Tag: Educator of the Year

“The life-changing potential of entrepreneurship knows no boundaries.” – Deanne Giffin, 4th grade teacher at Bancroft Elementary School in California This summer, a remarkable transformation took place in Tijuana, Mexico, where BizWorld’s project based learning program brought together a diverse group of youth and adults eager to learn and grow. The camp was held in partnership with a local community center, Esperanza For Sons and Daughters, run by Pastors Rolando and Rubi, who have long been committed to uplifting their community through education and support. This was no ordinary summer camp; it was a vibrant mix of entrepreneurship, community, and hope, designed to challenge participants to envision and create a better future for themselves and their families. IThe idea to bring BizWorld to Tijuana was sparked by Deanne Giffin, a dedicated 4th-grade teacher from California with a long history of service in the Tijuana community. After learning about the BizWorld program, Deanne saw its potential to provide valuable life skills to the community members she had grown so close to over the years. “My friend, Melissa (Development & Community Director at BizWorld,) told me about the BizWorld program in early 2024. It sounded like a perfect program to teach skills to the community in Tijuana and bring hope for the future of many students and adults,” Deanne shared. The camp was unique in that it included participants from various age groups—ranging from young children to middle-aged adults. This multi-generational approach fostered a sense of community and collaboration that was truly special. Parents worked alongside their children, and teenagers who often lack family support found themselves part of a new, nurturing community. Reflecting on this experience, Deanne said, “It was moving to see moms planning with their young children and smiling as they dreamed of creating a business.” The camp’s curriculum, which covered the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, was more than just a learning experience—it was a life-changing event for many participants. For some, it was their first introduction to the world of business, and the program quickly became a source of inspiration. “The optimism that this could really change their futures was significant,” Deanne noted. She recounted the story of a young mother who, through her participation, realized that starting her own business was not only possible but within her reach. The success of the BizWorld camp in Tijuana has sparked interest in expanding the program further. Deanne is already planning to implement BizWorld with her 4th-grade students in California, and she hopes to continue supporting the Tijuana community as well. The potential for growth is significant, with plans to possibly extend the program to other parts of Tijuana and beyond. “I am so impressed with the level of understanding these students have shown,” Deanne remarked. “Their displays were well thought out and professional.” The story of BizWorld in Tijuana is a powerful reminder of how entrepreneurship education can transform lives and communities. As BizWorld continues to expand its reach, the organization is always looking for new partners who share their mission of educating youth through entrepreneurship. Whether it’s through sponsoring a camp, becoming a licensed program partner, or simply supporting our mission, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.

In summer 2024, BizWorld Japan brought entrepreneurship education to life with a unique twist. By integrating local cultural experiences into the BizWorld curriculum, they’ve created an enriching and immersive learning environment for elementary and middle school students. In Kyushu Goto Island and Kyoto, students not only learned business basics but also delved into Japan’s rich heritage. In Goto Island, students gathered shells on the beach, learned about the island’s history, and transformed their discoveries into entrepreneurial ventures. The camp seamlessly combined entrepreneurship with environmental and cultural education, culminating in a community event where students showcased and sold their creations. In Kyoto, students engaged with local craftsmen, explored the forest, and applied their newfound knowledge to create business ideas. The program emphasized creativity, confidence, and the importance of teamwork, helping students develop leadership skills in a way that resonated with their cultural roots. Wakana Fukuda, a partner at BizWorld Japan, highlighted how the program encourages students to think independently and become leaders in their own right. “BizWorld allows students to put their own creative spin on entrepreneurship,” Wakana shared. “It’s not just about learning business concepts; it’s about fostering a connection to their community and culture.” The success of BizWorld Japan’s camps underscores the program’s flexibility, allowing educators worldwide to adapt it to their cultural context. By making the program their own, teachers can inspire students not just to become entrepreneurs, but to become thoughtful, engaged members of their communities. As BizWorld Japan looks to the future, they aim to expand the program further, inviting international students to learn about Japan’s culture while building their entrepreneurial skills. This innovative approach serves as a model for how entrepreneurship education can be both globally relevant and deeply rooted in local traditions. By the second day, all the students were fully engaged, working hard, having fun, and learning together. Their financial management skills were impressive, as they progressed from securing seed funding, and selling in the BizWorld Bazaar to valuing their companies. One young woman was the CEO of her team. She was not timid, but a quiet leader who you could tell had little experience leading large groups. Over the two days, I watched as she coordinated her team with ease, pitched for VC capital, and led with a quiet confidence that was impressive. At the end of day two, I walked up to her and said, “I have been watching you work as the CEO over the past two days. If you continue to believe in yourself, use your superpowers, and find opportunities to lead, you will be a great CEO someday.” With tears in her eyes, she asked if I could take a selfie video with her and say that again. I said, “Of course…but why?” Her response nearly brought tears to my eyes. She said, “Because my mom will never believe that someone said this about me.” Needless to say, this was an unforgettable experience for the staff and students alike. The life-changing potential of entrepreneurship knows no boundaries. As we saw in Jamaica, when young minds are nurtured with the right tools and encouragement, they can create something truly magical.

