Latest news with #JuniorAchievement
Forbes
25-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
3 Ways Teens Can Turn Hobbies Into Profitable Side Hustles
teen girl working on for her side job The teenager sketching designs in her notebook during her lunch break isn't just doodling—she's developing skills that could become the foundation of her first business. For teens seeking alternatives to traditional part-time jobs, transforming hobbies into profitable side hustles offers flexibility, higher earning potential, and valuable entrepreneurial experience. After working with over 10,000 young entrepreneurs through WIT (Whatever It Takes) since 2009, I've seen teens successfully monetize everything from digital art to music production to handmade crafts. At WIT, we help teens transform their interests into viable businesses by providing mentorship, resources, and the support needed to turn hobbies into income-generating ventures. Research from Junior Achievement indicates that 66% of teens aged 13-17 express an interest in starting their businesses as adults. Rather than waiting until after college, teens can begin testing these entrepreneurial impulses now while building skills that complement their academic learning and strengthen college applications. Why Teen Side Hustles Beat Traditional Jobs Hobby-based side hustles offer teens several advantages over conventional part-time employment. Unlike retail or food service jobs with rigid schedules, side hustles adapt to academic calendars, sports seasons, and family commitments. A teen can scale up production during winter break and reduce hours during finals week. More importantly, teens already possess deep knowledge of their chosen activities. The teenager who's been editing TikTok videos for two years understands current trends and editing techniques better than most adults. This existing expertise creates a competitive advantage that translates directly into marketable skills. Side hustles also eliminate many barriers that prevent teens from working traditional jobs. No transportation to a workplace, no minimum age requirements for specific positions, and no conflicts with extracurricular activities that colleges value. The College Application Edge Admissions committees now prioritize unique accomplishments over standard club memberships. Running your venture—even a small one—signals self-direction and practical problem-solving abilities that most high school activities can't match. Essays become more compelling when students can describe real challenges they solved independently. Instead of writing about "what I learned from student government," applicants can discuss navigating their first demanding customer or developing pricing strategies that worked. These concrete experiences create memorable application materials. Colleges increasingly value students who demonstrate initiative and create tangible value. A teenager who built a successful tutoring business demonstrates the entrepreneurial mindset that admissions officers recall long after reviewing hundreds of similar applications. Side Hustle #1: Turn Creative Skills Into Client Services Creative hobbies naturally translate into service-based businesses that cater to local markets. Teens skilled in photography, graphic design, video editing, or social media management can offer these capabilities to small businesses and individuals who need professional-quality work but lack the budget for established agencies. The key is to position skills as solutions to specific problems rather than offering generic services. Instead of advertising "graphic design," a teen might offer "Instagram content packages for local boutiques" or "graduation photo sessions for families." Getting started: Create a portfolio showcasing 3-5 examples of your best work. Reach out to 10 local businesses with a specific offer: "I'll create five social media posts for your restaurant for $75." Start with companies you frequently visit or where family and friends work. Side Hustle #2: Transform Making Into Selling Crafting hobbies like jewelry making, woodworking, baking, or creating custom apparel can generate substantial income when approached strategically. The challenge isn't developing products—it's understanding what customers want and where to find them. Successful teen makers focus on specific niches. A teen who enjoys making friendship bracelets might target college-bound students looking for dorm room accessories or create custom pieces for sports teams and school clubs. The production approach matters too. Rather than making items one at a time, develop systems for creating multiple products efficiently. This might mean designing