In support of a Better West Virginia's invitation to blog about a specific need that could be solved through networking I couldn't think of a better subject than youth entrepreneurship in West Virginia. In 2003, the first statewide high school business plan competition called DreamQuest was created. The goal of Dreamquest is create a sustainable program that is recognized throughout West Virginia as an opportunity to actively involve students, teachers, and the private sector in an entrepreneurial learning experience. Dreamquest is a complementary program for other youth entrepreneurship initiatives associated with the high school curriculum. Dreamquest is West Virginia’s only statewide high school business plan competition. The program is available to all students – public or private, home-schooled, or vocational.
I personally have participated in judging and promoting DreamQuest through the years and it is great to see the creativity and enthusiasm our high school students display by going this process. Thanks to the dedication and leadership of Susan Rice, entrepreneurship coordinator for the WV Dept. of Education, that this program continues to produce young entrepreneurs throughout the state year after year. This program has a track record of impacting high school students by exposing them to entrepreneurship as a career path. In addition, students really do pursue their dreams! Last year’s winners are open for business in Beckley, West Virginia. The fourth place team is currently producing a marketing CD for Dreamquest to be used to promote the program across the state.
The reality is we need to ensure that this great program continues to reach high school students and expose them to entrepreneurship. It is vital to our state's future. If we don't actively train and produce entrepreneurial talent in our state then who are going to be the innovators and employers of tomorrow? I am asking the business and community leaders in West Virginia to contact me to learn how to help in making sure we not only help this program but take it to the next level. DreamQuest has been a model program across the nation for other states who have followed in our footsteps. It is time for us to go to the next level and reach more high school students by making sure DreamQuest continues to fulfill its mission for youth entrepreneurship.
If you are interested in learning how you can help please send me an email at mark@wventrepreneur.com with "I want to support DreamQuest" in the subject line. This is one way you can play apart in making a Better West Virginia.
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