Street Smarts to Business Smarts

Street Smarts to Business Smarts is designed to motivate up to 200 disconnected/at-risk teens to plan for their future through hands-on entrepreneurship-focused experiences. Once enrolled, youth undergo an assessment of basic skills, personal qualities and career interests to develop a personal learning and career plan. S/he will participate in community-based training programs and be linked to a local small businessperson in a mentor/mentee relationship with the potential of a paid internship. The Hartford Office for Youth Services will seek to develop a small venture fund to enable youth who develop a sound business plan to access funds to start their business. The Office will also begin to develop a system of sustainable entrepreneurial programs and opportunities for young people. Participant progress will be measured through individual portfolios documenting skills attainment, education benchmarks, and completion of the training component. NCA/NCF