For more than ten years, the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce has focused on helping young people succeed in both their careers and communities. The Chamber highlights its support through programs such as the Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA!) and by hosting the regional National Civics Bee.
The YEA! program guides middle and high school students through starting and running a real business. Over a year, participants develop a product or service, create a business plan, pitch to investors, and bring their ideas to market. The program aims to teach critical thinking, teamwork, creative problem-solving, and accountability. Since its launch in Grand Junction, students have created over 100 businesses through YEA!, with many ventures continuing after the program ends.
Applications are now open for the next group of YEA! participants. The Chamber encourages new students to apply so they can gain experience as entrepreneurs.
In addition to YEA!, the Chamber is the regional host for the National Civics Bee. This competition asks middle school students to demonstrate civics knowledge through essays, live Q&A sessions, and debates. The event seeks to help students engage with current issues and practice sharing their viewpoints publicly.
This year’s Civics Bee includes incentives for classrooms that submit essays as group projects. One class will be chosen for a pizza party and a $250 gift card for classroom supplies. The Chamber hopes these rewards will increase participation and foster civic engagement among more students.
Mark Perna recently visited Grand Junction as a keynote speaker in partnership with the Business Incubator Center and D51 Foundation. He spoke about investing in youth as an investment in the future: “investing in our youth is investing in our future.”
The Chamber states that adults—including parents, teachers, coaches, or employers—should encourage young people to take part in programs like YEA! and the Civics Bee. According to the organization: “These activities not only prepare students to be career ready, but also community ready, giving them the tools, confidence, and perspective to lead with purpose.”
The Chamber says it remains committed alongside partners from education, business, and civic sectors to supporting young people’s development into engaged community members.