template variations, batch-producing components, or offering customizable base products with different color options. Getting started: Make 15-20 items and test them at a local farmers market, craft fair, or through Instagram posts. Pay attention to which products generate the most questions and compliments. Use this feedback to refine your product line before investing in larger inventory. Side Hustle #3: Monetize Your Knowledge Through Teaching Teaching or tutoring represents one of the most scalable hobby-based businesses for teens. Whether it's music lessons, art instruction, coding tutorials, or academic tutoring, teens can monetize the knowledge they've developed through years of personal interest and practice. This side hustle offers exceptional flexibility—lessons can happen after school, on weekends, or during school breaks. Online platforms significantly expand the potential market. A teen skilled in digital art can offer virtual lessons to students anywhere, while someone who plays guitar can teach through video calls. The advantage goes beyond immediate income. Teaching builds communication skills, reinforces your knowledge, and creates a professional network that proves valuable for college recommendations and future opportunities. Getting started: Identify one specific skill you could teach and define your ideal student. Create a simple lesson plan for a 4-week course covering basic concepts. Offer this course to 3-5 students at a discounted rate to gather testimonials and refine your teaching approach. Scaling up: As you gain experience, consider creating digital courses, writing instructional guides, or partnering with local community centers to offer classes. Many teen tutors eventually build waiting lists of students wanting to work with them. Making It Work: Side Hustle Practical Implementation The difference between teens who dream about side hustles and those who earn money comes down to treating the venture seriously from the start. This means establishing simple business practices that support growth rather than hoping customers will magically appear. Start with systems: Create basic methods for tracking income and expenses, scheduling appointments, and communicating with customers. Even simple spreadsheets and calendar apps can effectively handle most teen businesses. Price with confidence: Many teens undervalue their work because they feel inexperienced. Remember that customers pay for results, not years of experience. If your photography looks professional, charge accordingly. Build gradually: Start small with friends and family, then expand through referrals and word of mouth. Most successful teen side hustles grow organically rather than through expensive advertising. Getting Side Hustle Support: Resources That Help While teens can certainly launch hobby-based businesses independently, having guidance significantly increases success rates. Programs like WIT specialize in helping teens navigate the transition from hobby to business by providing mentorship, practical resources, and connections to other young entrepreneurs. These programs teach more than business basics—they help teens identify which aspects of their hobbies have real commercial potential and develop sustainable systems for growth. The combination of individual passion with structured support often produces the strongest outcomes. For teens ready to take their hobbies to the next level, seeking out mentorship and educational resources accelerates the learning process, helping them avoid common mistakes that often derail many first-time entrepreneurs. Side Hustle Skills That Transfer Beyond immediate income, hobby-based side hustles teach teens capabilities that serve them throughout their lives. These ventures develop financial literacy, customer service skills, time management, and creative problem-solving in ways that traditional part-time jobs rarely match. Most importantly, teens who successfully monetize their hobbies develop confidence in their ability to create value and solve problems. This entrepreneurial mindset—seeing opportunities where others see obstacles—prepares them for a future where adaptability and innovation matter. For teens with hobbies they genuinely enjoy, now represents the perfect time to test whether those interests can generate real income. The worst outcome is learning valuable lessons about business and yourself. The best outcome might be discovering a passion that shapes your future career while building financial independence during your high school years. The question isn't whether your hobby is marketable enough to become a side hustle. The question is whether you're ready to find out.
