Some programs, like Junior Achievement and several projects sponsored by the Kauffman Center, are taught in the schools. Other projects emphasize training teachers. Another set of these programs, like the Kauffman Foundation's Entre-Prep effort, seek to place students in internships and other learning settings inside operating businesses. While there are hundreds of entrepreneurship education projects across the United States, some of the best known and most effective programs work with disadvantaged youth or youth who reside in distressed urban or rural settings. REAL began operations in rural Georgia and North Carolina in 1990, and is now utilized in more than 500 schools and community centers in 37 states.
REAL trains both teachers and students, from kindergarten through high school.
REAL programs help students write business plans and include a tight linkage with local entrepreneurs. These community links help ensure that student-run business also meet pressing local needs. REAL has also created REAL Online, an internet-based course for distance learning. Founded in 1987 by Steve Mariotti , NFTE targets students in grades 7-12. NFTE also trains teachers.