Purpose to Profit

Youth Entrepreneurship & Business Launch Program

Purpose to Profit is a hands-on entrepreneurship program that helps youth turn their ideas into real businesses. Over the course of the program, students learn practical business skills while actively developing their own products or services.

Participants are guided through every step of the entrepreneurial journey—from discovering their purpose and creating a business idea to pricing, marketing, and managing profits.

The program combines structured lessons with hands-on creation time so students leave with real experience, not just theory.

Program structure:

Schedule: 2 days per week

Duration: 14 weeks

Session length: 2 hours per day

Format: 1 hour of instruction + 1 hour of hands-on business building

What students learn:

Turning passions into business ideas

Pricing and profit basics

Budgeting and money management

Marketing and branding

Customer service and sales skills

Program highlights:

Mentorship from instructors and peer mentors

Real-world business experience

Youth Business Fair to showcase and sell products

Selected students may receive up to $500 in startup funding to launch their businesses

Ages: 10 to 23

The YCA Youth Diversion Program provides a positive alternative for youth who are referred by schools, community organizations, or justice-system partners. Instead of punishment alone, this program focuses on education, accountability, and personal growth.

Through structured sessions, youth gain the tools they need to make better decisions, build confidence, and create a more positive path forward.

Program structure:

Schedule: 1–2 days per week

Session length: 1–2 hours per session

Format: Individual or small-group sessions

Duration: Customized based on referral requirements

What youth learn:

Financial literacy and money habits

Decision-making and accountability

Goal setting and future planning

Communication and conflict resolution

Positive peer influence

Program highlights:

Supportive, non-judgmental environment

Mentorship from trained facilitators and peer mentors

Real-life financial and life skills

Reflections and completion certificates (when required)

Referral sources:

Schools

Community organizations

Probation or justice-system partners

District Attorney diversion initiatives

Ages: 10 –18

Money Moves & Mindset is Youth Capital Academy’s core financial literacy program designed to teach youth how money works in the real world. Through fun, relatable, and interactive lessons, students learn the skills they need to make smarter financial decisions now and in the future.

The program uses games, real-life scenarios, group discussions, and peer mentors to create an engaging learning environment that feels different from traditional classrooms.

Program structure:

Schedule: 1–2 days per week

Session length: 1.5 hours per session

Format: Workshops or multi-week program series

Duration: Flexible based on partner needs

What students learn:

Needs vs. wants

Budgeting using the 50/30/20 rule

Saving and spending habits

How to avoid common money mistakes

Introduction to credit and financial responsibility

Real-life financial decision-making

Program highlights:

Interactive budgeting games

Real-world financial scenarios

Youth-friendly and culturally relevant lessons

Peer mentors to keep sessions relatable

Hands-on activities and discussions

Ages: 9–23

Empowerment Program

Life Skills, Confidence & Leadership Development

The YCA Empowerment Program helps youth build confidence, character, and the life skills they need to succeed in school, relationships, and their future careers. This program focuses on personal growth, leadership, and decision-making in a supportive and engaging environment.

Through group discussions, interactive activities, and mentorship, students learn how to overcome challenges, set goals, and develop a strong sense of self-worth.

Program structure:

Schedule: 1–2 days per week

Session length: 1–1.5 hours per session

Format: Workshops or multi-week program series

Duration: 1 ½ HOURS

What youth learn:

Goal setting and future planning

Confidence and self-worth

Emotional awareness and self-control

Communication and conflict resolution

Leadership and teamwork

Positive decision-making

Program highlights:

Safe, supportive group environment

Mentorship from facilitators and peer mentors

Interactive activities and discussions

Real-life scenarios and reflection exercises

Ages: 8 - 23