These improved competencies increase the chance of being competitive in the future labor market and stress the importance of staying in school. The 4-H Youth Entrepreneur program is a collaborative effort between schools, businesses, the Family Resource Centers and UConn Cooperative Extension. The after school program provides an opportunity for young people to learn important life skills and attitudes as they work together to develop youth-run businesses. Major collaborators of this project include Danbury Family Resource Center, Danbury Public Schools, Fairfield Rotary, Minority Business Association, Connecticut Post, the Fairfield County Extension Council, and Bridgeport Public Schools. Hands-on activities in employability, life skills, community service, and career exploration complement the Youth Entrepreneur business curriculum.
Qualitative data is collected from teachers, parents, and youth.
For example, one youth who has trouble staying in school stayed late on a regular basis at the program completing t-shirts for sale. The mother called because she didn't believe the child could be involved the intensely in a school project. She said that this program is all her child talks about and is often the reason he goes to school. Improved skills in teamwork, problem solving, money management, decision making, personal responsibility and public speaking.