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Steve Mariotti, founder of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024, at the age of 71. Born in Flint, Michigan, on August 14, 1953, Steve was the eldest son of educators John and Nancy Mariotti, who helped inspire his vision for NFTE.
After earning his B.A. and M.B.A. from the University of Michigan and studying at Harvard, Stanford, and Brooklyn College, Steve began his career as a Treasury Analyst at Ford. He later founded Mason Import/Export Services in New York but shifted to teaching special education and business in New York City in 1982, working in underserved areas like Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant and the South Bronx. This experience led him to launch NFTE in 1987, dedicated to empowering youth in low-income communities through entrepreneurship education.
An expert in education for at-risk youth, Steve devoted his life to empowering youth from low-income communities, believing in every individual’s potential to shape their own future. Today, NFTE has empowered 1.4 million students globally, delivering in-school curricula and dynamic out-of-school and summer programs to prepare the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs and leaders.
Steve’s leadership and dedication earned him numerous honors, including the International Association of Top Professionals’ 2024 Man of the Year, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and the Inc. Entrepreneur of the Year Award for New York State. His published works include the memoir Goodbye Homeboy: How My Students Drove Me Crazy and Inspired a Movement, which captures his journey with NFTE and was published in 2019 with a foreword by Maryland Governor, Wes Moore.
In a 2007 speech, Steve articulated the spirit behind NFTE: “Young people who live in challenging circumstances and who are faced with great hardships in their lives, often have many special gifts and talents. At NFTE, we call this street smarts. It’s as if when God takes something away, God gives something else. We see this every day at NFTE. Our kids have so much potential and talent – street smarts, chutzpah, and mental toughness – that they have unique and valuable assets in the market. But unless someone is given the chance to put their skills and talents to use, these children are at-risk of being left out. NFTE is a simple idea, but it will change the world one young entrepreneur at a time.”
Steve’s legacy lives on through NFTE and the many young entrepreneurs whose lives were and will be transformed by his enduring vision, along with a community of friends and supporters who helped him along the way. His work continues to inspire students and educators worldwide to embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to opportunity and self-determination.
Steve is survived by his brother Jack Mariotti of Guilford, Connecticut, who for many years worked alongside Steve as NFTE’s CFO, and Jack’s wife Beth Mariotti and their children, Siena, Nina, Jackson, and Spencer. In Steve’s memory, his family invites donations to NFTE’s Steve Mariotti Legacy Fund which will support initiatives for NFTE alumni and educators.
Virtual Celebration Of Life
Recorded Friday, November 15, 2024
The NFTE family invites you to view the celebration of life to honor Steve’s life and legacy.
Steve’s memory is always one of you can do it . I felt inspired & capable to use my resources, my talent & interest to succeed . I’m so glad I was able to be a part of the young entrepreneurs at Wharton 1988 . It was great to hear how he made everyone he encounter feel important and able. Rest on homeboy.
Steve, you offered me an opportunity to work with you that was the experience of a lifetime. The mission, the commitment, the team…all so special. Thank you.
I’d only met Steve a handful of times, while helping coordinate NFTE events – particularly the Teacher Summits! I was always blown away by how incredibly personable he was. We had to delay dinner when he was signing copies of Goodbye, Homeboy, because he insisted on having a full conversation with each teacher, truly wanting to know how they were doing. He was a beautiful soul, and it’s clear his impact is infinite – there’s no way to number the lives he’s touched, and the lives those lives have touched, through entrepreneurship education. It’s sad to step into a world where he won’t be emailing us after events to give us a grade, or helping to guide him through the next Teacher Summit. But his legacy lives on, for sure, and so many are carrying that torch. Condolences to the family and close friends. What an opportunity it was to know him!
I will miss you Steve. I know that you and Gary will be talking shop again.
Love you Steve. I will never let you go. You will always be present for me. Our work continues!
I had the honor of working as a NFTE teacher in the Bay Area for many years backed by a dedicated team and curriculum. It was a true pleasure to meet Steve in person traveling to NYC to support my winning entrepreneurs and to accept an award in 2009. Steve had an infectious smile and warmth, instantly your friend because he obviously cared about you! He created a visionary vehicle for empowering teens and leaves a remarkable legacy.
