Empowering Young People to Own Their Futures

VE provides a solution for schools to offer all students meaningful skills-based career experiences. Through our hands-on, task-based curricula, students test drive potential careers and develop in-demand skills and competencies that post-secondary institutions and employers are seeking. By managing the day-to-day operations of a company, students not only develop business skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, they also identify career pathways that align with their interests, talents, and aspirations.

Our Guiding Principles

All young people must have the opportunity to learn and succeed regardless of zip code

What young people learn today contributes to creating the world we live in tomorrow. Our programs guide youth to be adaptable, collaborative and self-directed, so that they can apply their technical skills and knowledge purposefully in postsecondary education and careers.

A thriving global economy requires a skilled workforce

Guided by an industry-driven, educational framework, students launch and manage the growth of a company in a digital, international economy of 7,000+ student-run businesses in 40+ countries. Students learn how their skills, knowledge, and mindset as employees, workgroup members, and department teams contribute to the success and challenges in meeting company goals.

The nature of work and the workplace are changing

The gig economy, artificial intelligence, and global connectivity are among the forces influencing how we think about work, what constitutes work, and the skills we will need. Through our programs, students gain experience using technological tools and work processes that prepare them to navigate the ever-changing workplace skillfully.

Why VE Matters

Our students tell you why in their own words

Adam Yafei on the impact VE
had on his career path

Brooklyn’s Sweet N Savory Catering
at 2016 YBS

VE Works

200,000 students

served since 1996

3 out of 4 VE students

identify a career pathway of interest because of VE

Serving 20,000 students

from 450 schools per year

90% of students

interact with business professionals on a regular basis

63% of schools

served are located in under-resourced communities

95% of schools

participate in VE events & activities

A global network of more than

7,000 practice enterprises in more than 40 countries

International Network

Through our membership in PEN Worldwide, VE is connected with a global network of over 7,000 Practice Enterprises (PEs) and 200,000 trainees in schools, universities, vocational training institutions, companies, and training centers in more than 40 countries around the world.

Learn more at penworldwide.org.

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Success Stories

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Annual Reports

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Career Readiness Framework

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