From Tiny Fellow to Launching My Homeschool STEAM Education Dream
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been selected as a 2024 Tiny Fellow by 4.0! This incredible education entrepreneur and founder fellowship opportunity means I’m joining 127 other passionate education entrepreneurs on a journey to bring our innovative ideas to life. As a Tiny Fellow, I’m receiving a grant, along with coaching and mentorship from a network of individuals who are passionate about bringing change to education. I’m so grateful for this incredible chance to turn my vision for a new homeschooling venture into reality. Get ready because amazing things are about to take shape!
What is 4.0?
Follow My Journey as an Education Entrepreneur & Founder
If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve been following my learning-from-home journey as I moved my family from NYC to PA and then to Florida a little over two years ago. Arriving in Florida during a pandemic, we jumped into homeschooling and discovered a welcoming (and huge) community of homeschoolers here in Southwest Florida. Now, this fellowship marks a pivotal moment in my journey, as I’m officially dedicating myself full-time to building and launching my own homeschool STEAM-based educational venture.
Being an educational founder in Florida’s booming homeschooling space is both exciting and purposeful. In the last five years, the total number of students in home education here in Florida has increased by 62,292 or 69%, according to the Florida Department of Education. The number of Florida homeschoolers equaled more than 100,000 during the 2020-21 school year. Those numbers have increased even further, with an additional 14,000 students homeschooling as of the 2022-23 school year.
Here’s My Why?
This surge in homeschooling highlights a growing need for tailored educational resources and support systems. While homeschooling offers numerous advantages, such as flexibility and personalized learning, it can also leave young learners underserved in certain areas, particularly regarding STEAM career exploration and opportunities. This has been my own family’s experience and (if you’ve been following along) why my teenager recently decided to return to traditional schooling so he could attend a local Charter high school that offers a robotics competition team, coding and engineering courses, and Esports opportunities.
Traditionally, public schools in my area have offered various STEAM-related programs and initiatives. However, homeschooled students often lack access to these valuable resources. This is where my venture comes in. I’m passionate about creating a platform that empowers homeschoolers to delve into the exciting world of STEAM, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the 21st-century workforce.
What does it mean to join the 4.0 Tiny Fellowship?
4.0, the organization behind the Tiny Fellowship program, is a champion for educational innovation and entrepreneurship. Their exciting program provides invaluable funding, support, and a sense of community for founders like myself. They offer an incredible opportunity for education entrepreneurs to connect with a supportive network and refine our ideas into impactful solutions.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Tiny Fellows program, and I’m eager to share my journey with you as I embark on this exciting new chapter. Stay tuned for further updates on my educational venture, and in the meantime, feel free to reach out here or on Instagram if you have any questions or want to share your own thoughts on homeschooling and STEAM education!
So excited to bring you with me on this transformative (and mind-blowing) ride! Stay tuned 😉
