mission alert:
putting poverty
OUT of BUSINESS
through art + innovation
Every child has the capacity to
BE THE CHANGE.
All they need is the opportunity.
Youth Entrepreneur Institute empowers at-risk youth through innovative programs in education, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Our initiatives equip youth with the skills for success and community transformation. By fostering economic independence, creativity, and leadership, YEI participants are poised to break the cycle of violence and poverty, envisioning a future filled with opportunity and achievement.
Empowering youth through entrepreneurship and innovation
We are committed to transforming youth into future leaders and innovators by teaching them the fundamentals of entrepreneurship combined with STEM and arts education. Our approach not only nurtures critical thinking and creativity but also instills a sense of responsibility and the drive to make a positive impact on their communities.
As a result of this work and the remarkable achievements of our students, YEI is proud to have been recognized as an Outstanding Host Site by the Department of Employment Services for both our 2022 and 2023 MBSYEP and School Year Internship programs. This honor highlights our commitment to providing meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that pave the way for youth empowerment, economic independence, and social change.
Our teen programs and products
Entrepreneurship programs for teens
Grades 9-12
Our teen programs teach entrepreneurship within the creative economy, guiding teens to launch real businesses and acquire hands-on ART and STE(A)M skills, preparing them for innovative futures. Teens build skills related to product design, financial wellness and earn college credit.
Interested in bringing YEI’s teen programs to your school or organization? Contact Us for more details
Work-Based Learning programs for teens
Grades 9-12
Our paid work-based learning programs offer real-world ART, STEM, and business experience, equip teens with both technical and soft skills, to run YEI social enterprises. Teens earn industry certifications and learn how to manage YEI’s Social Enterprises. They do everything from production to marketing, and sales, gaining hands-on experience for future jobs.
Bring our teen programming to your school or organization! Contact Us for more information.
Social Enterprises & Student Businesses
Shop with Us
Explore the unique enterprises our students have developed and support their growth by buying their creations. Be sure to also check out YEI’s teen-led social enterprises. Your purchases help provide students with meaningful wages, empowering their growth and real-world learning.
Checkout our events calendar to visit us at one of our Pop-Up Shop Marketplace.
Businesses: Need content management, website design, or print and digital marketing?
Our students deliver high-quality graphic assets, from logos to web design, and print products like t-shirts and business cards, all at competitive rates. Partner with us to fulfill your business needs while supporting DC youth. Contact Us for info.
Other programs and products
Summer camp for kids
Grades 4-8
Explore entrepreneurship with our Smart Hustle Jr. Camps! Kids design custom t-shirts or create beauty products, learning money management and business fundamentals. Small groups ensure personalized guidance through every step, from idea to income, using our specially designed STE(A)M business kits. The program ends with a pop-up shop for campers to sell their creations.
Bring our camp for kids to your school or organization! Contact Us for more information
Creative STE(a)M Kits for kids
Ages 8-14
Ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of the “kidpreneur” in your life with our STE(a)Mpreneur Jr. Kits. Our kits contain everything they’ll need to create and launch their own revenue-generating business right from home, all while learning STEM and art skills.
Teachers: bring STE(A)Mpreneur Jr to the classroom! Click here to order a special kit designed for groups up to thirty kids.
Upcoming Events
KidBizCON July 12,2024
Stay in the loop with YEI’s calendar of events. Throughout the year, we host a variety of engaging activities, including Pop-up Shops & Student Marketplace, Spring and Summer Pitch Competitions, and our annual Teen Business Conference, KidBizCON.
Supporters: Interested in making a difference? Click here to learn more about opportunities to volunteer as a judge in a Student Pitch Competition or become a guest speaker at KidBizCON.
Financial Wellness
We instill essential money management skills in youth, paving the way for their future prosperity. Our students learn the importance of wise financial decisions, mastering the art of earning, budgeting, saving, and spending effectively. Through our programs, they not only learn but also begin to generate income, often surpassing what typical entry-level summer or after-school jobs offer.
How to get involved
For parents and guardians
Enroll your child or teen in our programs and see them thrive as they learn about business, creativity, and technology.
For educators and youth leaders
Equip your students with the skills for future success. Integrate our entrepreneurship and STE(A)M programs to foster an innovative mindset
For businesses
Impact young lives and your community by partnering with YEI. Sponsor an intern and contribute to developing the next generation of leaders by offering real-world experience to ambitious students.
For donors
Support our mission to empower youth with the tools to turn their creative ideas into impactful businesses. Your contributions make a direct difference.