Woodridge teacher honored by Disney for student entrepreneurship program

EntrepreNew announces that Emily KilgoreKnight, a teacher in the Woodridge Local School District, has been recognized by Walt Disney World Resort as an exceptional educator who is passionate about using the tool of imagination in the classroom.

As part of Walt Disney World Resort’s 50th anniversary celebration, they’ve invited 50 deserving teachers who reflect the creativity and imagination of Walt Disney to attend a one-of-a-kind teacher event. Driven by the philosophy that “Children cannot be what they cannot see,” Kilgore-Knight has spent her 16-year teaching career in the pursuit of inspiring young people to become entrepreneurs by creating hands-on experience-based classrooms that are deeply rooted in partnerships with businesses in the region. She devloped the EntrepreNew Pathways curriculum with the help of more than 100 local community business partners and organizations in Northeast Ohio.

EntrepreNew is a high school program uniquely designed for young people to access entrepreneurship as a viable and meaningful path after high school, regardless of their industry or career choice. It provides students with real world advice through entrepreneurial mentorships and inspires them to create their own companies.

“As the workforce has changed dramatically in recent years, entrepreneurship has grown and become a driving economic force. I knew that students needed more access to, and development in this area. EntrepreNew was created to prepare students and give them the practical skills they would need on their entrepreneurial journey,” said Kilgore-Knight.

The EntrepreNew program and curriculum were funded by a grant from the Burton D. Morgan Foundation and offered through the Woodridge Local School District and Six District Educational Compact.

EntrepreNew also has a unique partnership with the city of Cuyahoga Falls. The program will be launched nationally and be accessible to other educators at no cost later this year.

When asked about being recognized by Disney for her efforts, she said, “I am humbled and excited to have received this honor. I have always seen a child’s creativity as their starting point, the seed of who they become, and the unique journey they will take. This workshop opportunity will help to bring the best tools and resources back to the EntrepreNew program and continue that mission well into the future.”

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Woodridge teacher recognized by Disney for entrepreneurship program