New Entrepreneurial Program Launched in Erie Schools

The United Way of Erie County proudly announced their support of the Ice House Entrepreneurship Training program yesterday, Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Erie County Department of Public Safety.

The Ice House pilot program was developed by the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative, or ELI. ELI's focal point revolves around instilling an entrepreneurial mindset within the lives of young people so as to expand creative and intellectual potential.

Within the spectrum of this program, more than 850 seventh grade students within the Erie School District will receive a copy of Who Own's the Ice House?, which was written by Pulitzer Nominated author, Clifton Taulbert, and Gary Schoeniger, who is the mastermind and founder of ELI. Within a classroom setting, students will read the text and be able to participate in group exercises large and small, so as to gain a greater grasp on the "eight life lessons from an unlikely entrepreneur" as mentioned on the book's subtitle.

All social studies teachers within the seventh grade in the Erie School District will receive training on October 9, 10, and 11 to learn how to effectively communicate these materials as well as prepare for the program's curriculum. As well, the Intermediate Unit #5 (IU5) will heavily contribute to this Ice House start-up. IU5 will be recording outcomes and creating a plan to take this program into other surrounding areas and school districts.

Because this program takes the role of preparing students at such a young age with skills and mindsets that many don't acquire until adulthood, Ice House Entrepreneurship Training has been touted as an incredible tool for educators and students alike.

Gary Schoeniger is scheduled to speak at the Blasco Library on October 9 at 5:30 p.m. about his accomplishments as both an author and an entrepreneur. With his solid research background as well as his ever-evolving set of skills, this should prove to be a valuable first hand perspective regarding these new materials.

The opportunity that the Ice House Entrepreneurship Training brings could be one that is invaluable to young, impressionable minds. With the tireless work and effort pouring out of Schoeniger and company, this program is sure to make an impact in many positive ways. - Maddie Hepler