The Youth Enterprise program is EOBA’s alternative for students who have expressed that college is not a part of their future plans. While we support higher education for all students, we also recognize the reality that not all students believe college is a necessary part of their future, or believe they need more life experience before deciding if college is right for them. We believe students hold the power to decide what is right for their future and the Youth Enterprise program seeks to support students in building a life of wellbeing when they have decided that college is not right for them. Our primary goal in the Youth Enterprise program is to impart the skills students need to become self-sufficient, positive members of their community, with the capacity to work for themselves and ability to collaborate successfully with others. Students learn entrepreneurial skills including project planning, budgeting, and marketing design and research. Through internships with local businesses, students also gain critical job readiness skills including resume writing, interview techniques, time management, and digital literacy.
Program Impact
When students choose not to attend college they can sometimes feel as though the doors to upward mobility have been shut on them. While college is an important option, we believe that in order to be champions of wellness in their families and communities, students must have examples and guidance in living well beyond college. Our Youth Enterprise program will support students in being positive examples for their peers and community members by gaining the tools needed to live sustainably and contribute to the wellbeing of others.