Entrepreneur Encourages Parents and Students to Pursue Real-World Skills and Entrepreneurial Growth Outside Traditional Schooling
COWETA, OK / ACCESSWIRE / February 20, 2025 / Business leader and engineer Patrick Delehanty is advocating for a shift in how young people prepare for success. He believes that education should extend beyond standard school curricula, focusing on real-world skills, hands-on learning, and entrepreneurial thinking to equip the next generation for an evolving economy.
"Schools do a great job teaching core subjects, but they can't do it all," says Delehanty. "The world is changing fast, and students need more than just good grades. They need financial literacy, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think like entrepreneurs."
Why Traditional Education Isn't Enough
While public schools and universities play a key role in education, only 40% of Americans feel schools adequately prepare students for the workforce, according to a Pew Research Center study. Many successful entrepreneurs-including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Richard Branson-have emphasized that real-world experience often outweighs traditional education in business and innovation.
Delehanty believes parents and students should look to alternative learning opportunities to supplement standard schooling. "A diploma is great, but experience is better," he says. "Learning to manage money, start a small business, or even master a trade will give young people a huge advantage."
Practical Ways to Encourage Growth and Entrepreneurial Thinking
Delehanty suggests several free-market, real-world learning opportunities that parents and students can pursue outside of school:
Encourage Business Projects: "Let kids start a small business-lawn care, selling handmade products, or even an online store," he says. "It teaches accountability, problem-solving, and financial skills early on."
Financial Literacy from a Young Age: Studies show that two-thirds of Americans lack basic financial literacy. Delehanty recommends books like "Rich Dad Poor Dad" and apps like Greenlight to teach kids about saving, investing, and budgeting.
Apprenticeships & Trade Learning: "Not every path requires a four-year degree. Skilled trades in construction, technology, and manufacturing are in high demand and offer great opportunities."
Coding & Tech Skills: With 70% of future jobs expected to require tech skills, Delehanty encourages students to learn coding through free programs like Code.org or explore AI and automation tools.
Networking & Mentorship: "Surround yourself with people who are doing what you want to do. Even high school students can start building a network by attending business meetups, workshops, or job shadowing."
A Call for a Broader View of Education
"We need to stop thinking of education as something that only happens in a classroom," says Delehanty. "Real learning happens when kids take risks, try new things, and gain real-world experience."
By embracing entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and technical skills, parents and students can build futures that aren't just successful, but adaptable to whatever comes next.
Media Contact
Patrick Delehanty
info@patrickdelehanty.com
https://www.patrickdelehanty.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-delehanty-595412b0/
SOURCE: Patrick Delehanty
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