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Parents' Guide to

Ten9Eight

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Docu features teen CEOs beating poverty, drugs, violence.

Movie NR 2010 84 minutes
Ten9Eight Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

MovieBuff41
MovieBuff41 Parent of 10-year-old
February 8, 2010
age 12+
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In TEN9EIGHT, inner-city high school students from across the country compete in a national business plan competition. The 35 high school students -- who have created businesses for things like importing cell phone charger machines and selling vegetarian dog treats -- were selected from the 24,000 participants in the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Business Education Program to compete in the organization's 2008 competition in New York City. During the competition, the young entrepreneurs -- all of whom have coped with racial tensions, poverty, drugs, and violence in their lives -- get the chance to impress high-profile judges like Home Depot CEO Arthur Blank and USA Network co-founder Kay Koplovitz for a prize of $10,000. Only one young CEO wins the money, but all of the contestants take home the confidence to continue building their business and secure a successful future.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

This inspiring documentary showcases the successful NFTE program, which was developed as a dropout prevention program almost 20 years ago. It seems to have accomplished its goals: The movie highlights some of the difficult situations the contestants have overcome by participating in business education activities. And it also emphasizes the fact that most of the teens' current and future success is owed to staying in school.

But it's the teens’ personal journeys and insights -- which come as a result of their private struggles and professional endeavors -- that are the main source of inspiration here. They offer positive messages about working hard, setting goals, and persevering in the face of challenges. The group also demonstrates how it's possible to overcome tough situations by getting an education. Best of all, the featured teens serve as positive role models for others across the country.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how the movie's contestants counter media stereotypes about inner city teens. How are they different from what you might expect?

  • Does your high school offer anything like the NFTE Business Education program? If not, would there be benefits to starting one?

Movie Details

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