The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Supports Passage of the "Learn to Earn" Act of 2011

NEW YORK, Nov. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), an international non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring young people from low-income communities to stay in school and recognize business opportunities, today announced its support for the Learn to Earn Act of 2011. The bill, introduced by U.S. Representative, Dave Loebsack of Iowa's second congressional district, will establish high quality entrepreneurship education programs for secondary schools across the U.S.

"NFTE is pleased to support the Learn to Earn Act of 2011. Its passage will allow more students across the country to apply themselves in real-life situations and to take ownership of their futures, which is truly empowering amidst adverse circumstances," Said Amy Rosen, President & CEO, NFTE.  "As a nation, we are failing to give our children the tools they need to stay committed to their education, and for those in the toughest circumstances, to break the cycle of poverty.  Entrepreneurship education does both those things and is now more important than ever."

The Learn to Earn Act of 2011 will promote an entrepreneurship curriculum that is in line with NFTE's program offerings such as: courses in mathematics and related content areas like economics; passionate teachers who complete entrepreneurship-specific training; hands-on activities such as negotiation simulations and student business plans; financial literacy education; interactions with entrepreneurs and small business owners to inspire students and partnerships between educators and the greater business community.

"When students learn to think and act like entrepreneurs — to have self-reliance, to think creatively to solve real world problems — they will be better prepared to be successful in life," said U.S. Representative Dave Loebsack, Iowa's second congressional district.  "At a time when our students will be competing in a global marketplace, it is more important than ever that they have these skills. Entrepreneurship education is a great way to prepare today's student for the realities of tomorrow's economy."

About the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship

Too many young people today drop out of school and struggle to break the cycle of poverty. Since 1987, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has been inspiring young people to pursue educational opportunities, start their own businesses, and succeed in life. By providing entrepreneurship education programs relevant to the real world, NFTE empowers students to own their educations in and out of the classroom and to find their own path to success. Hundreds of thousands of students have discovered opportunity all around them through entrepreneurship via thousands of certified educators worldwide. NFTE supports active programs in 18 states and nine countries around the world. Entrepreneurs are a powerful driver of economic growth and NFTE sows the seeds of innovation in students worldwide. For more information, visit www.nfte.com.

SOURCE Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE)