Young Entrepreneurs Academy

​The Young Entrepreneurs Academy, or YEA!, is a class that teaches students between 11 and 18 years old how to start and run their own business, or non-profit organization. The class meets weekly for 25 weeks and is offered locally at Penn State Altoona’s Sheetz Entrepreneurial Center. Dates, times and a schedule of classes are below. 

The YEA! class provides students with introductions to local entrepreneurs and business leaders; exciting field trips to businesses for a behind-the-scenes experience; and meetings with attorneys, accountants, marketing professionals, graphic designers, manufacturers, internet specialists, and more. All of the resources that students need to start their own businesses are provided—students just need the drive, motivation and enthusiasm to make it happen!

Students will prepare a real business plan and pitch their plan to investors for funding. Think “Shark Tank” meets “The Apprentice”—the YEA! class teaches students how to embrace their passion, live their dream, and change the world.

Classes meet weekly for 3 hours but not during school breaks or holidays. The YEA! class meets during the school day, beginning in October and ending in April. A college scholarship competition takes place in May. Students enrolled in the YEA! classes compete for college scholarships in the Saunders Scholars Bright Ideas Business Plan Competition.  

​Tuition for this prestigious program is $395 before September 1 and $495 after September 1 with limited partial scholarships available.

​If you would like your child to apply, or to hear more about YEA!, call the Chamber at 814-943-8151, email [email protected], or click here to apply for the YEA! program.