In our Youth Entrepreneurs Program (YEP!) teens start their own micro-enterprises,
choose business names and slogans, design business cards and ad campaigns, create
videotaped commercials, open business bank accounts, learn to read the Wall
Street Journal, invest $25 venture capital in wholesale merchandise, learn to
market their goods at a trade fair and develop business plans. YEP has already
graduated two classes over the last year and a half, with an 80% success rate,
defined as having completed the course and produced a business plan which passed
the muster of our distinguished panel of judges (successful local businesspersons
and other professionals). Along the way, they increased their life skills, self-esteem,
interest in academics, and hope for the future. They learn they have options
and not only are there some great options, but they are achievable.