What motivated me to work with Founders Mark was the ability to leverage their programs to teach kids how to provide for themselves in a climate where everything is taken care of for them. The program helps us break the cycle of dependence and empowers youth to create their own future.

-Jamie Childress, VP of Youth Development, YMCA of South Hampton Roads

Our partnership with Founders Mark has been a game changer. Their innovative curriculum blends academic learning with practical applications that directly contribute to Community Partners while empowering our Fellows to serve, collaborate, and create, and equipping them with career-ready skills that extend beyond the classroom. The sense of purpose and accomplishment that the Founders Mark curriculum has brought to our Fellows is palpable, it is inspiring, and it is reflected in the pride and the enthusiasm that our Community Partners have brought to their collaborations.

— Sara Hart, PI and Program Director, Cal Poly Humboldt College Corps

I learned better leadership skills, time management, and how to plan. I’ve utilized those tools to help plan meetings, town halls, community events, field trips, and now a peer mentoring group at school.

— India, Founders Mark alum, Junior Learning Coach, attending James Madison University

It’s not even about kids starting a business. It’s about them having the confidence to go out and creatively solve a problem that matters to them. That’s what an entrepreneurial mindset is all about.

-Jason Vest, Learning Coach

We were drawn to the concept of empowering youth with the skills and practice that comes from building their own business. The work they did in the program had a direct impact on their preparation for future success.

-Toria Edmonds-Howell, Mayors Youth Academy, Office of Community Wealth Building

Founders Mark allows the students to experiment with the possibilities of business ventures that they may have wondered how to ignite and bring to fruition. It gives them a glimpse of what it would be like to own something and to foster relationships between colleagues at a young age.

— Phaedra T, YMCA Site Director, Richmond, VA

Testimonials