Your Future Starts Now!

Empowering the Next Generation of Diverse STEM Entrepreneurs.

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A Look Inside the Young Entrepreneur Project.

The Young Entrepreneur Project (YEP) is a part of the STEM Paths Innovation Network (SPIN) that is hands-on and designed to close the opportunity gap for women and BIPOC communities in STEM by teaching STEM skills, entrepreneurship, and social-emotional tools to students. We believe in empowering young innovators to plant, grow, invest, and manifest their dreams.

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 learning, mentorship, and industry exposure, we empower the next generation to build careers that break barriers and create impact. At YEP, students don’t just learn about opportunities they create them.

 
 

What Makes YEP Unique?

Since launching in 2022, YEP has grown from 14 students to 71+ enrolled students enrolled at Cleveland High School, with projections to serve over 100 students this year. We are now an official Career and Technical Education (CTE) course, enabling students to earn elective credits for graduation while gaining practical experience.

🚀 Hands-On Learning: Students run the student store, learning about marketing, inventory, leadership, and problem-solving.

🤝🤝 Industry Connections: Mentorship from professionals, guest speakers, and business owners.

💡 Career Exploration: Exposure to STEM, tech, media, trade industries, and entrepreneurship.

🎯 A Path to Success: Helping students launch businesses, enter trades, or follow creative passions.

“YEP showed me STEM isn’t just labs it’s creativity.”
— YEP Student
 

Meet our Leader

He grew up in Spanaway, Washington, and attended local schools before pursuing a career in education. He attended Evergreen Elementary, Cedarcrest Junior High, and Spanaway Lake High School. Afterward, he earned degrees in General Education and Special Education from the UW and worked as an educator for 13 years. Where he focused primarily on supporting students with emotional and behavioral challenges, both individually and collectively. In addition to his teaching career, he also worked as a professional musician and entrepreneur, discovering a unique opportunity to combine his passions for business and education. 

In 2022, he launched the Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP) to provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need to thrive in STEM industries. The program started with 14 students, seven of whom graduated. Now in its third year, YEP has made a significant impact, reaching over 100 students and becoming an official Career and Technical Education (CTE) course at Cleveland High School, enabling students to register and earn elective credits towards graduation.

“Creating STEM opportunities for youth is more than just a professional endeavor; it’s my personal mission.”
— Joseph Phillips, Program Manager II & Founder of YEP
 

Recent Students & Partners

 
 

More than a program it’s a movement.

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. Hear directly from our students and supporters about the impact of YEP.

“YEP has opened my eyes to career paths I never considered before.”
— YEP Student
 
“Supporting YEP means investing in the future of diverse innovators and leaders.”
— Program Partner

Parent’s FAQ

Need to know more about the Journey in STEM & Entrepreneurship?

Even if you are not sure if YEP is right for your child?

Find answers here.

Bring YEP to Your Community

Expand YEP to your school or district and give students access to real-world STEM and entrepreneurship education.

  • YEP is open to high 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!

  • ✔ 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.

  • 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 expose students to non-traditional STEM careers that do not require a four-year degree.

  • YEP is currently offered as an official Career & Technical Education (CTE) course at Cleveland High School. We also offer workshops and events at partnering schools and community spaces.

  • 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.

  • Enrolling is easy! Click Join YEP Today to complete the registration. If you have additional questions, feel free to contact us for more details.

Interviews with Business Owners

To motivate our young future entrepreneurs and give them some gems along to future business journeys.