Los Angeles Urban League Youth Biz Camp

Youth Economic Advancement (sponsored by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative

LAUL seeks to address the issue of economic inequality and lack of opportunities for minority students by providing youth entrepreneurship programming. By offering these programs, LAUL aims to empower and equip youth from underserved communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to start and succeed in their own businesses. The goal is to bridge the opportunity gap, promote economic self-sufficiency, and create a pathway for youth to become financially independent, contributing members of their communities. Through entrepreneurship, LAUL aims to foster innovation, job creation, and economic development, ultimately breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering young individuals to shape their own futures. Research has shown entrepreneurship curriculum has a net positive effect on overall academic success.

LAUL's programs address the issue of economic inequality and lack of opportunities for minority students across LA. These programs provide comprehensive entrepreneurship training, mentorship, and resources to young individuals from underserved communities. By equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to start and run their own businesses, LAUL empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to overcome economic barriers and create their own pathways to success. These programs approach the entrepreneurship journey holistically, by providing intensive training, coaching, and mentorship to participants who are ready to launch or scale their businesses. They offer specialized workshops, access to industry experts, networking opportunities, and support in securing funding and resources. LAUL facilitates valuable connections and guidance necessary for long-term success in the business world. Both programs prioritize fostering innovation, creativity, and problem-solving skills among youth, enabling them to navigate economic challenges and build sustainable businesses. By addressing the specific needs and barriers faced by aspiring young entrepreneurs in underserved communities, these programs empower youth to overcome obstacles, create economic opportunities, and contribute to the overall economic growth and prosperity of their communities. 90% of participants completing these programs demonstrate an increase in their entrepreneurial mindset, a measure closely linked to academic success.

The vision for success is to create a thriving ecosystem of young entrepreneurs who are equipped with the necessary skills, resources, and support to launch successful businesses, ultimately leading to a more vibrant and inclusive local economy. The intended impact of these programs is multi-faceted. Firstly, there will be a rise in the number of youth-owned businesses in LA County, fostering innovation, job creation, and economic growth. Secondly, the programs aim to address the economic disparities and systemic barriers faced by underserved communities. By providing entrepreneurship training and mentorship to youth from these communities, LAUL is empowering them to break free from the cycle of poverty and limited opportunities. Furthermore, the success of these programs will lead to a stronger sense of community and collaboration among aspiring entrepreneurs. Finally, the students who complete the program improve their academic success, earning potential, and overall life outcomes.

LAUL utilizes various evaluation methods and collects relevant data to assess program effectiveness and track progress. One key approach is conducting pre- and post-program assessments of participants to gauge changes in their knowledge, skills, and attitudes towards entrepreneurship (entrepreneurial mindset) These assessments include surveys, interviews, and self-assessment tools that capture both qualitative and quantitative data. Additionally, the organization tracks and analyzes program metrics such as the number of participants, businesses launched, revenue generated, jobs created, and sustainability of these businesses over time. These data points provide concrete evidence of the program's impact on youth entrepreneurship and the resulting economic outcomes. The evidence gathered serve as a strong indication of the programs' positive impact on youth entrepreneurship, economic growth, and community development.