Associated Press
09-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
FedEx Cultivates Young Entrepreneurs at the 2025 FedEx/JA International Trade Challenge
TOKYO, July 9, 2025 /3BL/ - Federal Express Corporation, one of the world's largest express transportation companies, announced the six winners of the 2025 FedEx/Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge (FedEx/JA ITC) Japan Finals. These talented individuals will move forward to compete in the FedEx/JA ITC Asia Pacific regional finals, scheduled for August 2025. For 17 years, FedEx has partnered with JA Japan to nurture the future leaders of Japan's business community. The ITC program involves students in team-based activities and specialized workshops, focusing on global trade, and facilitated by FedEx and JA Japan. This initiative aims to provide young entrepreneurs with essential skills for their future success. This year, the students were challenged to develop a market entry strategy targeting China for a sustainable product that reduces fast fashion waste from returns. Their ideas showcased critical thinking, creativity, and a deep understanding of sustainable business solutions relevant to today's global landscape. The six students who will represent Japan at the regionals are:Names of students: Miki Kamochi, Haruki KawamataSchool location: Tokyo, JapanProduct: DimensionViewProduct presented: A compact stick device that connects to monitors to display clothing images in actual, real-world sizes on screens. This allows online shoppers to view garments in true scale, minimizing sizing errors and contributing to lower return rates. Names of students: Tomoharu Hayakawa, Yui MotoishiSchool location: Tokyo, JapanProduct: SnapFitProduct presented: An app-enabled solution that captures body measurements and applies them to a personalized avatar, allowing users to try on clothing virtually. This tool is designed to reduce return rates caused by inaccurate sizing or mismatched style preferences. Names of students: Sumire Yamamoto, Riyo ShimizuSchool location: Tokyo, JapanProduct: StitchSnapProduct presented: A service that prints photos onto fabric using images submitted by users. Inspired by the fan culture boom in China, users can create customized items like t-shirts and bags with their favorite photos. By utilizing fabric from discarded clothing, this solution also helps reduce textile waste resulting from product returns. At the regional finals in Singapore, the winners from Japan will be paired with students from other markets and compete against finalists from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. This offers a unique opportunity for Japanese students to collaborate, exchange ideas, and engage in constructive discussions with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds. 'We are truly impressed by the creativity and dedication displayed by all of the ITC student participants this year. Their critical thinking skills and ability to develop innovative solutions highlight their potential as future business leaders for Japan and the global community,' said Ken McMahon, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific Customer Solutions & Special Services, FedEx. 'The FedEx/JA ITC program is an important step in helping students develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of the global marketplace and an increasingly uncertain future.' Since its introduction to Japan in 2008, FedEx/JA ITC has continued to strengthen its commitment to helping students better understand the nuances of international trade. So far, the program has attracted over 2,400 high school students. More information about the 2025 FedEx/JA ITC can be found on the JA Japan website Click here to learn about FedEx Cares, our global community engagement program. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from FedEx
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
AI And Entrepreneurship Education: Preparing Students To Lead
preparing students to lead in an AI-driven world Research indicates a fivefold increase in demand for AI skills, yet most schools still ban the use of ChatGPT. A recent survey found that 70% of graduates believe generative AI should be integrated into coursework, and more than half said they felt unprepared for the workforce. At the same time, 66% of teens aged 13-17 express interest in starting their own businesses, according to Junior Achievement data. The disconnect is apparent: students want to build careers around emerging technology, but traditional education isn't teaching them how. While schools debate AI policies, forward-thinking programs are already training middle schoolers to launch AI-powered ventures and solve real problems. They're not preparing students for tomorrow's job market. They're teaching them to create it. Real-World Learning Replaces Theoretical Education The most effective programs abandon traditional classroom simulations in favor of authentic business creation. Students don't earn grades—they gain customers, revenue, and practical skills that transfer directly to college applications and future careers. At WIT (Whatever It Takes), which I started in 2009, teens launch actual businesses and social movements that address real community problems. In the college-credit programs, students pitch for actual prize money, receive real-time coaching from successful entrepreneurs, and develop presentations that have landed participants in major publications. We ask participants one question: "What problem are you