Misty O'Conner combined her experience in teaching and software development when she founded her own company, increasing the use of available technology in classrooms.

Are our children ready for the challenges of the 21st century? Among the many issues that question raises, one thing is certain: The answer will come in large part from the private sector, providing myriad opportunities for savvy entrepreneurs offering innovative solutions to the education market.

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, a public-private initiative formed in 2002 by the U.S. Department of Education, highlights in its mandate the necessity for U.S. schools to "align classroom environments with real world environments by infusing 21st century skills." These include information and communication skills, critical thinking and problem-solving; collaboration; self-direction; accountability and adaptability; and social responsibility.

Startup Success This is, in many ways, a mandate shared by Point Click Learn, based in Erie, Pa. Founded 10 years ago by Misty O'Conner, Point Click Learn grew from O'Conner's years of teaching as well as her experience in computer technology and software development.

"I was working as a teacher in Florida in the early '90s when, as a result of a NASA project, we became the first school system in the nation with Internet in classrooms," she recalls, adding that when she decided to start her own company, "I came into the field as an expert without even realizing it."

Point Click Learn, which was originally a professional development firm for teachers interested in integrating technology into the classroom, has branched out to offer corporate training and technology consulting, and creating curriculum-based software programs for schools. Recently, the company became partner trainers to the Partnership for 21st Century Skills.

In the process, the company has grown from a home-based business to an organization of 15 employees and a team of sales representatives around the region.

Notable Rewards O'Conner's greatest source of pride is implementing software that allows children to build their reading and math skills at their own pace, freeing their teachers to maximize class time.

"This is an area that has tremendous growth opportunities," she says, "'but more important, we feel really good about what we do as a company. We help thousands of students and hundreds of teachers every year prepare for the future."