College of Education News

Education Students Encouraged to Apply for Illinois Launch Entrepreneurship Funding

July 9, 2010

A new initiative sponsored by the Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the University of Illinois, Illinois Launch, aims to give student entrepreneurs the tools they need to carry out their ideas during college and beyond.

"Illinois Launch will provide support for new ventures whether they be social ventures, non-profits, or traditional businesses," said Amara Andrews, Assistant Director, Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership (AEL)."Social entrepreneurs in particular develop innovative solutions to social problems and create sustainable ventures to implement those solutions."

While many students who have taken advantage of this opportunity are in science fields, the program is available for students of all majors, and education students have just as much to offer in terms of entrepreneurship, said Professor of Curriculum and Instruction Liora Bresler.

"Education students can initiate programs of social service," Bresler said. "They have so much wisdom and can reach to different audiences to help do good in this world."

Here, Bresler has provided advice for education students with a unique idea they would like to pursue further:

• Do something that is important to you, that is really meaningful to you
• Think of your strengths and what you have to offer.
• Collaborate and spread the word so others can engage and enhance the project.
• Listen well to others, both those with whom you collaborate, and also those you want to reach.
• Make sure that the project is not about you, but about genuine help to others.

"Whether your interest is engineering or education, Illinois Launch will provide students with the support they need to get their businesses going," Andrews said. "Apply today at www.ael.illinois.edu to receive funding, mentoring and coaching to start your business."

More information about the Illinois Launch Program can be found at www.ael.illinois.edu.