The Young Entrepreneurs Academy, developed with the support of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, is a yearlong program that educates students in a course of project-based, hands-on entrepreneurial education.

The program teaches students about entrepreneurship by teaching them how to write a business plan, pitch to potential investors, obtain funding, and then launch their company or social movement. These are REAL businesses that will file real tax returns and generate real revenue!

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy teaches students to recognize the power of their ideas, and to develop the skills necessary to turn those ideas into meaningful enterprises. It teaches them to think, to approach problems differently, and develop habits indicative of entrepreneurship. YEA! teaches students to make entrepreneurship synonymous with achievement, excellence, and freedom.

During the business plan and business development phases, students meet with business mentors from the city and surrounding areas who offer valuable advice based on their experience in the professional world. Mentors have included business and community leaders, and graduate students from the areas best Business Schools.

YEA! students then present their business plans at The Investor Panel event—this event is an opportunity for students to potentially receive funding from Investors. The students are funded based on the appeal and merit of the plan and presentation. These financial investments support the launch of their companies or social movements, and provide a basis and reporting system by which students gauge their success. The Investor Panel is made up of successful entrepreneurs and local business leaders.

Throughout the year, students experience real-world applications of the entrepreneurial concepts that they are learning about in class. Discussions with guest lecturers and field trips to businesses are an extremely impactful way to demonstrate the business lessons.

The instructors for the program are entrepreneurs themselves. In addition to teaching students about business concepts and the steps that are necessary to launch an enterprise, the instructors share their real entrepreneurial stories and experiences with the students. The instructors also help students to become more self-confident, creative, collaborative thinkers and leaders who can powerfully articulate ideas.

Students showcase their goods and services at the Young Entrepreneurs Academy Trade Show. The Trade Show is one of the first large-scale opportunities for students to market and sell to customers. This event reinforces for students and provides another opportunity to experience what being in business is really like. Open to families, friends, investors, mentors, community and business leaders, and the general public, this Trade Show allows students to engage their customer base face-to-face, as well as receive immediate customer feedback.

At the end of the yearlong program, a formal graduation ceremony is held. Many students continue their businesses and return to speak to future Young Entrepreneurs Academy classes about their experiences outside of, and after, the Academy. Graduation is also an opportunity to thank the local companies, organizations and individuals who have provided support to the students.

Entrepreneurship training continually proves to be extremely effective in improving student performance in the classroom and in the community. Make your mark on your community and become a part of this innovative and exciting program. Details on how to get involved in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy are available by contacting Gayle Jagel at the University of Rochester Office of Special Programs at 585-275-2344.

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