Innovative Education

Infuse innovation and entrepreneurship into K-12 education, because the world needs problem-solvers and creative thinkers.

 

Pitch Comp

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

Jacobson Institute video

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.

Teacher professional development

TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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

MORE > Bizinnovator  MORE > STEM Innovator®

Curriculum student

INNOVATIVE CURRICULUM

Educators can confidently use the Jacobson Institute’s BizInnovator and STEM Innovator® innovation and entrepreneurship curriculum tools. Our programs 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.

MORE > STEM Innovator®  MORE > BizInnovator  MORE > KidInnovator

STEM Innovator® students

WHY THIS MATTERS

Innovation, entrepreneurship and skills like problem-solving, resilience and communication are necessary for students' success now and in the future. We believe strongly in an early introduction to these concepts to ensure that all students have the best chance at success. Furthermore, we believe economic opportunity thrives when business and education collaborate. We work every day to bring the two together and foster innovation for our students and communities.

MORE > Our why

NATIONAL IMPACT

U.S. map illustrating Jacobson Institute national impact. Identify states with students participating in Jacobson Institute programs (BizInnovator, STEM Innovator, Kid Innovator, Innovator Competition).

TOTAL IMPACT SINCE LAUNCH

$73K

Total seed capital awarded to students

200K+

Total students impacted

SPOTLIGHT

Bright idea

Entrepreneurship

Turn-Key Curriculum & PD

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

Connor Alne

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. 

UI Dome

STEM Innovation

Online Educator Workshops

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