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

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Curriculum student

INNOVATIVE CURRICULUM

Educators can confidently use the Jacobson Institute’s STEM Innovator® and BizInnovator 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.

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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.

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NATIONAL IMPACT*

*Fiscal year 2017

U.S. map illustrating Jacobson Institute national impact. Identifie states with active BizInnovator teachers, states with active STEM Innovator teachers, states with both types of teachers, and where college credit is offered.

TOTAL IMPACT SINCE LAUNCH

3.5K

Total teachers

109K

Total students impacted

SPOTLIGHT

Bright idea

Featured School Model

Heritage Academy in Columbus, Miss., is utilizing STEM Innovator®in an expansive STEM program stretching from elementary to high school.

Connor Alne

Student Entrepreneur

Meet Connor Alne. His successful entrepreneurial journey began in high school and took off with an assist from the Jacobson Institute's Innovator Competition.

Campus

Upcoming

Sign up for the fall online session of BizInnovator professional development. Certified BizInnovator instructors may offer their students college credit. Session starts Sept. 11, 2018.