Recently, national thought leader Mark Perna visited Grand Junction to share his message about unleashing the passion, purpose, and potential of the younger generation. His keynote, brought to our community in partnership with the Business Incubator Center and the D51 Foundation, centered on a theme we couldn’t agree with more: investing in our youth is investing in our future.
For more than a decade, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has prioritized building pathways for young people to succeed—not only in their careers, but in their communities. We believe that tomorrow’s leaders deserve every opportunity to grow into resilient, engaged, and prepared adults who will carry Mesa County and the Western Slope forward.
Our commitment to youth development is reflected in programs such as the Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA!). This nationally recognized program takes middle and high school students through the full process of launching and running their own, real-life business. Over the course of the year, students identify a product or service, develop a business plan, pitch to investors, and actually bring their ideas to market. Along the way, they learn how to think critically, work as a team, solve problems creatively, and take responsibility for decisions and outcomes.
Since its start in Grand Junction, more than 100 businesses have been created through the Chamber’s YEA! program—a powerful reminder of the creativity and determination that exists right here in our local youth. Many of these ventures continue long after the program ends, and all of them give students the confidence to see themselves as innovators and leaders. Applications are currently open for our next YEA! cohort, and we are eager to welcome a new class of aspiring young entrepreneurs.
In addition, the Chamber is proud to serve as the regional host of the National Civics Bee. This competition challenges middle school students to showcase their civics knowledge through essays, live Q&A, and on-stage debates. More than just a test of facts, the Civics Bee empowers students to engage with current issues, develop their own viewpoints, and practice articulating those ideas in front of their peers and community members. It is about creating informed citizens who are ready to take part in democracy—not someday, but today.
To encourage even broader participation, this year the Civics Bee is offering rewards for classrooms that take on the essay submission as a group project. One lucky class will be selected to receive a pizza party and a $250 gift card for the teacher to use toward classroom supplies. With incentives like these, the competition isn’t just about the individual—it’s about cultivating an entire culture of civic engagement. Right now, essay submissions are open, and we encourage every adult in a student’s life—whether you are a parent, teacher, coach, or employer—to encourage them to apply.
At a time when the challenges facing young people are complex and ever-changing, we believe our role is to help cultivate resilient mindsets that can withstand uncertainty and change, creative thinking that can drive innovation across every industry, critical dialogue that fosters respect and understanding across differences, and forums for opinion and voice that ensure young people know they belong at the table.
As adults in the lives of the young individuals who will shape our community’s future, we have a responsibility to encourage their participation in opportunities like YEA! and the National Civics Bee—or others with similar intentionality. These activities not only prepare students to be career ready, but also community ready, giving them the tools, confidence, and perspective to lead with purpose.
Together with partners across education, business, and civic life, we are committed to championing the next generation—not just to be career ready, but to be community ready.