Steve Mariotti: A Legacy of Empowering At-Risk Youth
Steve Mariotti, a dedicated educator who taught in some of New York’s most challenging schools, passed away on October 20 in Union City, N.J. He was 71 years old. His death was attributed to a heart attack and occurred at the home of a friend with whom he had been living. Mariotti is best remembered for his transformative work in education, particularly through the organization he founded in 1987, the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE).
Recognizing the disengagement and disrespect often displayed by his students, Mariotti found that their interest piqued when he discussed the principles of running a business. This pivotal realization inspired him to dedicate his life to teaching business skills to at-risk youth, ultimately reaching over 1 million young people across the United States and internationally. His belief was simple yet profound: by imparting essential business knowledge to predominantly low-income and minority students, he could ignite their interest in subjects like math and writing, improve their behavior, and nurture a sense of self-worth and hope for a brighter future.
Under Mariotti’s leadership, NFTE has grown from its humble beginnings, supported by his modest teacher’s salary, to an organization with a current budget of $12 million. It now operates programs in 28 states and 27 countries, boasting an impressive statistic: 80 percent of its alumni are either earning or have earned college degrees or professional certificates.
One notable alumnus, Jasmine Lawrence Campbell, who went on to establish EDEN BodyWorks, a successful beauty products line sold in major retailers like Wal-Mart, expressed her gratitude on LinkedIn: “There would be no EDEN BodyWorks without NFTE. I’m so grateful for the organization Steve Mariotti founded that radically changed the course of my life.”
The impact of Steve Mariotti’s work extends far beyond statistics and testimonies. His own journey into education was catalyzed by a profoundly emotional experience that ultimately shaped his mission and commitment to teaching. Through his vision and relentless passion, he has left an indelible mark on the lives of countless young individuals, empowering them to pursue their dreams and reshape their futures.
