ABOUT THE YEA! PROGRAM
About the Academy
Students with a desire to start and run their own businesses are being sought out to apply for the 2025 Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!).
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is an 18-week after-school program that takes a group of select, ambitious, and motivated students through the process of launching and running their very own real businesses. Students enrolled in the program will learn from local business owners and educators about how to create their own ideas and business platforms to eventually manage their own functioning businesses following the program’s completion.
Think “Shark Tank,” but on a local level !!!
How the Academy Works
This Academy is not like a typical class. Instead, students learn how to launch a business in a fun way through a local entrepreneur instructor, professional guest speakers, a CEO Roundtable, trips to local innovative companies, and more. From writing your own business plans with your business mentors to pitching your plans live on a stage to secure real funding, this exciting class has been the best decision many students like you have ever made.
At the end of the year, all YEA! Students will pitch their business ideas in a “Shark Tank” style presentation and compete for THOUSANDS of dollars to help start their businesses.
The program will end with a mock investor panel awarding kids real money for their businesses, and a full scholarship will be awarded to the winner of the program to either Campbellsville University or Somerset Community College.
To date, the Chamber has handed out over $71,000 to aspiring entrepreneurs who have graduated from this program. The Young Entrepreneurs Academy has now awarded over 1-million dollars in college scholarships to Campbellsville University since the launch of our program 10-years ago.
Kinds of Students Who Excel in the Academy
Many people often ask, “What kinds of students excel in this program?” and “Do you have to have business experience?” The answer is no. No business experience is necessary, and a wide variety of students succeed in the YEA! program. Students who have a particular passion or interest – from sports and music to fashion and baking have created great enterprises. Other students who excel are those who have an idea for an invention. And finally, a number of the most successful YEA! students had no idea what business they wanted to start, but we’re passionate about learning how to accomplish something big.
When Class Meets & How to Apply
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy will meet on Tuesday Evening from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Campbellsville University (Somerset Campus) location. Classes begin in February and end in May. If you would like to apply, simply complete our application to begin the process. Space is limited, so please apply early and ensure a strong application.
For more information, contact the Somerset-Pulaski Co Chamber of Commerce at (606) 679-7323 or info@somersetpulaskichamber.com
or our YEA! Program Manager Reci Shook at (606) 425-8790 or recishook@gmail.com