Pictured: E CITY student Kerubo Isanda interviews with Michael Jorde, from UnitedHealth Group, in the mock interview workshop at the E CITY Boot Camp at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.

It was mission critical for the more than 70 students who participated in Y.O.U.’s annual E CITY Boot Camp at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland on November 3rd.

Students from Horizon Science Academy, Lincoln West Global Studies, Shaw, Thomas W. Harvey, John F. Kennedy, John Adams, and Glenville high schools attended the intensive one-day event. Boot Camp, a significant part of the E CITY curriculum, reinforces the skills youth have been learning and increases the overall effectiveness of Y.O.U.’s entrepreneurship education program. Workshops facilitated by Y.O.U. staff, Federal Reserve employees, and business volunteers included job interviewing, resume writing, and entrepreneurial pitch and presentation tactics. Participants also had the opportunity to tour the Federal Reserve Bank.

Best of all, many students developed a new appreciation for small businesses. “I didn’t expect to hear about how business can help out communities,” Lincoln West Global Studies freshman Rashon Pique explains. “There are people who need things in my community. I think it’s the best place to start.  Then once I’m successful, I can grow my business, but give to my community and make it better. I didn’t know something like that could help so much.”

Over the next few weeks, students will choose the entrepreneurial venture they wish to pursue as a business. They will turn their ideas into business plans, work with staff and volunteer coaches, and make formal presentations to a panel of volunteer judges who select the top entrepreneurs at each high school. These students will compete at the E CITY Young Entrepreneur of the Year Competition next May.

We will be bringing you updates from the classrooms and keeping you informed on progress made by our young entrepreneurs. Stay tuned!