NFTE’s programs teach entrepreneurship using its exciting, experiential curriculum. There are versions for middle school, high school, and young adult students, with corresponding reading levels and complexity.

The curriculum may be used in a semester-long or year-long entrepreneurship course, integrated into an existing course, or used for an after-school program or intensive camp. The programs are offered in a variety of settings, including public schools, after-school programs at community-based organizations, and intensive summer business camps.

In a NFTE program students learn business concepts, practice skills including negotiation and pricing, and work on completion of business plans for their own individual businesses. Many teachers and youth workers also organize field trips to a wholesale district, where the students buy goods to sell later in a “selling event” at their school or after-school program.

Business plan competitions are often held in schools by the teachers with help from NFTE. Regional competitions are organized by the NFTE offices and program partners in an area. NFTE holds a national business plan competition for NFTE students each school year. Winning students receive a trip to the annual awards dinner in New York City and a grant to apply toward their business or college expenses. Contact a NFTE program office or contact us in New York for more information.