The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is accepting applications from local middle and high school students interested in participating in the year-long, after-school program that aims to help young people start and run their own real businesses.

The program was developed at the University of Rochester a decade ago, and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber introduced it to the Pierce County community in 2013 (see “Young Entrepreneurs Academy: 8 local students earn CEO diplomas,” Tacoma Daily Index, June 5, 2014; and “Young Entrepreneurs Academy: 5 Tacoma students earn investment cash,” Tacoma Daily Index, May 9, 2014). The Young Entrepreneurs Academy shows students how to brainstorm business ideas, write business plans, interact with business professionals, pitch their business plans to potential investors, secure funding, legally register their businesses, participate in a trade show, and launch their businesses.

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is accepting applications for the Class of 2015-2016. Classes meet at Stadium High School, located at 111 N. E St., between 6:30 a.m. and 7:20 a.m., Tuesday through Thursday between November and June. Students must be creative, energetic, motivated, and interested in entrepreneurship. Applications must be submitted by Fri., Oct. 30. More information is available online here.