Artpreneur Program

We teach youth the ART of Business and the BUSINESS of Art.

Want to learn how to turn your creativity into cash & make creative handmade products like apparel, greeting cards, artwork?

During this program, teens develop, launch, and run their own artistic businesses. Youth learn graphic arts, apparel making, commercial production, design and business acumen. They learn technical skills related to artistic career clusters, how to use professional graphic software and how to operate commercial machinery ( heat press, vinyl cutters/plotters, large format printers, screenpress, embroidery,sublimation ,DTG machines, laser cutters) to design and create their own artistic products.

Design a revenue-generating artistic business.

Learn how to use graphic software including Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Procreate & CorelDraw

Learn how to use industrial and commercial equipment and have access to studio equipment for your business.

Earn the chance to win $1,000, $500, or $250 at the $1,000 Pitch Competition

Create a brand for your business and learn about logistics, marketing, and pitching.

Strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Meet new friends and have fun.

Receive an Artpreneur – Business Innovator badge

Upcoming session

Artpreneur School Year Program – Fall 2025

Dates: October 5th 2024 – June 1, 2025

Times: 3:30 pm- 6:00 pm Wednesday’s and select Sunday’s 10-4 pm

Application Deadline: May 31, 2024

Application Process to be eligible to receive paid stipend

YEI’s School Year Paid Internships are made possible in partnership with the Department of Employment Services (DOES). After completing the YEI application, youth will also need to turn in documentation to DOES to be eligible for the paid component of the program. Interns will need to submit their documentation and application to DOES via this link by the deadline. The 2024 Deadline has not be posted (as of April 2024) but it is usually in late June or early July.

Feel free to give us a call at 202-930-7574 for more information and for assistance with completing the application.

Meet one of our 2023 Artpreneur Interns

Feral Ronmay, Grade 12 – 2022-23 Intern

Business: Nail Service

Ronmay started as a intern in YEI’s summer MBSYEP program in 2021 and launched his fashion brand in 2022. He is a rising star in the fashion world and has done has first brand collaboration. Ron’may’s journey into the realm of design began with a spark of curiosity and a relentless drive to make a difference. As a YEI Alumni, Ron’may discovered his passion for fashion and entrepreneurship and is currently attending college, merging his love for creativity with a desire to empower others.

See Ronmay's Business Pitch

Support youth artist and their businesses

Give a tax-deductible donation to help us provide art supplies and cover start-up cost for deserving teen businesses.