Background on Program
Click on any of the RED links below for more information:
YEA! 2011/12 Enrollment Form (PDF)
YEA! brochure
To apply or for more information, call 847.438.5572
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a year-long program that teaches high school students how to start and run their own REAL businesses. Developed at the University of Rochester in 2004 with the support of a grant from the Kauffman Foundation, YEA! is in its second year at the Lake Zurich High School.
Over the course of the program, 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
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 at the High School every Wednessday from 4 to 6:30pm. There are no classes during regular school holidays and recesses. Students are taught by one instructor, but are exposed to guest lecturers, successful entrepreneurs and business mentors. The class goes on field trips to various local businesses. Finally, the students participate in three major events throughout the year: the Investor Panel, Trade Show and a formal graduation ceremony.Student Selection Process
To apply for YEA!, students must:- Fill out the YEA! Enrollment Form (Adobe PDF)
- Complete the essay and the short answer questions
- Submit a letter of recommendation
Once the completed application packet is received, students will be asked to come in for an interview. 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!
Session Dates: Wednesday’s from October 5, 2011 - May 2012
Class begins Wednesday, October 19th, 4:00pm - 6:30pm at Lake Zurich High School
Click the on the title below for a PDF form:
Sponsors
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