What If Every Kid Got to Solve a Problem They Care About?

What if we stopped asking kids, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and started asking,“What problem do you want to solve?”

In a world where AI can write code, drive cars, and even generate poetry, we’re no longer preparing kids for jobs that are simply about doing—we’re preparing them for a world where success comes from thinking differently.

That means the next generation doesn’t just need to memorize. They need to invent. To adapt. To create.

And that’s why entrepreneurship education isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s essential.

Today’s Kids Are Capable of More Than We Think

Kids are already deeply curious. They're constantly spotting problems in their lives (and telling us about them):

• Why does the school cafeteria waste so much food?

• Why can’t kids my age make money doing something they actually like?

• Why is there nothing fun to do after school that doesn’t cost a fortune?

• Why is there so much traffic?

The instinct to problem-solve is already there. We just have to unlock it.

What happens when we stop assigning worksheets and start assigning real-world challenges? What happens when we give students the chance to build a business, launch a product, or serve their community—before they turn 18?

We see confidence. Creativity. Leadership. We see young people who don’t just understand the world—they believe they can change it. And we really need them to change it.

Schools Are the Perfect Place to Start

We believe classrooms should be testing grounds for big ideas. We don’t need fancy tech or Shark Tank budgets to start.

Give kids real materials. Give them real customers (even if that means their peers, parents, or principal). Teach them how to:

• Spot opportunities

• Budget their costs

• Promote their ideas

• Make a sale

• Reflect and adapt

  
  

In other words, teach them how to think like entrepreneurs.

Not every kid will start a company. But every kid will face problems that need creative thinking and courage to solve.

The Future Needs Young Problem Solvers

In the coming decades, careers will change fast. Entire industries may rise and fall in the time it takes today’s fourth graders to graduate college. But one thing won’t change:

The world will always need problem solvers.

Imagine what our communities would look like if every child knew how to turn an idea into action. If every middle schooler believed they had the tools to make a difference. If every student saw school as a place where their creativity counts.

That’s the future we’re building with Young CEO Squad. And the best part? We’re already seeing it happen.

Let’s Stop Asking Kids to Wait

Kids don’t need to wait until college to be innovators. They don’t need to wait until they’re adults to have ideas that matter.

They need the chance right now to try, fail, learn, and try again—with guidance, encouragement, and the belief that their work is real.

What if every kid got to solve a problem they cared about?

Let’s find out.

EDUCATORS:

Want help bringing entrepreneurship to your school or youth program? We make it easy—with everything in the box and no prep required.

PARENTS:

You can move mountains! Tell your teachers about us. Our students make real money but this could also be used for fundraising. Consider sponsoring the workshop your child's class. Bring this in as a silent auction item for your events.

FOUNDATIONS:

Several Foundations have already partnered with YIPPEE to create a marketplace where teachers can get entrepreneurship supplies for free. But so far it's limited to just a few states. Foundations with educational goals can fund these amazing programs and choose how their funds are used.

Learn more about our classroom kits and programs → Contact Us

About the Author

Suzanne Hornwood Appel is an experienced marketing executive with a 25-year background in creating and running digital marketing programs for large companies. She is the Founder of Young CEO Squad, an educational platform and product line dedicated to inspiring young kids to venture into entrepreneurship. Suzanne lives near Los Angeles, CA with her husband, 2 teens and 2 pups.