TiE Oregon

Supporting invention and entrepreneurship education for students and teachers in Oregon through project-based curriculum and a state-wide competition

TiE Oregon is a non-profit membership association affiliated with the global TiE network, an initiative run in 23 cities around the world to inspire, challenge and empower students to become the next generation of entrepreneurs, business and community leaders.

TiE Oregon seeks to further the success of high-growth entrepreneurs in the entire state of Oregon. With support from the Foundation, it launched the TiE Young Entrepreneurs Program (TYE) to bring invention into their youth entrepreneurship program.

It has created special opportunities to engage high school students from under-resourced backgrounds, and also supports teacher professional development in invention education.

Seasoned entrepreneurs and mentors teach high school students a project-based curriculum that has a strong emphasis on invention, design thinking and customer validation. The program culminates in a state competition, and the winning team advances to participate in the Global TYE Competition.

TiE Global has endorsed the model of invention education to its global network, which spans 59 chapters in 14 countries. TiE Oregon now leads curriculum development for TYE globally and is coaching educators from around the world on how to integrate invention into their programs.