In admiration and gratitude, Deborah Reinerio
Steve was the mentor of mentors and a champion for me and so many. Thank you, Steve. Gone too soon and we all miss you dearly!
A+ , Steve would always grade everything, so I give you Steve an A+++++ #missyou
Steve’s legacy transcends time. As a young fifth grader in the summer biz camp, I was inspired and called to a lifelong journey of entrepreneurship. This isn’t just about business ownership but an entirely new framework to think, lead, solve problems and create a better world. Multiply his impact by the thousands…he changed the world. He moved communities, transformed lives and remains a catalyst for generations of changemakers. We must cherish his memory and embody his spirit in our respective lives. May you rest in peace with the Creator who has embraced you with open arms saying Well Done.
Have great memories of Steve and his visit to India where we gave him a traditional welcome with an Indian colorful saafa (head cover). He kept this photo in his office all the time.
In loving memory of our dearest Steve Mariotti, who has inspired countless lives by seeing the true potential in each person. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the NFTE Team to witness the magic in action. Thank you for the movement you’ve inspired, all the lives you’ve touched, and the beautiful legacy you will leave behind.
Steve was a pioneer in making education relevant for youth. I have personally witnessed how his program has changed lives — I am forever grateful to have been able to participate in the NFTE program.
Without Steve, I would not have had the pleasure to do the inspirational work I have done every day at NFTE for the last eight years. The impact and legacy Steve has left is immeasurable. My deepest condolences to his family and all who have loved him.
Steve inspired and empowered countless educators and young lives across the globe. His remarkable legacy will continue to guide and uplift future generations, reminding us of the profound impact one person can have. Let us honor his memory by continuing to carry forward his vision and values.
Marie McDaye
Steve, you will be missed by so many. A job well done.
Steve was a born leader, destined for greatness, evidenced at an early age. I witnessed Steve’s leadership qualities beginning in 4th grade and continuing through high school. Looking back, his maturity and tenacity, his giving and caring, his ability to relate to everyone on every level was truly remarkable. I am saddened to learn of his passing, but heartened to know that his legacy will continue through all those who have crossed his path. Rest in peace, my friend.
Agreed, Dave. Such a nice guy. Lost touch with him when I went away to high school. We talked on the phone endlessly. We were on the phone when Armstrong, et Al, landed on the moon. My mother made me get off the phone.
Thank You Steve for creating the most meaningful organization in the world. NFTE enlightens students, teachers and coaches on a daily basis. It has enriched all of our lives. THANKS TO YOU!!!
My daughter was awarded a teen entrepreneurship prize and was recruited by NFTE. She went on to become an Entrepreneur of the Year. She won scholarships and a full ride at college because she was a teenpreneur. The lessons she learned and the opportunities she had made her the businesswoman she is today at age 34. She still runs her business, and the profits go to the education fund of her two children. Arnie Abrams and Steve Mariotti made all the difference in her life. Thank you. We will be contributing to the Steve Mariotti scholarship fund.
Steve Mariotti was more than a friend and mentor—he was a visionary with boundless energy and passion.
I remember when he decided to grow NFTE from a regional effort to a global initiative. His infectious grin made every moment feel like an adventure. He had an extraordinary ability to see potential where others couldn’t, especially in young minds often overlooked.
He spoke of literary greats, economists, and famous entrepreneurs like old friends, unraveling their stories to inspire us. He taught me everything I know about entrepreneurship—but more importantly, he taught me to laugh off limiting beliefs and press forward. His resilience wasn’t just something he preached; it was something he lived.
I remember the first draft of his memoir, Goodbye Homeboy. He revisited painful memories to share the wisdom he gained. He wanted everyone to know they could be their own hero. Empowering others filled his heart, giving him purpose.
Steve never lost his commitment to the people he believed in, and we never lost touch. His legacy redefines the American Dream as a gift. I am grateful to have been a part of his journey. I know his spirit will live on in every young entrepreneur he inspired.
