“I firmly believe that the YEA! program should be and will be welcomed by schools across the country,” says Rochester’s Simon School of Business Dean Mark Zupan. “It represents the kind of change that is good for American schools and American students and I believe it can have a revolutionary and positive impact on American business as well.”

Read Dean Zupan’s whole testimonial

 

 

 

 

“It is giving students the kind of holistic, reality-based educational skills that we stress as a distinguished, nationally recognized, public liberal arts college,”

says SUNY Geneseo President Christopher Dahl.

 

Colleges and Universities Section

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is a wonderful way for colleges and universities to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation while attracting top students and quality leaders to their campus, schools, and programs. In 2009, 42% of YEA! students matriculated to the campus that hosted their local YEA! class. The Academy is also a great tool to get alumni and the media on campus for a variety of exciting YEA! events.

 

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a groundbreaking and exciting afterschool program that transforms local middle and high school students into real, confident entrepreneurs.

 

Through the year-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.

 

From exciting local business guest lecturers to dynamic field trips to local companies, students learn how to develop and run a real enterprise in a fun, projects-based approach.

 

YEA! was developed in 2004 at the University of Rochester with support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Today, the Academy is a proud national partner of the United States Chamber of Commerce and Campaign for Free Enterprise.

 

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is a life-changing program that positively impacts the college community, business community, and general public. Bringing this powerful program to your campus is easy. Create local buzz, become the center of the action in your community, and attract dynamic, innovative student leaders and alumni to your campus.

 

Together, we can create the next generation of innovators. For more information on launching YEA! on your campus see below, or please feel free to call 585-272-3535 or email info@yeausa.org.

 

Why campuses across the country are bringing the Young Entrepreneurs Academy to their community:

 

  • Connect local business and community leaders with students to build real small businesses in your area while promoting the spirit of innovation.
  • Recruit dynamic, high achieving student leaders to your campus.
  • Strengthen relationships with alumni and local business leaders.
  • Enhance reputation for innovation and generate positive publicity.
  • Promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development among youth.
  • An immediate introduction and deployment of youth entrepreneurship training.
  • Generate new revenue and positive net profits for your institution with the program.

 

Seven Simple Steps to Launch YEA!:

 

  • 1. Introduce the Academy to Campus Leadership (Dean’s Office, Alumni Relations, Admissions)
  • 2. Introduce the Academy to your local school district(s)
  • 3. Introduce the Academy to your local Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
  • 4. Complete the YEA! Program Adoption Agreement
  • 5. Receive YEA! Materials & Staff your Local Class
  • 6. Receive Comprehensive Training from YEA!
  • 7. Launch your Academy in November 2012 and electrify your community!

 

 

Success Stories

 

  • University of Rochester

    The original Young Entrepreneurs Academy, this class was launched in 2004 and continues to run with full steam today. Launched at the University of Rochester with support from the Kauffman Foundation, the YEA! program develops the next generation of CEOs as it helps general and business school admissions recruiters target top notch, high achieving leaders to their campus, as well as regional television spots, newspaper stories, and successful alumni who wanted to get involved with the program.

    •  

  • State University of New York at Geneseo

    The second location of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, SUNY Geneseo launched the YEA! program with the Finger Lakes WIRED Initiative and served a more rural demographic than the original location. A winning formula, the YEA! program continues to teach kids of all regions and backgrounds how to transform a dream into a business.

     

  • State University of New York at Albany

    SUNY Albany is proud to run the Young Entrepreneurs Academy on its campus successfully serving local middle and high school students while generating positive publicity and fostering community and alumni engagement. As one of the early adopters in the SUNY system, the University of Albany continues to demonstrate impressive results and impact positive change in their community and our great nation.