The education sector is increasingly in need of innovative solutions and transformative initiatives as societies evolve and face new challenges. In these changing times, leaders who champion equity, inclusivity, and lifelong learning play a crucial role. These trailblazers operate at the intersection of education and social impact, utilizing their expertise, passion, and networks to dismantle barriers, support vulnerable communities, and cultivate a culture of collaboration and empathy.
Among these education leaders, Norm Goldstein, the Founder and CEO of EduNetwork Partners, distinguishes himself with his distinctive approach.
With over 23 years of extensive experience, Norm has excelled in connecting corporations with communities, families, educators, and students through educational marketing programs and materials. His proven track record in creating and delivering impactful, innovative solutions has established him as a leader in promoting social responsibility, academic excellence, and lifelong learning.
Norm’s dedication to youth innovation and empowerment has earned him prestigious honors, including the Congressional Leadership Award and recognition as one of CNN’s “Ten National Innovators” who are transforming lives across America. His commitment to humanitarian efforts has also led to his role as a Global Goodwill Ambassador, enhancing his influence in education and social responsibility.
Cultivating Young Innovators
Norm Goldstein’s journey in fostering young innovation began with his daughter Cassidy, who, at eleven, invented a tool to manage broken crayon pieces. Despite her challenges with fine motor skills, Cassidy’s invention proved effective, and Norm, also an inventor, recognized its broader potential. With his support, Cassidy secured a U.S. utility patent by the age of fourteen. The invention was licensed to a prominent manufacturer, making it available for purchase at major retailers like Walmart.
This experience taught Norm that children often generate exceptional ideas due to their boundless imagination. To nurture and harness this creativity, he founded By Kids For Kids eighteen years ago. This initiative is dedicated to fostering children’s inventive thinking and creativity. By offering free patents and assisting in the commercialization of their ideas, Norm has overseen the patenting of 26 youth inventions.
Fostering Innovative Thinking
Norm’s commitment to advancing education extends beyond his work with EduNetwork Partners. As a co-founder of By Kids For Kids, he has empowered children to develop both critical and creative thinking skills while supplying valuable educational resources to teachers and parents. Norm’s innovative impact is further demonstrated by his role as a co-inventor of seven U.S. patents for the Priceline business model.
In addition to his professional achievements, Norm is a published author with two books centered on personal development and transformation. He aims to inspire and motivate young people, driving positive change through his leadership in corporate social responsibility. His innovative spirit and creativity have shaped community initiatives led by young individuals eager to pioneer new ideas and businesses.
Cultivating Entrepreneurial Spirit and Social Engagement
Norm Goldstein’s approach integrates entrepreneurial skills with a strong emphasis on social impact. He has been a significant force in developing social entrepreneurship education programs that not only teach essential business management and leadership skills but also inspire young people to engage with social and environmental issues. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and encouraging youth to contribute positively to their communities, Norm’s initiatives empower young individuals to become catalysts for change.
One notable example of his impactful work is the Grow Your Own Business Challenge, a collaboration with Warren Buffett. This national competition, supported by Experian, invited young people to apply Warren Buffett’s business principles through a curriculum created by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and delivered by Norm and his team to teachers and afterschool programs. The Grow Your Own Business Challenge garnered over 2 billion media impressions from major outlets such as CNN, CNBC, The New York Times, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal. Additionally, 120 sponsor-branded free educational financial literacy activities were made available for teachers, resulting in over 1.5 million downloads of these materials.
The challenge attracted over 16,000 participants, with online voting yielding more than 130,000 votes for the top ideas. Warren Buffett also appeared as an animated character in the Secret Millionaires Club, using his own voice to promote his business principles alongside celebrities like Jay-Z and Shaquille O’Neal. Students submitted their business plans online with parental permission, and finalist teams traveled to Omaha to present their plans to prominent business leaders and Warren Buffett. While a single winner was chosen, all 15 finalists were awarded 10 shares of Berkshire Hathaway B Stock.
Upholding Ethical Standards
In addition to his focus on youth, Norm Goldstein has made significant contributions to the field of corporate social responsibility. He advises businesses on integrating social impact and sustainability into their core strategies, demonstrating that ethical practices can also be financially beneficial. Norm is recognized as a leading pioneer in this field, bridging the gap between entrepreneurship and social impact.
Through his current venture, EduNetwork Partners, Norm collaborates with companies to achieve their corporate social responsibility objectives. His efforts have led to initiatives such as the American Cancer Society’s program that promotes healthy habits among school children through educational materials and fundraising campaigns. Additionally, Norm has supported Hard Rock’s Social Identity Quest program, which provides engaging anonymous guidance to help young people avoid sexual exploitation. This program, which ran in the U.S. and Mexico last year, is expanding to Central and South America this year. Many national and international companies seek Norm’s expertise to help them meet their CSR goals while enhancing brand visibility.
On a local level, Norm also provides personal guidance and mentoring as “Coach Norm.” He leads a weekly meditation group at his local temple and authored The Book of Normanisms during the pandemic, capturing the principles that guide his life and work. The book, published in 2020, is available online at https://www.normgoldstein.com/. Norm is inspired by the belief that the world is full of opportunities if one remains open to them. As one of his “Normanisms” states: “Throughout each day, there can be hundreds of seemingly insignificant encounters, choices, and decisions. These positive or negative choices accumulate and deposit into an emotional account. It is these small actions that contribute to building a strong character.”
A Legacy of Influence
Norm Goldstein is distinguished not only by his professional successes but also by his deep personal fulfillment. He places significant value on his family life, viewing his 47-year marriage as one of his greatest achievements and a source of great pride. Together with his dedicated wife, Norm has raised three successful children, who have further enriched their lives with seven grandchildren, spanning from toddlers to middle school-aged.
The Goldstein home is a hub of family-oriented activities and educational resources, reflecting their commitment to nurturing strong family bonds. This environment has become a cherished space where joy, love, and learning intertwine to create lasting memories for future generations.
Norm’s impact reaches beyond his family. He is widely recognized for his dedication to social innovation and empowering youth. His unwavering commitment to providing the next generation with the tools and mindset needed for positive change underscores his goal of shaping a more sustainable and equitable future. Norm’s efforts are designed to leave a lasting imprint both on his family and the broader world.
Advancing Corporate Engagement and Educational Solutions
EduNetwork Partners offers schools a complimentary CSR-branded service, providing a unique and comprehensive method for businesses to connect with their customers. The process begins with consultations to understand clients’ objectives, followed by the creation of initial concepts to ensure alignment with their goals. Campaigns are then developed for K–12 students, utilizing teachers with expertise in specific subjects. The digital team collaborates with the client’s marketing team to build the necessary website or platform.
The organization uses an opted-in database to create targeted lists based on age ranges and grade levels specified by the client. With a focus on technology, EduNetwork Partners aims to adapt to the growing trend of remote learning and the decline of printed materials in schools. They are dedicated to providing clear, concise, and easily accessible content through multi- and cross-platform solutions to enhance student engagement. Additionally, research is underway to explore how artificial intelligence can further improve students’ learning and information retention.
The company’s long-term objectives center on creating fresh, critically important programs that impact children, families, and communities all around the nation. These programs will continue to support the goals and objectives of the clients by demonstrating a commitment to promoting social responsibility and providing them with the resources necessary to boost student participation and engagement.