“What would happen if you took master educators, life-changing curriculum, nearly 30 teenagers, and an international entrepreneurial organization and placed them in a room in Jamaica for 2 days? Magic!” – Chris Cochran, Executive Director of Entrepreneurs Across Borders, Inc. In summer 2024, BizWorld embarked on an exciting new journey with our first-ever camp in the Caribbean, in Kingston the capital city of Jamaica. Brought to life through a partnership with Entrepreneurs Across Borders (EAB), this camp was more than just a learning experience—it was an adventure that blended entrepreneurship with local culture in a way that deeply resonated with the students. When EAB first reached out to us, what began as a simple conversation quickly blossomed into a fully-funded pilot program. Together, we aimed to teach business fundamentals to the next generation of Jamaican youth in a vibrant, hands-on environment. EAB’s mission to bring entrepreneurship education to developing countries aligns perfectly with BizWorld’s goals, and while the focus is currently on Jamaica, the potential for expansion into other parts of the Caribbean and Latin America is clear. We like how Chris Cochran said it himself, “The BizWorld Curriculum should be taught to every single entrepreneur around the world, especially to students.” For me (Patricia Solis, Operations Manager at BizWorld) this camp has been one of the most rewarding experiences while working with youth in BizWorld. Jamaica is a country driven by entrepreneurship, and many of the students at the camp have already had firsthand experience with entrepreneurship, either through their own small businesses or through their families. This camp took place during the school break, so some students initially expressed frustration about being encouraged by their parents to attend an academic camp during a time they felt should be reserved for fun. However, others (dare we say the majority) were curious, motivated, and excited. At the registration table on day one, a young woman boldly shared, “I don’t want to be here…It’s summer. I should be home sleeping until 1:30 pm and eating all day.” We watched as this young woman pretended that she would rather be anywhere else.  But as she stepped up to masterfully pitch her company, she involved herself deeply in the product development, and squealed with laughter as she counted her company’s profits. As she was leaving the camp, she said, “Ok, I’ll admit I had fun.” As the camp began, I quickly noticed smiles, teamwork, and a strong desire to learn through practical application of business concepts. Gradually, the students embraced the entrepreneurial mindset, and by the end of the first day, we could already see the formation of new friendships. For at least 50% of the participants, this was their first experience working together as a team. They collaborated harmoniously, identified each other’s strengths, solved problems, and created innovative products. By the second day, all the students were fully engaged, working hard, having fun, and learning together. Their financial management skills were impressive, as they progressed from securing seed funding, and selling in the BizWorld Bazaar to valuing their companies. One young woman was the CEO of her team. She was not timid, but a quiet leader who you could tell had little experience leading large groups. Over the two days, I watched as she coordinated her team with ease, pitched for VC capital, and led with a quiet confidence that was impressive. At the end of day two, I walked up to her and said, “I have been watching you work as the CEO over the past two days. If you continue to believe in yourself, use your superpowers, and find opportunities to lead, you will be a great CEO someday.” With tears in her eyes, she asked if I could take a selfie video with her and say that again. I said, “Of course…but why?” Her response nearly brought tears to my eyes. She said, “Because my mom will never believe that someone said this about me.” Needless to say, this was an unforgettable experience for the staff and students alike. The life-changing potential of entrepreneurship knows no boundaries. As we saw in Jamaica, when young minds are nurtured with the right tools and encouragement, they can create something truly magical.