passionate about solving?" We then provide the tools, mentorship, and structure to help them build effective solutions. WIT has worked with over 10,000 young people, providing leadership and entrepreneurial education through hands-on experience. The results speak volumes—our alumni consistently report higher confidence levels, stronger college applications, and clearer career direction compared to peers who only engage in traditional academic activities or simulation business programs. This shift toward authentic learning experiences isn't limited to K-12 education. As the demand for AI skills explodes across industries, universities are also abandoning traditional lecture-based models in favor of programs that prepare students to create rather than just consume technology. Universities Embrace AI Integration University of South Florida (USF) made history as the first university in Florida—and among the first nationally—to create an entire college dedicated to AI and cybersecurity. The Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing will welcome 3,000 students this fall, with plans to double enrollment in the first five years. The timing reflects urgent market demands. Research indicates a fivefold increase in demand for AI skills in U.S. jobs, while more than 40% of organizations report being unable to find enough qualified cybersecurity professionals. The National Science Foundation awarded over $800 million for AI-related research in a single year. "As AI and cybersecurity quickly evolve, the demand for professionals skilled in these areas continues to grow," USF President Rhea Law explained. "Through the expertise of our faculty and our strong partnerships with the business community, the University of South Florida is strategically positioned to be a global leader in these fields." Dr. John Licato, Associate Professor at The Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing, puts this educational shift in perspective: 'AI and cybersecurity already touch every single job on earth. Universities everywhere are trying to incorporate these technologies into their programs so students can practically leverage them, but at the same time further develop their own critical thinking and reasoning.' USF Provost Dr. Prasant Mohapatra told me, "We're not just producing job seekers—we're producing job creators." The college leverages USF's existing strengths—approximately 200 faculty members already conduct research in related disciplines—while positioning the Tampa Bay region as a technology hub. USF's bold move breaks from traditional models of higher education. Most universities incorporate AI courses into their existing programs. USF built an entire college around emerging technologies, combining technical training with business education because students need both skills to succeed. Bridging the K-12 AI Knowledge Gap Teenagers already use AI tools regularly. Data shows 63% of U.S. teens use chatbots and text generators for schoolwork. Yet most schools ban these tools or label them as cheating. This creates a problem: students learn AI exists, but not how to use it ethically. WIT created WITY to fill this gap. Our AI platform helps teens develop business ideas and conduct market research to inform their entrepreneurial endeavors. Students learn to work with AI without losing their creativity or critical thinking abilities. USF also works with younger students. The Bellini College offers workshops for K-12 students through partnerships with education programs. These sessions introduce kids to AI concepts through hands-on projects. Dr. Mohapatra shared his philosophy with me: 'We want to show kids that AI isn't something to fear. It's something they can learn to use responsibly and creatively.' AI Success Metrics That Matter Programs that successfully prepare students for an AI-driven economy share several characteristics: Authentic challenges: Students tackle real problems with genuine consequences, not hypothetical scenarios designed for assessment. Interdisciplinary approach: Effective programs integrate technology, business, ethics, and social impact rather than teaching these subjects in isolation. Confidence development: Students learn self-advocacy, self-worth, and self-value through entrepreneurial experiences. These capabilities transfer to college applications, job interviews, and leadership roles. Early exposure: Rather than waiting until senior year, these programs introduce innovative thinking in middle school and early high school. Research supports this approach. A 2022 Gallup survey found that students involved in entrepreneurship programs were 34% more likely to develop leadership skills and 41% more likely to report feeling prepared for future careers. The AI Competitive Advantage Students emerging from these programs possess advantages that traditional education alone cannot provide. They understand how to identify market opportunities, collaborate effectively with AI tools, and communicate their ideas clearly to diverse audiences. College admissions officers increasingly recognize entrepreneurship as a marker of leadership, innovation, and problem-solving ability. Students who can demonstrate how they built something from the ground up bring more than just an application; they get a track record of action. These experiences provide rich material for personal statements and interviews while demonstrating the initiative and resilience that colleges value in their incoming classes. Building Tomorrow's AI-Driven Economy Today Programs