas students included: 73% Hispanic/Latino, 20% African American, 9% White, 1% American Indian, 3% Asian, and 3% Other; 51% of students were female and 49% were male.

NFTE is an educational nonprofit that offers schools high-impact student programs with exceptional teacher training and support. Research shows that the entrepreneurial mindset skills prepares young people for lifelong success. Equipped with this mindset, and the business and academic skills that NFTE teaches, NFTE students are more likely to thrive in an innovation economy no matter what path they choose.

Our Needs

As we begin the 2021-2022 school year, we are experiencing significant growth in North Texas. NFTE served over 2,200 students in 2020-2021 and are expecting over 3,000 students in 2021-2022 with the possibility of bringing on an additional 2,000 - 3,000 more students in the next year. NFTE students live in some of the most challenging environments, with stark racial disparities. These communities rank higher in percentages for school-to-prison pipeline than college-readiness.

NFTE gives these students hope. Our entrepreneurship education can significantly improve their quality of life and open them up to new possibilities. NFTE teaches students to create their own path and shows them the power they possess to define their own future. Through NFTE, we can empower students, reduce inequality and open opportunities for people of all races and economic backgrounds.

We need your support now more than ever. The economic impact caused by the pandemic has put new financial pressures on the families we serve. This is an unfortunate time, as our students need us now more than ever. The students we serve get so much value from the volunteers who give their time, whether as a mentor, a presentation coach, a speaker, or a competition judge. The engagement of volunteer leaders in the business community provide examples of what is possible with hard work and commitment.