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Press Features
The Classroom Where Children Learn to Think Like Founders
By Lucy Jones – Contributor July 8, 2026
Entrepreneurship has often been associated with adulthood, business plans and startup culture. Suzanne Appel believes that view overlooks one of its greatest strengths. In her eyes, entrepreneurship is first and foremost a way of thinking, and the earlier children develop that mindset, the better prepared they could be for a future that artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping.
As founder of Young CEO Squad, Appel has built classroom programs that are designed to teach elementary and middle school students how they can launch real businesses. She sees her work as practical support for schools already navigating unprecedented technological change.
“Schools are genuinely trying to adapt to the new environment of AI. They’re like a large ship, and they can’t turn this fast. A company like mine can provide supplementary courses that schools can easily bring into the classroom,” she says.
The Classroom Where Children Learn to Think Like Founders
by Robert Bloomingfield — July 6, 2026 Business
Excerpt
“AI is going to tell people information, but students still need to ask, ‘Is this factual? Is this true? Is this what I want to say?’ Those critical thinking skills and judgement are going to matter more than ever,” Appel explains. Her response acknowledges the dynamic nature of technology, yet she points out that qualities such as resilience, adaptability, critical thinking, and problem-solving will remain valuable regardless of how the world changes.
Young CEO Squad turns those ideas into classroom experiences. Students do not spend weeks studying entrepreneurship through theory before acting. They begin building businesses almost immediately. Elementary students create customised keychains, consult with customers, calculate pricing, manage expenses, and record profits. Every sale, Appel notes, becomes an opportunity to practise communication, decision-making, and financial literacy within a supportive environment.
Appel recalls, “A student’s parent once told me, ‘What surprised me most was watching my daughter decide to reinvest in her business by using some of the earnings instead of spending it all. Seeing her think about money as something she could grow at her age is something I’m truly grateful for.’”
WPMT FOX43 | News in Harrisburg, York, Lancaster, Lebanon, Pennsylvannia
Title: Young Makers Market launch with Tracy and Katelyn
Host: Jackie De Tore
Date: June 2024
Transcript Excerpt:
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KDT: Okay, so talk about how this idea came about.
TS: So when I started the studio, I wanted to basically encourage young people in the business world. So my daughter, as far back as I can remember, had wanted to be a business owner and we wanted her to understand it's not just mom and dad give you the money. You go buy the stuff and then you get all the money. So we basically, when she was 11 years old, we turned one of our
storage rooms into a craft room to surprise her. We got this kit off of the internet called Young CEO Squad and it taught her everything she needed to know about business. So we said, we're going to get you started. This is what we gave you. She started by selling reusable straws, learned how to market them, how to advertise. And now she is organizing craft shows, benefits. She's in the shop and she's a huge inspiration behind the shop. I thought if she's willing to put herself out there and work towards a dream, then why am I not doing that and helping others do that?
JDT: That's amazing. And Caitlin, what has it been like for you to kind of take charge and own your own business?
KS: It has been really awesome to see how everything has come together. And like she said, as long as I can remember, I've wanted to own my own business. And now that I do have a small business and I see how far it's reached, it's truly awesome. Just like this necklace that I'm wearing, which is made out of resin, which is one of my favorite mediums to use. I made an identical necklace to give to artist, Benson Boone at his concert in Philly, and he wore it, not only in his concert, but in pictures that Hollister shared on their page. So to see how far it's reached and to see that people appreciate my artwork and that people in other states are wearing it, it's just truly amazing to see that.