Identifying and nurturing entrepreneurial potential among youth can have long-term
implications for American economic development. Prior research has not addressed
whether educational intervention and new venture creation will affect the development
of entrepreneurial talent prior to the collegiate level. This research concludes that
entrepreneurship education and experience can affect psychological attributes
commonly associated with entrepreneurs. Secondary students with entrepreneurship
training have higher achievement motivation, more personal control, and greater self-
esteem; and students who initiate a business venture have higher achievement
motivation, more personal control, greater self-esteem and more creativity.