EDT Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT MAKES EDT AND EDT ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET CURRICULUM UNIQUE? 

The average entrepreneur is 45 years old and only 3% of entrepreneurs are African American. (Pew Research Center, 2023).

EDT is dedicated to inspiring, preparing, and creating opportunities for underserved African American youth in Chicago by providing resources, support and the network for success. 

Developed by surveying African American corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, parents and students, EDT participants complete an intensive 16-week Entrepreneurial Mindset curriculum.  Focused on goal setting, problem solving, critical thinking and non-cognitive skills required to succeed in the workplace, the curriculum is designed to:

• Inspire participants to develop an entrepreneurial mindset.  Participants build their own personal brand by discovering their core values and developing personal mission and vision statements.
• Prepare participants for internship and employment opportunities by teaching them the baseline skills required to secure employment and succeed in the workplace.
• Create opportunities for participants by providing qualified introductions for internships, skilled labor positions and corporate employment.

To provide a personalized experience and ensure success, each program participant is partnered with a dedicated mentor who advises, encourages, and holds them accountable for achieving their goals.

WHO DOES EDT SERVE?

EDT works with African American youth in underserved communities in Chicago, ages 16 - 24.  Participants are high school sophomores, juniors and seniors or college students.  

WHAT DOES EDT LOOK FOR IN CANDIDATES?

Candidates should demonstrate dependability and responsibility.  EDT places high value on motivation, integrity, civic-mindedness, creativity, and competency.

HOW DOES EDT RECRUIT? 

EDT recruits through corporations that hire youth, skilled labor companies, college retention groups (HBCU and PWI), and student non-for-profit organizations. EDT partners with the following organizations and companies to build our candidate pipeline: Chicago Youth Programs, Dream Academy Foundation, Greenwood Project, Hope Center Chicago, Lumity, Mariano’s, Tower of Excellence and UR Chicago Alliance.  

HOW DOES EDT MEASURE SUCCESS? 

EDT continually looks for ways to improve the curriculum and better serve participants.  We use the following information to evaluate progress and inform decision making:

• Hours invested/participant
• EDT curriculum graduation 
• EDT participant retention 
• Internship placement and retention
• Skilled labor placement and retention
• Career placement and retention

HOW ARE DONATIONS USED? 

Donations go directly into the program and towards the limited operating expenses that support our efforts, including:

• Curriculum development and materials, including digital modules and printed workbooks
• Curriculum facilitators
• Computers for participants
• Transportation of participants to curriculum sessions
• Educational outings 
• Marketing, including website and printed collateral