YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS PROJECT (YEP)
Your Future Starts Now!
Be a part of the next generation of STEM Entrepreneurs
Overview:
YEP empowers the next generation of diverse STEM entrepreneurs through hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experience. As a STEM Paths Innovation Network (SPIN) program, YEP closes opportunity gaps for women and BIPOC youth by teaching STEM skills, entrepreneurship, and social-emotional development at Cleveland High School. Students gain the confidence, knowledge, and industry exposure needed to launch businesses, explore STEM careers, and build futures that break barriers.
A Look Inside: Young Entrepreneurs Project (YEP)
The Young Entrepreneur Project (YEP) is a hands-on program designed to close the opportunity gap for women and BIPOC communities in STEM. Through STEM education, entrepreneurship training, and social-emotional learning, YEP empowers young innovators to plant, grow, invest in, and manifest their dreams.
“YEP showed me STEM isn’t just labs it’s creativity.”
We are redefining the future of STEM and entrepreneurship. YEP equips high school students, especially women and BIPOC youth with the skills, confidence, and real-world experience to launch businesses, innovate in STEM, and take control of their futures. Through hands-on projects, mentorship, and industry exposure, students don’t just learn about opportunities — they create them.
Want a glimpse into a day in the life of a YEP student?
These videos will walk you through one of the Music softwares we use, the hands-on projects students work on, and what you can expect inside the classroom. Take a look and see the YEP experience for yourself!
YEP Students in Action
Ableton Music Sofware
What Sets the Young Entrepreneur Project Apart and Why It Matters
Since launching in 2022, YEP has grown from just 14 students to more than 71 enrolled at Cleveland High School and is projected to serve over 100 students this year. This rapid growth reflects both the impact of the program and the increasing demand for meaningful STEM and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth.
Now recognized as an official Career and Technical Education (CTE) course at Cleveland High School, YEP enables students to earn elective credits toward graduation while gaining hands-on, career-ready experience. This combination of academic credit, real-world learning, and personalized mentorship sets YEP apart from traditional programs.
There is a clear and urgent need for programs like YEP to ensure students, especially those historically underrepresented in STEM receive the support, exposure, and guidance necessary to pursue their goals and turn their dreams into realities.
Experiences that Empower
Hands-On Learning:
Students manage the school store, gaining skills in marketing, inventory, leadership, and problem-solving.
Industry Connections:
Access to mentors, professionals, guest speakers, and business owners.
Career Exploration:
Exposure to STEM, tech, media, trade industries, and entrepreneurship with a focus on workforce development.
A Path to Success:
Support for launching businesses, entering trades, or pursuing creative passions.
YEP is more than a program—it’s a powerful movement transforming lives.
Our students, mentors, and partners have seen firsthand how hands-on learning and real-world experience transform futures. From launching businesses to discovering new career paths, YEP equips young innovators with the tools to succeed.
Learn from our students and Program Manager about the impact of YEP.
A glimpse into mentorship at YEP
Meet the Voices Behind YEP
Our Students - Cleveland High School
“YEP has opened my eyes to career paths I never considered before.”
Hear directly from YEP students as they share their businesses and the support they gained through the program.
Our Leader - Joseph Phillips
He grew up in Spanaway, Washington, and spent his school years at Evergreen Elementary, Cedarcrest Junior High, and Spanaway Lake High. From an early age, he knew he wanted to make a difference through education. That passion led him to the University of Washington, where he earned degrees in General Education and Special Education. For 13 years, he dedicated himself to teaching, working closely with students facing emotional and behavioral challenges, both one-on-one and in the classroom.
But teaching is only part of his story. Alongside the classroom, he pursues his creative side as a professional musician and entrepreneur, finding ways to bring together his love for business, music, and education. In 2022, he took this passion to the next level by joining SPIN and launching the Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP)—a program built to give young innovators the tools, guidance, and confidence they need to thrive in STEM and business.
“Creating STEM opportunities for youth is more than just a professional endeavor; it’s my personal mission.”
Joseph Phillips, Founder and Program Manager of the Young Entrepreneurs Project (YEP)
Our Partners
Our partners are the backbone of our program, providing students with the resources and support they need to chase their dreams. Thank you to all of our partners for believing in our students and making this project possible!
“Supporting YEP means investing in the future of diverse innovators and leaders.”
Local Business Owners
Advice for young people who want to start their own businesses—tips and insights to inspire our future entrepreneurs and share valuable lessons for their business journeys.
Questions about YEP? Find Your Answers Below
Who Eligeble to Join YEP?
YEP is open to ClevelandHigh School students (grades 9-12) who are interested in learning about entrepreneurship, STEM careers, and business development. There are no GPA or prior experience requirements—just a passion for learning and creativity!
Where do programs take place?
What Are the Benefits of Enrolling in YEP?
- Hands-on experience running a business and learning financial literacy.
- Exposure to career paths in STEM, creative fields, and entrepreneurship.
- Industry mentorship from professionals and business owners.
- College & career readiness by developing leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Elective credit (for participating schools) towards high school graduation.
Does YEP support students who don't want to go to college?
Yes! YEP is designed to help students explore multiple career paths, including starting their own business, entering a trade, or pursuing creative professions. While college is an option, we also expose students to non-traditional STEM careers that do not require a four-year degree.
How much does it cost to join YEP?
YEP is completely free for participating students! Thanks to funding from our partners and sponsors, students receive all program materials, mentorship, and hands-on experiences at no cost.
Have additional questions or want to bring YEP to your Community?
Fill Out the Form Below!