An exciting opportunity has come to Webster Schroeder and Webster Thomas high schools. Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!), a national program that teaches students how to start and run their own businesses, is being piloted at both high schools.
The purpose of YEA! is to engage students in the theory, process, and practice of entrepreneurship with the outcome of creating and operating their own business or social enterprises throughout the course of the school year. As part of this program, the students connect with more than 60 different business people through mentorships, guest speakers, technical assistance, company investors, and field trips during their time in the class.
Their first field trip was to Harbec Plastics, Inc. in Ontario. The purpose of the trip was to introduce students to a skilled business owner who has built a successful and highly respected business from the ground up, and done so in a way that minimizes its ecological footprint.
Funding for the YEA! Program in Webster is provided by a grant from Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development.