What does it really mean to think like an entrepreneur? In this video, the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative (ELI) introduces the Ice House Program—a powerful framework that helps students build an entrepreneurial mindset they can apply in school, work, and life.
You don’t have to start a company to think like an entrepreneur. The Ice House Program, used in partnership with The Paratum Scholars, teaches students how to:
- Notice opportunities in everyday problems
- Take small, smart risks
- Learn from setbacks instead of getting stuck
- Build relationships and support networks
These skills are valuable whether a student wants to launch a business, lead a project, or simply navigate college and career decisions with more confidence.
Key ideas from the Ice House Program
1. Mindset before mechanics
Instead of beginning with business plans or spreadsheets, Ice House focuses first on mindset—how successful entrepreneurs think, see themselves, and respond to challenges.
2. Entrepreneurial behavior is learnable
Through stories of real entrepreneurs, students see that initiative, resilience, and creativity are not just personality traits; they are behaviors that can be practiced and strengthened.
3. Application to school and college planning
An entrepreneurial mindset helps students:
- Take ownership of their learning
- Advocate for themselves with teachers, counselors, and coaches
- Design projects, clubs, or community initiatives aligned with their interests
This pairs naturally with The Paratum Scholars’ Challenge Mindset, where we ask:
“What challenges in the world do you want to help solve?”
How Paratum Scholars Uses the Ice House Approach
Within The Paratum Scholars Community and TPS College Consulting, elements of the Ice House Program show up when we:
- Help students reframe setbacks as feedback
- Encourage them to experiment with small projects or leadership roles
- Guide them to build networks of mentors, peers, and supporters
Our goal is for students to leave high school not only prepared for college, but also equipped to create opportunities for themselves and others.
Next Steps for Families
After watching the video together, you might:
- Ask your student which story or idea stood out most
- Talk about a challenge at school or in the community where an entrepreneurial mindset could help
- Explore whether the Ice House Program or other entrepreneurial resources at your school might be a good fit
An entrepreneurial mindset is one more way students can become active designers of their futures—not just passive applicants.