that combine AI literacy with entrepreneurial education create an exponential multiplier effect. Students don't just learn to use existing tools—they develop the creative mindset to identify problems that AI can solve and the business acumen to turn those solutions into viable ventures. The students graduating from these programs represent a new breed of innovator. They're not just prepared for an AI-driven economy—they're actively architecting it, armed with both deep technological fluency and the entrepreneurial skills to transform breakthrough ideas into market-changing impact. This represents a fundamental shift in educational philosophy—from preparing students for predetermined career paths in a static economy to empowering them to create entirely new industries and opportunities in our rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Forbes
06-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
5 Business Ideas A Teen Entrepreneur Can Start Today With $0
teen entrepreneur celebrating launching a business Becoming a teen entrepreneur is gaining momentum. According to Junior Achievement, 66% of teens aged 13-17 express an interest in starting their businesses as adults. This shift represents more than a career trend—it signals a generation ready to create opportunities rather than wait for them. Many teenagers assume that starting a business requires a significant amount of capital. That assumption stops them before they begin. The reality? Most successful teen ventures start with existing skills, creativity, and minimal investment. Here are five accessible business models any motivated teen can launch today. 1. Academic Tutoring Services Parents actively seek affordable, reliable tutors who connect with their children, often preferring someone of a similar age who understands the current educational challenges their children face. At WIT (Whatever It Takes), the entrepreneurship program I founded in 2009, we've seen countless teens leverage their academic strengths into profitable tutoring services that require no upfront investment beyond time and expertise. Implementation strategy: Start with subjects where you consistently earn A's or higher. Create a concise one-page overview that highlights your qualifications, approach, and rates. Target families you know who have younger students who need support in your strongest subjects. Pricing approach: Charge $15-$30 per hour, depending on the subject complexity and local market rates. SAT/ACT prep and advanced subjects command higher fees. Virtual sessions eliminate transportation time, allowing you to serve more students efficiently. Growth potential: Secure 5-8 regular students at $20/hour for 2 hours weekly, and you'll generate $800-1,600 monthly. Word-of-mouth referrals drive sustainable growth in this field. 2. Social Media Management For Local Businesses Digital marketing skills that teens naturally develop can help solve real business problems. Many small business owners recognize the importance of social media, but they often lack the time or knowledge to manage it effectively. Service offerings: Content creation, post scheduling, basic graphic design, and community engagement. Focus on platforms where you already have experience, such as Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook. Getting started: Approach local businesses with a concrete proposal: "I'll create and schedule 12 posts for your social media accounts this month for $300." Include before/after examples from practice accounts or volunteer work. Start with one client to perfect your approach and track measurable results. Take screenshots of engagement increases and follower growth numbers. These concrete examples help you land additional clients. Revenue expectations: Managing 3-4 accounts effectively can generate $900-1,200 monthly. 3. Print-On-Demand Product Creation Artistic teens can earn money without having to purchase inventory upfront. Sites like Redbubble, Teespring, and Printful print your designs on products only after customers place an order. You upload artwork, set prices, and earn a percentage of the sale price when items sell. This works well for teens who draw, take photos, or create digital art. Your designs can appear on t-shirts, phone cases, notebooks, and a wide range of other products. Most platforms pay creators 10-20% of each sale. Getting started: Pick one category and stick with it initially. Animal lovers might design cat-themed products. Fitness enthusiasts could create motivational workout quotes. Regular uploads matter more than perfect designs when you're just starting out. Marketing approach: Post your design process on Instagram or TikTok. Join Facebook groups related to your niche. Message micro-influencers about potential collaborations. Building an audience takes months, not weeks, so patience pays off. Revenue expectations: Success varies widely, but consistent creators often earn $200-500 monthly after six months of regular uploads. Popular designs can generate passive income for years. 4. Event Support Services Parties and celebrations always need extra hands. Parents hosting birthday parties, families planning graduations, and organizations running fundraisers often hire teens to help with tasks they can't handle alone. Scaling strategy: Begin with one client to develop systems and prove results. Document engagement improvements and follower growth to attract additional clients. Once you manage 3-4 accounts efficiently, your monthly revenue can reach $900-$ 1,200. 