YELL (Young
Entrepreneurship and Leadership Launchpad)
Offered at Sutherland Secondary School and Handsworth Secondary School, for Grade 11 and 12 students with an interest in business or who have an entrepreneurial spirit.
Young Entrepreneurship and Leadership Launchpad (YELL) is Canada’s first high school entrepreneurship course eligible for university credit, providing youth with practical tools and experiences they need to succeed in the real world.
Students earn course credits toward graduation while working with teachers and business and community leaders to design a student-led business. The course connects students with some of the top entrepreneurial talent in the Lower Mainland and students will compete in a Venture Challenge in the spring.
The course is split into four modules:
1) Accelerated Learning: The YELL Entrepreneurship 12 program begins with students learning all the core concepts of lean entrepreneurship. YELL teachers cover topics including: design thinking, resiliency training, marketing, financial projections, Business Model Canvas, and more! A diverse selection of inspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders visit classes throughout the semester to share stories and advice
to our budding innovators.
2) Industry Exploration: Local companies and maker labs participate in our YELL program so students can experience the world beyond the classroom and explore different career options. They learn about new technologies, tour unique office spaces and hear from industry professionals.
3)Business Incubator: YELL students form groups, create a business venture together, identify and test assumptions, pivot businesses if necessary, and ultimately prove and validate their concept. Students learn to problem solve together and communicate effectively with their mentor who acts as their guide and a liaison between the team and the broader entrepreneurship community.
4)Venture Challenge: To wrap up the YELL program, classes across the province come together at our annual Venture Challenge. Student teams compete and present their business venture to a panel of judges made up of community members, entrepreneurs and investors. Think of the Venture Challenge as a Dragon’s Den type of experience!
Location and Schedule
YELL is hosted at Sutherland Secondary School and Handsworth Secondary School. The course runs outside of the regular timetable so that students from surrounding district schools can attend.
The cohorts meet:
Sutherland: Monday evenings at 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Handsworth: Tuesday evenings at 3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
How to apply
Please complete the 
YELL Application and supporting documents as outlined in the application form.
Applications will be accepted between January 27th, 2023 and March 8th, 2023.
Please email any further questions to Ms. Johnson or Mr. Nevison (contact details below).
Questions?
Visit the YELL website.
Contact:
James Nevison
Sutherland Secondary School
Sheri Johnson
Handsworth Secondary School
