Mount Vernon Ventures

Some partnerships just feel different from the very first walk through the door.

Mount Vernon Ventures is proud to partner with K–12 in Naperville, Illinois and after our first visit, we can already tell this one is special.

From intentional in Reggio-inspired early learning spaces to walking a campus still under construction, every step pointed to something powerful in the making.

Now the real work begins. A three-year journey of designing, iterating, and building toward an experience that will shape opportunities for generations of learners.

The vision is clear. The commitment is real. Let’s build something remarkable.

In our latest newsletter, Jared Colley explores the rise of “task stewardship” as AI begins to take on more ex*****on. The real value? Knowing how to guide, question, and evaluate these tools with intention.

But with that shift comes real tension. How do we avoid cognitive debt or losing the very skills that make us human?

This is where schools matter most. Designing learning experiences that protect and grow imagination, empathy, and critical thinking isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Curious what this means for the future of learning? Read more here: https://mvventures.org/insights/learning-in-the-age-of-agentic-ai/

In a world reshaped by AI, we’re not asking, “Will it replace us?”
We’re asking, “How will it augment us?” The Ventures Five P’s Framework helps people-centered organizations navigate the age of collective intelligence with clarity and courage:

Position.
People.
Protection.
Practice.
Programs.

Through our AI R&D, we’re exploring how humans and machines can work together to maximize impact while protecting what makes us uniquely human. This is not about hype or fear. It’s about thoughtful strategy, sound judgment, and building the competencies learners need to thrive.

The future belongs to those who can work well with machines. We’re designing for that future. 🤝🤖

Join us on tomorrow, March 30, at 4 pm ET, as we wrap up our Hidden Potential book study. Kristy Lundström and Molly Hudson will guide us through a defining question:
If potential is what we’re designed for, what is our responsibility?

Together, we’ll explore what it means to recognize, unlock, and take ownership of potential in ourselves, in others, and across the communities we serve. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just jumping in, this final session is designed to meet you where you are and move you forward.

Don’t miss it! Sign up here: https://mvventures.org/event/virtual-book-study-march30/

AI is changing the game… but not in the way most people think.

As AI agents take on more ex*****on, the real human advantage is shifting to something called task stewardship—the ability to guide, evaluate, and make meaning with intelligent systems.

But here’s the tension:
With all this power comes real risk. Think cognitive debt. Deskilling. Losing the very skills that make us human.

So the question becomes:
How do we design learning that protects and grows imagination, empathy, and critical thinking in an AI-driven world?

This is exactly what Jared Colley explores in our latest newsletter.

Curious what this means for the future of school and work?
Read more here: https://mvventures.org/insights/learning-in-the-age-of-agentic-ai/

What conditions bring out your best work?
Join us for Session 3 of our Hidden Potential Book Study TODAY at 4 pm ET. Kristy Lundström and Molly Hudson will lead a thoughtful and interactive session exploring motivation, habits, and environment, and how these factors influence performance and growth.

All educators are welcome, even if this is your first session! Come ready to reflect, share, and engage in meaningful dialogue with colleagues.

👉 Sign up for free and join us on today: https://mvventures.org/event/virtual-book-study-march23/

Last week, educators from New York, DC, Atlanta, and North Carolina joined us for the first session of our book study on Hidden Potential by Adam Grant. Session 2 is Monday, March 16, at 4 pm Eastern, and we’d love for you to join the conversation.

Even if you missed the first session, you’re welcome to jump in as we explore the systems and scaffolds that help teachers and students grow their potential. It’s free, and the learning is better together! Sign up here:

https://mvventures.org/event/virtual-book-study-march16/

Educators: Session 1 starts next week.
If you’re curious how schools can grow potential, not just measure talent, this conversation is for you.

Join us March 9 for Session 1 of our FREE 4-week virtual book study unpacking Hidden Potential with actionable school-based insights. Expect practical discussion, real examples, and collaborative reflection with educators nationwide.

Registration is still open — don’t miss the first conversation.

https://mvventures.org/event/virtual-book-study-march-9/

This March, join fellow educators for a FREE virtual book study unpacking Hidden Potential and translating ideas into classroom action.

Expect practical discussion around:
✔ Scaffolding that builds independence
✔ Motivation & habit formation
✔ Designing learning environments for growth.
Hosted by Kristy Lundstrom and Molly Hudson (Oprah podcast guest with Adam Grant).

4 Mondays in March | 4–4:45 PM EST

Registration is free; reserve your spot today.
https://mvventures.org/event/virtual-book-study-march-9/