4. Event Support Services Parties and celebrations always need extra hands. Parents hosting birthday parties, families planning graduations, and organizations running fundraisers often hire teens to help with tasks they can't handle alone. Service categories: Pre-event preparation, day-of coordination, entertainment assistance, and post-event cleanup. You can focus on specific areas like party decorating or crowd management for children's events. Client acquisition: Network through family connections, community centers, and local event venues. Create a simple portfolio showing before/after photos of events you've helped organize, even informal family gatherings. Revenue model: Charge $15-25 per hour depending on responsibilities and event complexity. Weekend events often command premium rates. Build relationships with event planners and venues for consistent referral opportunities. 5. Technology Support Services The digital divide presents opportunities for tech-savvy teens to assist seniors and small business owners in navigating modern technology. Services include smartphone setup, social media training, basic computer troubleshooting, and software installation. This business model works particularly well because it builds on skills teens already possess while serving a genuine market need. Many seniors want to stay connected digitally but feel overwhelmed by rapidly changing technology. Service offerings: Device setup, app installation, social media training, video calling instruction, and basic cybersecurity education. Focus on practical skills that improve daily life for your clients. Trust building: Start with family, friends, and neighbors to establish credibility. Request testimonials and referrals from satisfied clients. This business relies heavily on trust and word-of-mouth marketing. Pricing structure: Charge $20-$ 40 per session, depending on complexity and duration. Ongoing support contracts provide steady income—some teens offer monthly check-ins to maintain client relationships. How A Teen Entrepreneur Can Leverage Business Experience For College Running a business gives you stories that make admissions officers stop reading and pay attention. They see thousands of applications from students who played soccer or volunteered at hospitals. Far fewer describe how they built something from scratch. Colleges want students who take initiative and solve problems. Your tutoring business shows you identified a need in your community and figured out how to meet it. Your social media management service proves you can learn new skills and deliver results for clients. When you write about your business experience, skip the revenue numbers. Instead, tell the story of your biggest failure and what you learned from it. Describe the moment you realized your first approach wasn't working and how you pivoted. Explain how you convinced your first customer to trust a teenager with their business. As A Teen Entrepreneur Start Small The most crucial step is beginning. Choose one business model that matches your existing skills and interests. Start small, focus on delivering excellent service to initial clients, and reinvest profits to grow systematically. Your age can be an advantage rather than a limitation. Many customers appreciate working with young entrepreneurs who bring fresh energy and digital fluency to traditional service needs. The key is demonstrating professionalism and reliability regardless of your age. The entrepreneurial skills you develop today—customer service, financial management, marketing, and problem-solving—will serve you throughout your career, whether you continue building businesses or apply these capabilities in other fields.
Calgary Herald
26-06-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Parker: Brian Sidorsky's enterprising success inspired early by Junior Achievement
A large and lively party is being held tonight to celebrate Brian Sidorsky's 80 th birthday, and the 60th anniversary of his company, Lansdowne Equity Ventures. Article content Do the math and it means he's been running his own business since he was 20 years old, yet he was working way before then. Article content A Calgarian through and through, Sidorsky's grandfather left Lithuania to sail to Canada from Liverpool on the same day the Titanic left on her ill-fated voyage across the Atlantic. Article content Article content That meant Sidorsky had five exciting years in the Junior Achievement (JA) program that he says changed the course of his life. Article content Sidorsky said he loved being involved in creating a business in each 16-week program, along with 15 or 20 other kids. He was named president of the JA company that had to come up with an idea, raise capital, manufacture a product, and market it. Article content One was a clip for an ironing board cord that was sold door-to-door and at the Woodward's Trade Fair. Article content Article content At the time, furniture was his passion and using all of the skills he acquired with JA, Sidorsky opened his own 2,000-square-foot store in 1965 on 16 th Avenue N.W. across from Balmoral High School. Article content Within three years he had outgrown the space and was lucky enough to be able to purchase a store on the corner of Centre Street and 16 th Avenue from a gentleman who was about to retire. Article content With no capital, but credit from his good suppliers, Sidorsky loved selling and soon trained another 25 people who were eager to welcome a huge volume of customers attracted by his heavy volume of advertising.
