Steve Mariotti: An Educator Who Transformed At-Risk Youth Through Entrepreneurship
Steve Mariotti, an influential educator who dedicated his life to teaching business skills to underprivileged youths, passed away from a heart attack on October 20 in Union City, New Jersey. He was 71. Mariotti’s journey from a traumatic encounter in New York City to the establishment of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) exemplifies the profound impact that one person’s vision can have on countless lives.
Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Mariotti transitioned from running a small import-export business to the classroom after a harrowing mugging in 1981. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, he sought guidance and found purpose in teaching — determined to connect with students in difficult environments. This calling led him to become a math teacher at Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn, where he discovered that his students became engaged when he introduced lessons on entrepreneurship.
Mariotti’s innovative approach inspired the founding of NFTE in 1987. His belief that imparting essential business knowledge could help marginalized students see their potential and imagine a brighter future aligns with the biblical principle found in Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” This passage emphasizes the transformative power of education and mentorship.
Today, NFTE has reached over 1 million students in the United States and around the world, helping 80% of its alumni earn college degrees or professional certifications. Notable figures, such as Jasmine Lawrence Campbell, the founder of EDEN BodyWorks, credit NFTE with changing their life trajectories and empowering them to pursue their dreams.
Beyond fostering entrepreneurship, Mariotti nurtured qualities of hope and resilience among his students. He recognized that his students possessed a raw aptitude for business—qualities that were often overshadowed by their challenging circumstances. In his memoir, he shared how “angry, disillusioned teenagers lit up” at the prospect of entrepreneurship as a viable path out of poverty.
The growth of NFTE, which began with a modest curriculum and evolved into a nationally recognized program, reflects not only Mariotti’s indomitable spirit but also a commitment to serving others—a principle deeply rooted in Christian values. As Jesus taught, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), and Mariotti’s work stands as a testament to the power of giving back to the community.
Steve Mariotti’s legacy reminds us that one person’s effort can create lasting change. His story encourages us to reflect on how we can invest in the lives of others, particularly those facing adversity. In a world often shadowed by challenges, taking the time to uplift and mentor the next generation can sow seeds of hope and prosperity.
As we remember Mariotti, let us consider our own roles in cultivating potential in others. What steps can we take to encourage and empower those around us, guided by principles of compassion, education, and belief in one another’s capacity to rise above circumstances? Through these actions, we can nurture transformative change, just as Steve Mariotti did.
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