The year was 1991, and two entrepreneurs in Wichita, Kansas, unknowingly stood at the helm of an educational revolution. Observing a need in their local high schools, Charles and Liz Koch funneled their entrepreneurial passion into a platform where students could gain the skills and confidence to pursue productive, fulfilling lives. Youth Entrepreneurs began as an eight-week program, eventually expanding into a yearlong, accredited course and experiential adventure for students in high school. More than 25 years later, YE has inspired thousands of high school students across the nation to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
YE ignites a passion for business education and entrepreneurship, and provides the practical experience necessary to apply it to real life situations.
Our Curriculum
YE opens the door to economic empowerment and places students on a path to prosperous futures for themselves and their communities.
YE Academy
YE transforms mindsets by opening students’ eyes to the opportunities that surround them, and then giving them the necessary tools to go after them.
Success Stories
We have seen nearly double the graduation rates of YE students versus non-YE students in some of our schools. According to our 2016-2017 student survey:
Values are the very principles that guide our behavior, and we believe ours are integral in leading students and alumni to fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Take responsibility for your own life. No one will ever be as concerned about your success as you.
Always act with integrity, respect and toleration.
Seek and use the best knowledge, drive change that benefits others, and exemplify humility and intellectual honesty.
Respect the rights of others and study the links between freedom, entrepreneurship and societal well-being.
Find fulfillment in your life by improving the lives of others.
You make your own opportunities.
Use economic thinking to create the greatest benefit while using the least resources.
Cooperation creates real value in society – for yourself and others.