About the Program

What Is YEA!?

YEA! guides middle and high school students through the process of starting and running a legitimate business or social movement over the course of a full academic year. YEA! was developed at the University of Rochester in 2004 with the support of a grant from the Kauffman Foundation.

The Grand Junction Area Chamber is excited to bring YEA! to Grand Junction and Mesa County — now in its 12th year! YEA! has graduated almost 4,000 students who have started almost 3,000 businesses and social movements. High school students with Mesa County Valley School District 51 are eligible to receive elective credit for participation.

Over the course of the program, students:

• Brainstorm business ideas
• Write a business plan
• Interact with business professionals
• Pitch their business plan to potential “investors” (think Shark Tank meets the Apprentice meets American Idol)
• Obtain funding
• Legally register their businesses
• Participate in a Trade Show
• Actually launch their own businesses or social movements

Why Apply?

This program offers students the chance to:

• Develop the skills necessary to launch their own business or social movement
• Learn about real businesses — why they succeed or fail
• Hear from local entrepreneurs
• Launch their own business or social movement
• Become more confident in their ideas and abilities

Organization of the Program

YEA! classes meet January through May, for three hours weekly (with the exception of school breaks). Applications are accepted from students in grades 6–12.

Students are taught by an instructor and exposed to guest lecturers, successful entrepreneurs, and business mentors. The class goes on field trips to local businesses and participates in three major events:

• The Investor Panel
• Trade Show
• Formal Graduation Ceremony

Student Selection Process

To apply for YEA!, students must:

• Fill out the YEA Student Application
• Complete the essay and short answer questions
• Submit their transcripts
• Submit a letter of recommendation

Once the completed application packet is received, students will be asked to come in for an interview. Acceptance is based on all aspects of the application and the personal interview. Prior experience with business is not required!

How Business Professionals Can Get Involved

Through their interactions with business professionals, YEA! students gain some of the most important knowledge and experience they need to succeed. Local professionals volunteer their time and expertise as:

• Guest Speakers
• Mentors & Investors
• Graphic Designers
• Field Trip Hosts
• Business Plan Reviewers

Nominate a Student

As business leaders, we encourage you to nominate creative, motivated students who pursue their goals with tenacity. Nominated students should have a strong work ethic, demonstrate high levels of effort, and have an interest in business or starting their own company or social movement.

A limited number of scholarships are available. Please be aware that the nomination of a student does not guarantee a scholarship.