NFTE leads the global movement that inspires youth to take charge of their futures by teaching key skills like adaptability, creativity, and opportunity recognition. With 40 partners in 30 countries, NFTE is expanding access to entrepreneurship education worldwide. One of our signature global programs, the World Series of Innovation (WSI), invites youth ages 5-24 to tackle real-world challenges from top companies. Since 2009, thousands from dozens of countries have submitted bold ideas—from solar-powered water filters to AI business tools—proving that investing in youth can change the world. Explore this year’s Impact League and Imagination League challenges at our redesigned, easy-to-use website, innovation.nfte.com.

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15), NFTE reaffirms its commitment to fueling the entrepreneurial dreams of young innovators in Hispanic and Latino communities. Hispanic and Latino business owners already play a vital role in driving economic growth and job creation, contributing to more than three million jobs in the U.S. alone.

Through strategic partnerships and targeted support, NFTE continues to fuel innovation, expand opportunity and strengthen the economic outcomes for all communities we serve. This month, NFTE collaborated with Santander Bank and their Conexión employee resource group to present "Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future." Led by Santander professionals, this informative virtual experience is one of many hosted by NFTE to equip future entrepreneurs with the skills to secure capital and turn ideas into successful businesses.

A special note of appreciation goes to Aurora Castillo Magner, NFTE New England Advisory Board Member and Executive Director of Digital Innovation and Operational Excellence at Santander Bank. In addition to her pivotal role in spearheading the volunteer event for our students and alumni, Aurora was my guest for the latest episode of NFTE's Entre News podcast. Tune in as she shares her personal journey and explains to aspiring entrepreneurs how finding their voice shapes their future.

Through partnerships like this, NFTE continues to empower students to build confidence, cultivate entrepreneurial skills, and see themselves as the innovators and leaders of tomorrow!

On September 20, NFTE reached a major milestone: the inspiring stories of 14 alumni entrepreneurs are now featured in a special exhibition at the prestigious, newly opened Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream (MCADD) in Washington, D.C.
This landmark showcase highlights NFTE’s mission to bring high-quality entrepreneurship education to youth worldwide. Visitors are invited to explore the NFTE gallery as part of a free, ticketed experience, open daily (except Tuesdays) from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There is a $15 fee for the immersive, 35-minute Holodeck Experience.

What if your teens could launch a business in just 90 days without a big budget, a team, or years of experience? With the right tools and guidance, they can! Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) has introduced a groundbreaking online course for teens ages 13-17 called Next-Level Startup: Make AI Your Cofounder. Now enrolling, this direct-to-student program helps young entrepreneurs harness modern AI tools wisely and ethically to accelerate their business ideas and prepare for any career path.

Meet the sponsors of NFTE's World Series of Innovation! WSI invites young people to get involved in solving some of the biggest challenges humanity faces today and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Many thanks to Aflatoun, Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), CBT Technology Institute, Comerica Bank, EverBank, MetLife Foundation, and PayPal for sponsoring exciting challenges this year for young people ages 5-24. Submit ideas at innovation.nfte.com!

Submissions for the NFTE World Series of Innovation are now open! Enter your idea by December 12.

Meet Cheyanne Ornelas, NFTE’s Manager of the World Series of Innovation (WSI), where young people turn bold ideas into action.

“WSI is a place to experiment, solve problems, and see how creativity can make a real-world impact,” she said.

Cheyanne loves how the UN Sustainable Development Goals help students “think globally while acting locally. They inspire young innovators to tackle challenges they care about."

Her favorite moments? Innovation Days, when students connect with sponsor volunteers who are leaders in their fields. She calls it “a powerful reminder of collaboration across generations.”

Her advice to participants: Start with a challenge you care about. “Break it into small steps, talk it through, and just begin.” Win or lose, she hopes every participant leaves WSI with self-confidence. “It’s about building confidence,” she said, “and realizing that your ideas can make an impact.”

SXSW EDU is accepting applications for its Student Impact Challenge now through October 26! The competition celebrates student achievement and agency in solving the most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges by providing a platform for high school students to showcase their innovative ideas. Students are invited to submit their idea for a current project or business that is making an impact in their community. This is a remarkable opportunity to pitch ideas to judges and a live audience at SXSW EDU 2026, March 9-12 in Austin, Texas.