Community Opportunities for Students

Young Entrepreneurs Academy

August 2024

Dear Parents & Students,

It is with great excitement that we write to you today about an opportunity to participate in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, where kids start as students and graduate as CEOs.

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is an exciting class that transforms students between the ages of 11 and 18 into confident entrepreneurs. Students develop ideas, write business plans, pitch their plans to a panel of investors for real funding, and launch their own fully formed companies. Students learn to develop their favorite hobbies, passions and great ideas into thriving enterprises through exciting classes, guest lectures and fun field trips to local businesses for behind-the-scenes tours while meeting successful entrepreneurs. Students develop self-confidence and self-assurance as they learn that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.

YEA! began at the University of Rochester in 2004 with support from the Kauffman Foundation and today serves students across America. Over 20,000 students have graduated from YEA! and have started more than 10,000 businesses—cool inventions and great ideas. YEA! students have competed on the hit show Shark Tank and been featured in national media including Good Morning America, 60 Minutes, the New York Times, USA Today, Seventeen Magazine, Teen Vogue, Inc.com, Fortune and Forbes, raised tens of millions of dollars in seed capital, and won millions of dollars in college scholarships. It’s not only about business—YEA! kids are doing everything from creating ‘apps’ that decrease bullying to reducing our carbon footprint.  

A talent search is underway to identify America’s next top young entrepreneurs. Students do not need a business idea, invention prototype or previous business experience to apply for admission. Motivated and determined students ages 11-18 who attend public school, private school, and home-school are invited to apply.

YEA! is currently accepting applications locally for the 2025 YEA! class hosted at Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship in Brighton, NY.  Golisano Institute was developed by legendary entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr. Tom Golisano. Classes begin in October of 2024 and meet once a week after school every Tuesday from 4pm-7pm through May 2025. Class does not meet during school breaks or holiday recess. Tuition for the class is $995. Tuition includes the YEA! Signature Course, materials, books, and field trip transportation. Scholarships are available and are based on need and merit. A $100 tuition waiver is available for children and grandchildren of Golisano Institute, RIT, and University of Rochester faculty, staff and alumni.

The student application process is competitive, and space is limited to 30 students per class. Admissions interviews are conducted on a rolling basis and applicants are encouraged to apply early. The application deadline is September 20, 2024. To apply, students may submit the YEA! Student Application at [yeausa.org]yeausa.org.  Upon the submission of an application, a personal interview will be scheduled. Students who apply early, by September 6, are entitled to a “fast-track” admission review. For more information, please email our team at info@yeausa.org.

YEA! helps students recognize their personal potential and the power of their ideas while providing them with real world experience and practical application of knowledge. YEA! teaches the magic formula to turn ideas into businesses and social movements that create economic and social value, helping to motivate kids to design their futures in bold and powerful ways.  We look forward to receiving your application. Good luck!