YEA Program08

YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY (YEA!)

At Lake Zurich High School in partnership with the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce and the School District 95 Educational Foundation

2008 Young Entrepreneurs Academy Informational Video

Young Entrepreneurs Academy Informational Brochure

Background on Program

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a school-year long program that teaches high schools students how to start and run their own REAL businesses. Entering its fifth year in 2008-2009, YEA! was developed at Rochester University, NY, with the support of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Over the course of the year, students:

Brainstorm business ideas
Write a business plan
Pitch their business plan to potential investors
Obtain funding
Actually launch their own businesses or social movements

Student at Tradeshow

Why Apply?

This program offers you the chance to:

Develop the skills necessary to launch your own business or social movement (hands-on entrepreneurial experience!)
Learn about real businesses—why they succeed or fail.
Hear from local entrepreneurs.
Launch your own business!
Become more confident in your ideas and your abilities.

Organization of Program

YEA! runs during the academic year from October to May. Classes meet every week at the high school from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. There is no class during regular school holidays and recesses. Students are taught by instructors who are successful local business owners. Local business owner also participate in the lessons as Guest Speakers, Mentors, and Fieldtrip hosts. Students also participate in three major events throughout the year: the Investor Panel where they pitch their business idea to a panel of Angel Investors to secure start-up capital; a Trade Show where they actually present and sell their products or services to the public; and a formal graduation ceremony held at the high school upon successful completion of the program.

Student Selection Process

To apply for YEA!, students must:

Fill out a YEA! application which includes:

Completing a short essay
Answering several short questions
Submitting a copy of their most recent transcripts or report card
Submitting a letter of recommendation

Once a completed application packet is received, a brief interview will be scheduled with the student. Acceptance in the program is based on all aspects of an application, as well as the personal interview. Prior experience with business is not required!

Application deadline for the 2008-09 class is Friday, September 19, 2008