Smart Hustle Incubator
An entrepreneurial internship immersion for 9th-12th graders living in Washington, DC
Want to work on your business beyond the summer and get paid to do it?
In our year round internship you’ll get to continue your business past the summer getting paid, growing your resume, and refining your entrepreneurial passion! As a teen entrepreneurs-in-residence spend a minimum of 125 hours and a maximum of up to 230 hours directly managing your business, focusing on website, social media, and finances PLUS gain 25 hours of in-class job-readiness skills. Use your experience to put you a step ahead in your career and education aspirations.
Participants must be in high school and have completed any one of YEI’s programs including Academy, Studios, OR Summer Internship program. Students who have completed any business course at school OR participate in partner program may also apply.
Design a revenue-generating business that solves an important problem in your community.
Meet and learn from local entrepreneurs.
Improve your confidence and self-responsibility.
Earn the chance to win $1,000, $500, or $250 and college scholarships 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
Smart Hustle School Year Internship – Fall 2025
Dates: October 5th 2024 – June 1, 2025
Times: 10:00-4:00 pm Saturday’s
Application Deadline: May 31, 2024
Application Process to be eligible to receive paid stipend
YEI’s School Year Paid Internship is 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 our 2023 Entrepreneur's in Residence Interns
Nails Untamed Bailey, Grade 12 – 2023-24 Intern
Business: Nail Service
Bailey started as a intern in YEI’s summer MBSYEP program in 2021 and has launched two businesses – Heritage Skin (skincare line) and Nails Untamed. Bailey created Nails Untamed to combine her love for art with her passion for beauty.
See Bailey's Business Pitch
Chill n Thrill Deloris Grade 11 – 2023-24 Intern
Business: Women’s Safety Keychain Set
Deloris started as a summer intern with YEI and launched her clothing and accessories business in 2022. In 2023, Deloris shifted her business to mainly focus on products for women’s safety due to increased violence against women in DC. Her main product is a defensive key chain sets that sells for $25.
See Deloris's Business Pitch
Meet our past interns
Explore Our Student Businesses
Support youth entrepreneurs
Give a tax-deductible donation to help us provide business pitch awards and cover start-up cost for deserving teen businesses.
