NEW YORK, NY,  July 13, 2026. — Youthful Savings (YS) is pleased to bring its flagship custom program, Invest in Youth: Youth Entrepreneurship for a More Inclusive Global Economy, to hundreds of New York City youth through the Summer Youth Employment Program by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development. This program will offer youth the ability to learn about financial literacy, new business development, college readiness, and career readiness in a collaborative and supportive environment. This initiative collaborates with leading organizations in New York City, including BronxWorks, Catholic Charities, Children’s Aid, and St. Nicks Alliance. The My Own Business Challenge, an award-winning instructor-led course on The Learning Marketplace, will be the focus of this program, delivered by YS-trained educators. 

Youth participants will further develop their knowledge through self-paced learning exercises. Alexander Scott, AVP of Enrollment Management at the College of Staten Island, expressed his thoughts on the program: “Programs like Invest in Youth help young people connect financial literacy, entrepreneurship, college readiness, and career planning in practical ways. By building knowledge and confidence, students are better prepared to make informed decisions and create opportunities for themselves and their communities.” Youth who complete this program will have the opportunity to become youth vendors on the global e-commerce platform Youthful Savings Marketplace (YSM), becoming youth entrepreneurs and contributing to the local and global economy.

As part of the Invest in Youth: Youth Entrepreneurship for a More Inclusive Global Economy program, YS organized a series of Summer Lunch & Learns on July 24, 29, and August 5. The first event will focus on financial literacy through the Financial Literacy 101 learning exercise. Youth will also meet guest speaker Jelani Gandy, VP of Investments at JPMorgan Chase Wealth Management. Next, CUNY Technology HQ partnered with YS to host a college-readiness seminar. Guest speaker Alexander Scott will introduce youth to the college application process and how to use New York City and State financial aid resources. Finally, youth will build career readiness at the CUNY Welcome Center with access to a panel of professionals who will advise them on career success in the age of artificial intelligence. This series of programming aims to guide youth in making informed financial, educational, and career decisions. Through this program, youth learn how to attain financial stability and the empowerment to use their voices for positive socioeconomic change through heart-intelligent leadership.

Youth who fully participate in this program and start their own business on YSM are eligible to receive investment capital through the Youthful Savings Foundation Community Investment Fund. This program enables youth to contribute to the local and community economy through innovation, boosting sales tax revenue, and increasing Gross Domestic Product to help the U.S. economy thrive.