The onset of Spring 2023 marks the commencement of a highly motivated cohort, eager to explore their passions and foster creativity while simultaneously cultivating employability skills.
The Youthful Impact program, an 8-week community-driven entrepreneurship initiative, equipped youth with foundational skills, as well as industry-recognized certifications, in order to prepare them for the challenges of life ahead. This mini-MBA program aims to address the impact of COVID-19 on young individuals by enabling them to create ventures that will facilitate their academic and professional goals.
The Youthful Impact entrepreneurial-mindset program increases their curiosity and performance on related school activities, work opportunities, and skills-building certificates.
Our previous cohorts, comprising of individuals between the ages of 14 to 24, have successfully identified their passions, identified pertinent issues within those areas, and formulated innovative solutions that are presented to their respective communities. Our program goes beyond developing sound business acumen and knowledge by emphasizing the significance of 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration.
Here is why youth are interested in entrepreneurship:
Independence and Flexibility: One of the primary reasons why youth are interested in entrepreneurship is because it allows them to be their own boss and have control over their own schedule. They can work from anywhere, set their own hours, and be in charge of their own success.
Opportunity for Innovation: Young people are often full of fresh ideas and are not afraid to take risks. Entrepreneurship provides a platform for them to turn these ideas into reality and create something new and innovative.
Potential for High Financial Returns: Entrepreneurs have the potential to earn a lot of money if their business succeeds. Young people are attracted to the possibility of financial success and the freedom that it can provide.
Making a Positive Impact: Many young people are interested in entrepreneurship because it allows them to make a positive impact on the world. They can create products or services that solve problems and improve people’s lives.
Personal Growth and Development: Starting a business requires a lot of hard work, determination, and resilience. Many young people are interested in entrepreneurship because it provides an opportunity for personal growth and development, as they learn new skills and overcome challenges.
These are the typical reasons shared in research and programs around the world. We know youth have a variety of experiences, needs, and interests, so we decided to take a closer look in one city.
Top Five Reasons Why Youth are Interested in Entrepreneurship in Bridgeport
In March 2023, we surveyed over 300 youth in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Upon being asked to identify the top reasons for exploring entrepreneurship, the majority of our participants identified being creative as their top priority. Our youth yearn to utilize their skills and abilities to create projects that are meaningful and relevant. Another prominent reason for selecting the Youthful Impact program is to engage in projects that provide invaluable work experience, thereby helping them prepare and self-advocate during job interviews and college applications.
The spring 2023 cohort in Connecticut consists of youth between the ages of 15 to 16, with all members being under the age of 21 years old. Here are the top reasons why they selected Youthful Impact.
- To be creative, e.g. using my skills and abilities to make something
- To work on a project that provides work experience and helps me with a job interview or college applications
- To be more independent (be my own boss or CEO) with a job I enjoy
- To develop my communication and leadership skills
- To make a difference and to show how I can solve a problem in my life or community
The entrepreneurial-mindset helps youth thrive. Youth are looking for the opportunity to be creative and to work on projects that build work skills. Youthful Impact is pleased to help them build their employability skills.
