This blog post was generated from the following episode of the WISE and Otherwise Podcast with Dalena Wallace. Find more at: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wiseandotherwise
Meet Harold and Brent from Kidvation, an organization that offers exceptional resources for youth interested in entrepreneurship and life skills. Through their program, Kidvation, they aim to inspire and empower young minds to make a real-world impact. Let's dive into their journey, how faith plays a role in their mission, and the incredible projects their students are working on.
The Foundation of Kidvation
Harold, one of the co-founders, explains that Kidvation is an innovation program providing project-based learning curricula in the edtech space. They teach students aged 8 to 15 about innovative thinking and how to apply it to real-world pathways such as youth entrepreneurship, social activism, research and development, and global collaboration. The core idea is to inspire kids to utilize their imagination and innovation to contribute to society now, not just as adults.
Integrating Faith into Innovation
Faith is at the heart of Kidvation. Harold and his co-founders, Brent and Michael, are all believers and incorporate their faith into every aspect of their organization. They treat their employees, clients, and students with respect and love, guided by their Christian values. Brent shares that their goal is to empower young people to speak into God's economy and address faith-related challenges through their projects.
Creative Projects with Real-World Impact
One standout example from Kidvation is a group of students who created water bottles called Holy Hydration, featuring a logo and Bible verses. These nine- and ten-year-olds wanted to evangelize boldly through their product. Another project involved a team of students from a public school who brainstormed and initiated a Bible study, finding innovative ways to engage their peers and get school approval.
Engaging with Churches and Communities
Kidvation's curriculum is adaptable, making it suitable for various settings, including churches and schools. They have partnered with organizations like Next Generation Impact to bring their programs to more students. Churches play a crucial role in this partnership, often commissioning students to take on God-sized challenges, thereby giving their projects purpose and significance.
The Structure of the Curriculum
The curriculum is available in two formats: a full curriculum with 36 lessons and an accelerated version with 18 lessons. It is mainly digital, with the exception of a hard copy Imagination Field Guide. Kidvation also provides training for educators, offering ongoing support through Zoom and planned check-ins to ensure the curriculum's success.
The Catalyst for Kidvation
Harold, Brent, and Michael were working in Norman, Oklahoma, in youth development and entrepreneurship. They felt a calling to expand their impact beyond Oklahoma, leading to the creation of Kidvation in October 2022. Their shared vision to minister to students globally has driven their mission forward.
Personal Stories of Impact
Brent shares the story of Javier, a student who created an inspirational clothing brand called Hope Apparel. Despite initial fear, Javier presented his project and won, now selling his products locally and globally. This success story highlights the transformative power of Kidvation's curriculum, not just for students but also for educators, reigniting their passion for teaching.
Expanding the Vision
Kidvation aims to continue growing, both locally and globally. They are developing a self-paced online course for homeschool networks and considering an Innovation Hub for student programming. Their goal is to create a global collaboration among students from different countries, tackling God-centered challenges together.
How to Get Involved
For schools and churches interested in starting a program like Kidvation, Harold and Brent encourage reaching out via their website, kidvglobal.com. They offer support and resources to implement their curriculum, enabling children to make a real-world impact through faith and innovation.
Conclusion
Kidvation is making a significant difference in the lives of students by integrating faith and entrepreneurship. Their innovative approach empowers young minds to tackle real-world challenges, fostering a generation of creative and faith-driven leaders. To support their mission or learn more, visit the Kidvation Global Website, and explore their marketplace at Kidvation Market.
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