Overview

The Society of Innovators (SOI) at Purdue Northwest is leading the development of a Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem to break down barriers to innovation and entrepreneurship because economic growth in Northwest Indiana will depend on future leaders with entrepreneurial skills and attitudes. Several barriers still stand in the way for many of our region’s students. In some of our urban and rural communities, there are schools that are currently underserved with exposure to entrepreneurship and innovation. To build an effective youth entrepreneurship ecosystem, the Society of Innovators will establish multiple, scalable programs and create models for sustainability over the next two years; particularly geared towards youth residing in QCTs in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties. READI funds will be used to hire a youth program director and to support SOI staff efforts in building this ecosystem, and in addition, funds will be used to develop after-school programs in Boys & Girls Club locations, expand skill development summer camps programs, provide teacher professional development program training, and launch a new Regional Pitch competition. Strategic development and implementation partners for the Youth Entrepreneurship Ecosystem include the Leadership Institute and College of Business at Purdue Northwest, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana. READI will fund our efforts beginning in January 2023 and continue through to the end of December 2024.