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Our Program

 Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) Chicago is a groundbreaking and exciting program that transforms local middle and high school students into real, confident entrepreneurs. Through the six-month long program, students in grades 6-12 generate business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, pitch to a panel of investors, and launch their very own companies. It's a truly transformative experience for every student who steps into this incredible opportunity. 


Mission

Develop and deliver experience-based entrepreneurship programs to young people to:


  • Enable them to transition successfully to adulthood
  • Help them to pursue their dreams by harnessing their creativity and energy
  • Help them transform their ideas into tangible enterprises that create economic and social value for a better world
  • Develop the character of tomorrow’s leaders based on personal principles and values
  • Enable educational institutions and Chambers of Commerce to provide successful and effective entrepreneurship programs for middle and high school students
  • Create a culture of innovation in schools and communities across the nation
  • Foster the entrepreneurial mindset in young people, educators, and community members

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Vision

To be a leader in establishing innovative, experiential entrepreneurship programs for middle and high school students, delivering these programs through colleges and universities, and in high schools and middle schools throughout the country. 


In close cooperation with local community and business leaders and their organizations, we partner with like-minded organizations to effectively deliver entrepreneurship education to young people across our nation. YEA! provides a focused introduction to the business world, combining a dynamic, proven curriculum with the experiences of local leaders of industry, community members, educators and entrepreneurs. The goal of all YEA! classes is for each student to successfully launch their own business. 

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Female Strong is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and the YEA! program is one of the programs offered. To learn about additional programs that are curated for middle school and high school girls all centered around closing the gender gap and impacting confidence, click below.

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