Rest in peace & power, Steve❤️
Love and Miss You Steve! I had the pleasure of shadowing Steve for a year as one of the first NFTE Teacher Trainers in the mid 90s. Steve helped shape the minds of so many young people not only through the teaching of entrepreneurship and knowing your economics of one unit; he taught individuals how to dream big and steps to pursue those dreams. His passion for life and love of people was heartwarming. Over the 20 years working with Steve and NFTE was a true blessing because I got to learn from the Best! Steve your Legacy lives on and I will forever be grateful by your friendship.
Steve’s home for the last six years was – The Residences At Carnevale Plaza in downtown Princeton. As the property manager, I was privileged to get to know him and was regularly mesmerized by his amazing accounts of his journey on this earth. He was an extraordinarily compassionate and engaging person who was passionate about life and contributing to the well being of others. I will miss our most interesting discussions, his laugh, and his presence. My condolences to his family and all who knew him. All the best on your new journey Steve!
NFTE and Steve Mariotti changed my life. It made me a better educator and spiked my enthusiasm for teaching entrepreneurship. Steve was a genuine and nice man, and I am privileged to have met him.
My condolences,
Marilynn Hollis, NFTE Educator
A legacy of his life’s work will remain with all of us for years to come. May he rest in peace.
This is such a heartbreaking loss for all of us who were blessed to have known Steve. He truly made a positive impact in so many lives. He will surely be missed.
Steve and I worked very closely together, each building our own organizations, his was ultimately to become international. We took a chance with each-other and got started together in those early years beginning in the summer of 1988 when I invited him to Wharton to teach in our Young Entrepreneurs program. As he grew NFTE, I was thrilled for him and was on his board those earlier years, but there was also a bit of regret in my mind as Steve was such an-out-of-the-ball park incredible teacher and he rarely got back to the classroom. We had a great friendship and comraderie and enjoyed lots and lots of laughs together. Most of all we shared a bond as we were building something meaningful and from the heart. He went on to grow the movement bigger and bigger and I kept ours small and intimate. He has made such an incredible mark on the world and has had such a positive and lasting impact on so so many lives. It was a thrill to work with Steve and I considered him a dear friend as I believe he considered the same of me. Such a loss. I will always be grateful for our precious time together.
I would love to connect with his brother Jack if anyone can help me do so.
Rest in peace dear friend. What a tremendous humanitarian you have been. It is a loss to the rest of us that you are no longer with us. Thank you for all you have done and for being you.
lisa
Hi Lisa, I’d be happy to connect you with Jack. Please email me at debradevi@gmail.com and I will forward your contact info to him.
I’m deeply saddened to learn of Steve’s passing. He was an inspiration to me and all those whose lives he touched. The world has lost a generous, remarkable, caring man who made a difference in the lives of so many who because of Steve’s contributions were able to fulfill their dreams. He will be deeply missed.
I am ever so sorry for the recent passing of Steve Mariotti.
He will ever so be missed by all that knew him and those that knew of him.
Many thanks!
Ambrose O’Lippe
United Twade
Steve, I never forget the event in 1995 in Boston where you presented NFTE together with 15-year-old who told her story how NFTE saved her and changed her life for the good. This was the beginning of NFTE Germany
Steve Mariotti was a hero in every sense of the word, with a real hero’s humility and complete devotion to his mission to provide low-income youth with the knowledge they need to create their own paths out of poverty. He was caring and kind. We collaborated on many books, including his beautiful memoir, Goodbye Homeboy: How My Students Drove Me Crazy and Inspired a Movement. He was a good friend and a wonderful, joyful colleague. Steve, I will really, really miss you. Rest In Peace.
One man can change the world and the lives of millions; Steve Mariotti is one of those unique individuals that changed many lives. RIP, my brother…
Words cannot expressed my deepest condolences to Steve’s family. He was an inspiration to all who met him, and the most gracious and kindest person I have ever met. He has changed the landscape of Youth entrepreneurship forever, Steve you will be greatly missed by so many and my heart aches, knowing will never have future conversations about economics rest in peace, my friend