In this insightful episode of the Inner Edison Podcast, our host sits down with guest John Foster to delve into the transformative world of the Middle School MBA program. John Foster, a seasoned professional with a background in industry and volunteer work with Junior Achievement, has been at the forefront of shaping a new generation of thinkers through a unique online platform that connects students with premier history educators from around the globe.

Throughout the discussion, Foster sheds light on the challenges and successes of marketing this innovative educational tool, especially when targeting homeschoolers versus brick and mortar schools, and reveals how this resource fosters critical parent-child conversations on financial matters and practical life skills.

Touching on timely issues, the duo addresses the significance of financial education amidst economic fluctuations akin to the 2008 crash. Ed and John explore the housing market’s woes, from skyrocketing prices to the scarcity of skilled tradespeople, emphasizing the urgency for more individuals, including women, to enter such industries.

The Middle School MBA program, a passion project nurtured over five years, not only serves thousands of young minds annually but breaks new ground by teaching advanced business concepts, negotiation skills, and economic principles in an age-appropriate, engaging fashion. Designed for flexibility, the program parallels the adaptiveness of subjects like English and history, proving that economics, too, can be alluring.

Despite facing various hurdles in assimilating the MBA program into standard curriculums, the palpable enthusiasm of students aged 11 to 17 suggests a bright future ahead. With its reach extending from Kenyan public schools to talks of an eBook, the program’s expansion seems imminent.

John Foster’s engaging tales from his book about Cuba to his push for the commercialization of educational platforms invite listeners to contemplate the broader implications of teaching negotiation and business acumen to youngsters worldwide. As the episode concludes, Ed Parcaut echoes a resonant point: the indubitable impact of introducing more tangible, real-world skills into school learning — a call to action for educators and parents alike.

Tune in to this episode of the Inner Edison Podcast, “Bridging the Gap: Middle School MBAs and Financial Literacy” for a deep dive into education, economics, and the empowerment of our youth through knowledge and skill acquisition.