Our Story

Who We Are

The NFTE community is diverse. Business and community leaders, academics, and entrepreneurs serve on our boards. Our staff includes experienced educators, curriculum designers, program managers, and workforce development experts. Our supporters range from individual donors and philanthropic foundations to global corporations.

Our Founder: Steve Mariotti

New York-born

The late Steve Mariotti changed career paths in 1982 when he decided to leave the corporate sector and become a special education teacher in the New York City public school system. His first assignment was in the East New York section of Brooklyn, and his last was in the Fort Apache section of the Bronx.

While teaching in this harsh environment for six and a half years, Steve gained insight into how to successfully motivate his toughest students—teaching them how to run a business. His perceptions and learnings inspired him to create a program to bring entrepreneurial education to low-income youth. In 1987 he founded what would become the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that equips youth worldwide with an entrepreneurial mindset.

At age 71, Steve passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 20, 2024. Born on August 14, 1953, in Flint, Michigan, he was the eldest son of educators John and Nancy Mariotti, the late educators whose passion for teaching deeply influenced his life’s work. In his honor, NFTE established the Steve Mariotti Legacy Fund in 2024 to support alumni and educator initiatives.

Our Vision

Every young person in the world will learn how to start a business.

Our Purpose

Lead the global movement for equitable access to entrepreneurship education and build a strong, sustainable, and innovative business model.

Our Mission

The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) brings the power of entrepreneurship education to learners, educators, and decision-makers so all young people can own their futures.

Our Impact

A global nonprofit founded in 1987, NFTE has educated nearly 2 million students, delivering our programs in school, out of school, in-person, online, or through hybrid models.

Alumni Stories

Since 1987, NFTE has provided entrepreneurship education for youth in underserved communities. Meet alumni who changed their life trajectory, explored their passions, and ignited their entrepreneurial mindset to prepare for work and own their futures.

Meet NFTE Alumna Antonia Castro

Impact Stats

86^%

86% of NFTE alumni are employed or actively engaged in furthering their education.

80^%

80% of alumni have earned or are earning a college degree or professional certification.

25^%

25% of NFTE alumni start at least one business and many become serial entrepreneurs.

90^%

90% of employers say the workforce needs the entrepreneurship skills that NFTE teaches.

90^%

90% of NFTE alumni say learning to think like an entrepreneur helped them in school, business, and life.

50^%

50% of NFTE alumni report that they are earning more than the median salary in the United States today.

Behind the Work

Our Team

#TeamNFTE is a community of professionals from states in seven U.S. regions, including Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship headquarters in New York. Our team values entrepreneurial thinking, hard work, equity, respect, creativity, collaboration, honesty, quality, transparency, and accountability. Our team’s dedication and expertise in entrepreneurship education enable them to deliver high-quality programs and cultivate a culture of innovation and learning.

Career Opportunities

Our Volunteers

NFTE’s volunteers play a crucial role in extending our reach and impact. Their commitment to mentoring, teaching, and guiding young aspiring entrepreneurs helps to instill valuable skills and confidence, empowering the next generation to navigate the complexities of the business world with resilience and creativity. Through their selfless contributions, NFTE’s volunteers contribute directly to shaping the entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow.

Volunteer Today