21st century skills

We all need a diverse set of skills to succeed and flourish. The Jacobson Institute works with teachers, schools and partners in their community to develop opportunities for students to practice problem-solving, collaboration, and risk-taking, and to become critical thinkers with the confidence to boldly and creatively innovate for the benefit of their community.

Portfolio Tool

Teacher professional development

Through BizInnovator and STEM Innovator® professional development, we provide the tools teachers need to incorporate innovation, invention and entrepreneurship into STEM and business classes. Teachers leverage our research-based knowledge to build an innovation model that fits their school and community.

opt_sam

Innovative curriculum

Educators can confidently use the Jacobson Institute’s BizInnovator and STEM Innovator® innovation and entrepreneurship curriculum tools. Our programs, like KidInnovator are tied to national education standards, include assessments for measuring results and are backed by the expertise of the University of Iowa, a Tier 1 research institution.

"Almost 40 percent of American employers say they cannot find people with the skills they need, even for entry-level jobs. Almost 60 percent complain of lack of preparation, even for entry-level jobs."

- McKinsey, 2017

National impact

National Impact Map 2023

42

States with Active BizInnovator Curriculum users

Students talking

Student Problem Solvers National Innovator Competition

HS students compete each fall and spring for seed capital to support their entrepreneurial startup. $3,000+ is awarded each competition supporting the entrepreneurial spirit. 

Learn about the Innovator Competition!

teacher_pd_conf

Entrepreneurship turn-key curriculum

BizInnovator Startup launches redesigned curriculum for entrepreneurship education. Curriculum and professional development for educators teaching entrepreneurship and taking students on a deep-dive.

Check out our Curriculum Toolkit

stem_hygenic_lab

Online educator workshops

STEM Innovator® releases a series of online, self-paced workshops for K-14 educators interested in STEM innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.

Find your STEM Innovator Workshop