There is a long-standing debate on whether or not you can teach entrepreneurship. While the consensus is that entrepreneurship cannot be fully taught in a classroom, there is a belief that beneficial principles, stories, and strategies can be learned and refined in an educational setting. This is where Iris Hammel and RISE (Regional Innovation & Startup Education) come in. Iris Hammel, the Executive Director at RISE, has dedicated her career to entrepreneurial education. RISE is a leader in best practices for entrepreneurship education, utilizing entrepreneurial thought and immersion. Their programs, such as Startup Moxie for high school students and the Applied Entrepreneurship program for regional colleges and universities, provide hands-on experiences that cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset.

In our conversation with Iris, we explored the transformative power of entrepreneurship as a vehicle for change in the education system. Iris emphasized that entrepreneurship is not just about starting businesses, but about fostering a mindset that encourages problem-solving, creativity, and resilience. We discussed the importance of creating a culture of learning that prioritizes essential skills and experiences over traditional grades, involving transparent communication with parents and a focus on mastery-based competencies. Additionally, Iris shared her excitement about the potential of AI in education, envisioning a future where students take the lead in their own learning journeys, moving away from conventional measures like credits and hours. This episode offers valuable insights into how entrepreneurial education can revolutionize the learning experience and better prepare students for the future.