Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced legislation to connect students from underprivileged backgrounds with mentors in entrepreneurship and innovation. The 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act would connect students enrolled in 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) with mentors from the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) to introduce students to entrepreneurship and help them develop professional skills.
“Every young Nevadan who dreams big deserves big opportunities,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bill would empower young people all over Nevada by connecting them with retired entrepreneurs eager to give back. With the right guidance and models, the next generation of Nevada’s innovators can get a strong start on their brightest ideas.”
“Lending a helping hand is what the volunteer spirit is all about,” said Senator Blackburn. “A strong mentor can make a life-changing impact on a young adult’s future. The 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act ensures that Tennessee’s entrepreneurs of tomorrow have someone to guide them today. I’m glad to once again join Senator Cortez Masto in introducing this bipartisan legislation.”
BACKGROUND:
Senators Cortez Masto and Blackburn introduced the 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act during the 116th Congress. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) is a federal program that supports local afterschool and summer learning programs for students with high potential at under-resourced schools. The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) provides business counseling to entrepreneurs via more than 11,000 volunteer counselors who are working or retired business owners. As part of Senator Cortez Masto’s Innovation State Initiative, the 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act would create a partnership between 21st CCLC and SCORE by requiring the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop an entrepreneurship curriculum for 21st CCLC and encourage SCORE volunteers to partner with local chapters to provide training and mentorship. It would also amend the Small Business Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to ensure these partnerships fall within the mission of each agency.
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