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THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY (YEA!): CONNECTING STUDENTS WITH LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) program is an exciting program that transforms local middle and high school students into entrepreneurs. Throughout the program, students in grades 6-12 work in close partnership with local leaders of industries, community members, and educators to generate business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, and launch their very own businesses!
YEA! is an exciting, comprehensive entrepreneurship program that transforms middle and high school students into start-up business owners. YEA!’s core mission is to empower students to harness their passion, energy, creativity, and talents to launch ventures and see entrepreneurship as a path to success.
This year’s class consists of twenty three students who are challenging themselves to learn how to become the CEOs and business leaders of tomorrow. Student participants represent Boca Raton High, Spanish River High, Donna Klein Jewish Academy, West Boynton Middle School, Sora School, University School, American Heritage, Pinecrest, and Saint Andrew’s School.
The YEA! program is grateful to each of the volunteer instructors who help lead one of the three segments of the year-long program: Bobra Bush of Telcom Corp., First Segment instructor; Laureen Pannullo of Confident Bookkeeping Services, Second Segment Instructor; and Tim Sharp former President and Foundation Treasurer of Rotary Club of Boca Raton Sunrise, Third Segment Instructor. In each segment, we will have invaluable expertise that will be shared by local business leaders and guest speakers.
With eighteen business ideas, the Class of 2025 will be participating in their first public event with the CEO Roundtable and Elevator Pitch Competition. This event will showcase students pitching their ideas in under one minute after an engaging panel discussion with CEOs from the Boca community.
The students’ final event will be the Investor Panel “Shark Tank Style” presentations where students will present their ideas to win seed money for their potential start-ups. The final public event will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 5:00 pm at BRIC.
Students who successfully complete the program have the opportunity to become part of the Chamber Youth Committee and participate in age-appropriate Chamber events. A highlight of last year was the Boca Chamber Fall Business Expo, where students displayed their business ideas and conducted sales.
