Young Entrepreneurs Alliance

CONTACT:

P.O. Box 190977
Roxbury, MA 02119
978-369-2400
www.yeaworks.org

Julie Nessen, founder and executive director

DESCRIPTION:

This is an example of how a good idea finds its niche in philanthropy. YEA’s core idea is to use practical business ownership and operating experience as training and education to boost troubled or otherwise disadvantaged teens. They develop business skills, and acquire business culture (attitudes, values, patterns of thought and behavior), that provide not only direction but competitive advantage. After experimenting with various programs, businesses, institutional configurations, and youth populations starting in 1996, the folks behind YEA (a father-daughter team and a professional social worker) found an institutional “fit” that is practical and scalable, with huge potential as a curricular enhancement in vocational high schools. YEA staff provide the business know-how; high school faculty provide expertise in skills and training of students in a curricular field; and the schools provide the students needing help. The adults settle on what business to start, and everyone helps build it from scratch, teaching and learning as they go. The results are that kids who were headed for bleak, unskilled future lives are equipped to move into entry-level white-collar jobs and careers; schools and teachers are revitalized; and both happen at lower costs than what they replaced. Since 2004, YEA has more than doubled its program, increasing from two to five businesses in schools. They have more schools than they can handle interested in opening YEA businesses. In response to demand, they are writing a formal curriculum and creating a YEA business kit for schools and community organizations. The kit will include a how-to manual, a video series demonstrating skills more effectively learned by watching and then trying, and a teen business pack that standardizes the way YEA teens keep their business records. YEA will also provide consulting services to these schools and community groups, as needed. The idea is evolving naturally, and has a strong future.

(2004: HUMAN SERVICES: Children and Youth: General)