Now in its ninth year, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Foundation's local YEA! program has guided over a hundred high school students through the process of becoming entrepreneurs, from generating business ideas to securing real funding from local investors through the annual Investor Panel event over the course of a 16-week after-school program. During these 16 weeks from January 2023 - May 2023, students generate business ideas, conduct market research, write business plans, pitch to a panel of investors, and launch their very own companies.The goal of the YEA! Program is for each student to successfully launch their own business upon the program’s completion.Staten Island high school students in grades 9 through 12 from both public and private schools may apply for acceptance into the YEA! program by completing an online application, which includes a section for general applicant information, short answer questions, and a high school transcript, which can be either official or unofficial. Once the completed application is received, students will be invited to attend a virtual interview held over Zoom. Acceptance into the program is based on all aspects of the completed application as well as the personal interview. Prior business experience is not required, nor is it required to have a business idea prior to the start of class.
Applications are due by online submission by Wednesday, November 30, 2022
YEA! classes begin Tuesday, January 31, 2023, and will meet 4:30PM - 7:30PM on Tuesdays until the end of May 2023.
YEA! Classes will be held in-person at the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce office, located at 2555 Richmond Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314, Suite 240.
More information:
Where to Sign-Up: