At Alma Fuerte Public School in Pasadena, the energy is palpable from the moment you walk onto the campus: children solving problems, experimenting, testing ideas, and proudly talking about the things they've created. What's happening here isn't a push to turn children into entrepreneurs, but something simpler and more powerful: helping them discover their creativity, their confidence, and their ability to build their own future. This type of guided learning is critical as we enter a new era of artificial intelligence and personalization in all professions, especially in the business world. Alma Fuerte educators say that hands-on, entrepreneurship-based learning increases students' confidence, problem-solving skills, initiative, and ability to complete complex tasks. In other words, when children learn to take an idea from concept to execution, they develop self-efficacy that extends to all aspects of their lives. “As we move further into the 21st century, technology is evolving faster than we can predict,” noted Adriani Leon, director of community schools. "It's not about teaching a specific technical skill, because those change. What doesn't change are the soft skills: teamwork, leadership, resilience, adaptability. If our students can communicate well and adapt when something doesn't go as planned, they can succeed anywhere." The Alma Fuerte entrepreneurship program evolved organically over its eight years, guided by student interests and community creativity. In its early days, students made artisanal soap using empty condiment containers as molds. They set up a table at the local market and rotated roles: greeting customers, handling money, and presenting their product. One parent even called to ask when they would be making soap again, as it was very popular at home.

What began as a simple project has grown into a vibrant culture of creation. Today, students have access to sewing machines, soap and candle-making supplies, a 3D printer, and even a Glowforge laser cutter, allowing them to design and sell puzzles, keychains, personalized pens, and much more. Three times a year, the school hosts entrepreneurship fairs where students showcase their creations and keep the profits.Many return home with more than $100 per fair, and some even use that money to buy school supplies, cover household expenses, or help their families.

One sixth-grader, Ronnie, once earned nearly $200 with a single invention. “I like being creative and helping my friends,” he said. “And the money helps my family a lot.”

Eighth-grader Katia has earned more than $180 at each fair selling holiday crafts and personalized pens she makes with her mother.

“Honestly,” she said with a smile, “I like to keep the money for myself.” But she also reinvests her earnings to improve her business: she bought a cash register and supplies to keep growing. “With the money, I've been able to get more organized.” Then there's Camila, also an eighth grader, who started a tutoring business this fall. She works with younger students from TK through fifth grade twice a week and has earned more than $100 a month. “When I see the kids improve, it makes me happy,” she said. "I remember when I struggled because English wasn't my first language. Helping them feels like giving back." For Adriani, these stories reflect something deeper: young people discovering that their ideas matter. “These students have literally built the school with us,” she said. “Their interests shape our programs.” From culinary projects—supported by students earning their official food handler's card—to an upcoming student-run cafeteria, Alma Fuerte is creating pathways that build both job skills and independence. The school also cultivates valuable public speaking and presentation skills through its annual Kids Business Fair, a community celebration where students sell products, test ideas, and learn what it means to take pride in their work. It's a joyful affirmation that children aren't just absorbing knowledge: they're creating value, solving problems, and learning who they can become. Not all students plan to become entrepreneurs: some dream of being lawyers, teachers, or artists. But entrepreneurial education gives them something even more powerful than a business plan: a sense of possibility. The belief that if one path closes, they can adapt and find another. The confidence that their ideas have value.

Public charter schools were founded to reimagine what education could be. Alma Fuerte shows what that looks like in practice: students learning to adapt, take initiative, and build their future, one idea at a time.

Myrna Castrejon is the president and CEO of the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA).