Founded by Cheryl Ellis-Taylor
The Youth Entrepreneurship & Leadership Academy (YELA) is more than a program—it’s a legacy. Designed to equip both youth and adults with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive,
YELA provides two paths: YELA Youth and YELA Pro.
YELA PRO: BUILD. PITCH. OWN YOUR FUTURE.
In just 6 weeks, you won't just learn business—you'll live it. You'll walk away with more than knowledge. You'll walk away transformed.
Leadership &
Business Foundations
Lead with purpose. Build with strategy. Stop dreaming—start doing.
Vision &
Financial Confidence
Know your worth. Fund your dream. Understand credit, cash flow, and capital like a founder—not a follower.
Mental Wellness Tools
Great creators don't just survive pressure—they thrive in it. Learn resilience that lasts.
Branding & Storytelling
Your story is your superpower. We'll teach you to tell it so the world can't scroll past.
Pitch Like a Pro
Command the room. Win the room. Make them believe—because you already do.
Certificate &
Lifelong Network
Graduate with a certificate, connections, and the confidence that you belong at the table.
And yes—your journey ends with a Capstone Pitch Showcase.
Present your business to real judges. Earn your Certificate of Completion.
The top idea wins a $500 grant—and ongoing mentorship from industry leaders.
YELA Youth:
Inspiring the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
The Youth Entrepreneurship & Leadership Academy (YELA Youth) is where vision meets action. Designed for ambitious teens ages 13–18, YELA Youth empowers participants to turn their ideas into real-world ventures while developing the leadership, confidence, and business skills they’ll need to thrive.
Over six weeks, students learn how to think like entrepreneurs, collaborate with peers, and bring innovative solutions to life — all while being mentored by experienced business professionals.
🚀 What Students Learn
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Entrepreneurship Basics: How to identify a problem, develop an idea, and turn it into a business model.
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Financial Literacy: Budgeting, startup costs, and how to fund a business.
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Branding & Marketing: Building a personal brand and promoting a business through social media.
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Leadership & Teamwork: Communication, problem-solving, and collaboration in real-world settings.
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Pitch & Presentation Skills: Delivering confident, professional business presentations.
🎓 Why YELA Youth Works
YELA isn’t just another summer camp — it’s a hands-on incubator for young innovators. Students complete the program with:
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A business plan they can launch immediately
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Confidence in public speaking and financial planning
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A network of mentors and like-minded peers
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A certificate of completion for their future resumes and college applications
🗓️ Next Cohort: Summer 2026
Our 2nd Cohort begins July 2026, continuing the mission of building confident, capable young entrepreneurs.
Classes will be offered virtually, with weekly interactive sessions and mentor-guided projects.
📍 Location: Virtually via Google Meet
🕓 Duration: 6 Weeks | 1–2 sessions per week
