By David Seduski | Development Associate
NFTE Philadelphia’s summer programming, which included some inspirational mentoring sessions, has recently come to a close. Although our microproject on GlobalGiving did not reach out fundraising goal, your contributions helped provide access to local business mentors for our young entrepreneurs. Today’s youth need a mindset that equips them to recognize opportunity, take initiative, and innovate in the face of challenges. Part of that involves hearing from entrepreneurs who have the firsthand knowledge of the hard work that goes into creating and running a business. These volunteers lend their guidance with business development and financial advice, which our students in turn use to help create a business plan for a new venture of their own. Whether our mentors serve as classroom volunteers, guest speakers, or guides on field trips to local businesses, the experience they can impart on NFTE’s students is tremendously valuable to their continued business education.
The winners of NFTE Philadelphia’s 8th Annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, Shemar C. and Aissata C. worked closely with their mentors to craft a winning business plan. The co-founders have created an innovative solution to one of life’s peskiest annoyances: tangled headphone cords. Rap-It-Up, their new device, is a phone case with a specially tailored groove on the side to allow headphones to be easily wrapped, secured and remain tangle-free. Not only are they alleviating a universal and day-to-day frustration but the team also plans to donate portions of their profits to music programs in developing countries - truly giving back to their worldwide community. Shemar and Aissata attribute their newfound opportunity recognition, risk-taking and networking skills to their time spent in the NFTE classroom. Ever since advancing to the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge with their victory in the Philadelphia Region, they have been working with local mentors weekly in order to fine tune their pitch. With an additional $25,000 in scholarships and prizes on the line, the additional advice should prove vital.
Shemar and Aissata’s success reaffirms NFTE Philadelphia’s mission to reach and teach more young people about the unlimited possibilities of entrepreneurship. Thank you again for your donations through the GlobalGiving platform.
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