The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is gearing up to teach middle and high school students the ropes when it comes to starting and running their very own legal and real businesses.

On Tuesday, June 20, starting at 6:30 pm, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce will host the first of three Young Entrepreneurs Academy Information Sessions for students in grades 6-12, their families, and local business leaders about YEA!, a 30 week program that guides middle and high school students through launching and running their own real businesses or social movements! The first event will be held at the Chamber of Commerce, located at 416 N. Ashley Street, Valdosta.

“We are in the thick of student recruitment for YEA! classes starting this fall! If you know of any middle or high school students who have a BIG idea, or who have always wanted to learn how to make a job rather than just take a job, we would love to meet them at our Information Night for students and parents,” commented DeWayne Johnson, YEA! Program Manager.

YEA! applications will be available at the event. Attendees will learn about the structure, curriculum, and student application process for the program, as well as how business leaders can get involved as a mentor, guest speaker, field trip host, or investor. Business leaders and interested community volunteers are welcome. This event is free and open to the public.

Interested attendees should call 229-588-0866 to register.

YEA! teaches students how to pursue their passions, and give them the tools when it comes to starting their own business ventures and social movements! Students learn skills they can apply in all areas of life, receive start-up capital for their business ideas, and have the chance to win college scholarships!

“The YEA! program has been a success for students all across the country, and we couldn’t be happier to be offering this program to our area’s young students this fall,” said Myrna Ballard, President Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about the event or how to nominate a student, please contact DeWayne or Amanda Johnson at [email protected] or (229) 588-0866. For interested students, the local YEA! application can be filled out and submitted online at www.yeausa.org.