Youth entrepreneurship program grows across region – DiscoverAirdrie.com

YELL Canada, a registered Canadian charity equipping youth with entrepreneurial and career-ready skills, has announced the expansion of its accredited entrepreneurship program for Airdrie and the surrounding communities.

According to a City of Airdrie press release, YELL first launched in Airdrie at Bert Church High School in the 2021/2022 school year with 21 students. Just three years later, the program has grown to one class at Bert Church High School and one class at W.H. Croxford High School in Airdrie, one class at Bow Valley High School in Cochrane, and two classes at STEM Innovation Academy in Calgary and serving close to 150 students across the region.

“Through YELL’s flagship Enterprise 20/30 program, students earn graduation credits while experiencing the real-world journey of launching a business. Working in teams, they identify problems, develop solutions, and present venture pitches to local business leaders. Along the way, they build critical skills in problem solving, communication, creativity, leadership, and resilience – skills they will carry into post-secondary education, the workforce, and their communities.”

Last school year, YELL engaged nearly 30 volunteers in Airdrie and the surrounding area. With the program expanding, demand is increasing, and they are now looking for more than 50 volunteers to serve as guest speakers, mentors, judges, and hosts for field trips and pitch events.

“Our vision is to connect students with the business community around them. By sharing stories, providing mentorship, and opening doors to new opportunities, local entrepreneurs play a crucial role in preparing youth for the future of work,” said Katty Wang, Director of National Operations at YELL Canada.

According to the press release, as YELL grows in Airdrie and Alberta, the organization is seeking partnerships with local entrepreneurs, businesses, and community groups to support the next generation of innovators.

The city shared that opportunities to get involved include: 

• Guest Speakers – Share your entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned with students directly in the classroom. 
• Mentors – Guide and support student venture teams as they develop their ideas. 
• Business Field Trips – Host a class at your workplace or provide space for students to hold their capstone pitch competition outside of the classroom. 
• Community Connections – Introduce students to local resources, such as programs offered by Airdrie Economic Development, that can guide them when they are ready to take their ventures beyond the classroom

Marilyne Aalhus, the Executive Director of the Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce, is excited to see a program like this.

“For kids to be out there and thinking of their dreams and their future aspirations, this program is just the right way to set them up for success long term.’

Aalhus explained that she will be speaking to a Rocky View Schools classroom to meet the students and the future business leaders.

“I encourage people to learn more about the program. Obviously, if students are in the schools where it’s being offered, we look forward to seeing those numbers grow as youth continue to learn more about business leadership and potentially owning a business one day.”

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