It Started With a Chalkboard and a Dream Long before she ever set foot in a classroom, Carolyn Tatem was already teaching. “As a little girl, I would line up my dolls on the bed, grab my ruler, and pretend to teach them a lesson,” Carolyn remembers. For her, teaching wasn’t just a career aspiration—it was a calling. But the road to the classroom wasn’t straightforward. A Winding Road Back to Her Purpose Despite her passion, Carolyn’s path took a detour. Encouraged by her mother to seek a more “lucrative” career, she earned her degrees in information systems and landed a job in the business world. Yet, everywhere she went, the urge to teach resurfaced—whether it was training adults on new technology or running youth Bible classes at her church. “I just couldn’t let go of it,” she says. Family First, But Education Always When Carolyn became a mom, teaching took on new meaning. She homeschooled her children for several years, tailoring her approach to each of their personalities. Later, when it was time for them to head to college, Carolyn returned to teaching full-time. “My incentive was simple: I wanted my kids to graduate without student loans. If I went back to work, and alongside my husband’s amazing support, we could pay their tuition in cash.” Discovering BizWorld: The Missing Piece Carolyn’s return to the classroom led her to something extraordinary—BizWorld. “When I was introduced to BizWorld, it just clicked. It wasn’t just another curriculum. It checked every box: entrepreneurship, real-world skills, and it matched our state’s requirements.” From that moment, her classroom transformed into a bustling hub of activity, where every student took on a company role and learned by doing. A Classroom That Feels Like a Company In “Tatem Corporation,” (the name Carolyn has given to her classroom) students aren’t just learning—they’re experiencing what it means to work together, make decisions, and face challenges. “Everyone has a job. There’s a place for every student, no matter their personality or skillset,” Carolyn explains. For her diverse, international classroom, BizWorld’s hands-on, adaptable approach has been a game-changer. Even the initially skeptical students, including the boys who thought making bracelets wasn’t for them, ended up loving the experience. Real-World Lessons With Lifelong Impact What stands out most are the transformations. Shy students blossom into leaders. Teams learn the value of compromise, creative thinking, and financial responsibility. “I run my class like an office. My students learn how to be professional, how to work as a team, and how to dream bigger for themselves,” Carolyn says. Some students have returned with siblings, and after 30+ years, she’s now teaching children of her former students—a testament to her lasting influence. Recognition That Resonates Being named BizWorld’s 2024 Educator of the Year was a total surprise for Carolyn. “I thought maybe I’d get a certificate in the mail. I had no idea it would mean so much,” she says. The recognition wasn’t just for her, but for every educator who quietly makes a difference every day. “There are so many teachers who work so hard without ever being seen. This award was an honor—and a reminder that our work matters.” Advice to Educators and Supporters Carolyn’s message is clear: “If you’re considering BizWorld, just do it. Don’t be intimidated by something new—this program fits right into your requirements and gives students skills for life.” She encourages fellow teachers to look for the spark in every student and supporters to keep investing in programs that empower educators. “You’re not just changing classrooms—you’re changing generations.” Join Us in Shaping the Future Carolyn Tatem’s journey is proof that passion, perseverance, and the right tools can change lives. If you’re inspired by her story, now’s your chance to get involved. Join Carolyn as a BizWorld Educator, become a BizWorld mentor, or donate to help bring entrepreneurship education to more classrooms. When you lift up educators like Carolyn, you ignite a legacy that lasts for generations.