Youth can make major contributions to the economic stability of communities. Recognizing the power of their stakeholdership , ETHM, through community Youth Councils, provides programs that train teenagers how to earn and manage money; and teaches them entrepreneurship principles.  

Community revitalization is strongest when all stakeholders are employed and spending money in the communities in which they live, attend school, work or worship. Therefore, ETHM provides two programs that equip youth with economic life skills:


JFY Employment Programs annually train and provide jobs for youth (14-18 years old) who live, attend school or worship in their communities, have a 2.0 GPA, a good attitude and parent/guardian su pport. Partnering with local community businesses that provide youth with jobs helps to strengthen the economy of communities. Most of our business partners pay these students. Additionally, they also mentor them, thereby equipping them with valuable life skills while introducing them to career fields. This program, established in 1999, was one of the action items of the PTYC's Action Plan. To date, more than 360 Prince George 's County youth have participated in the JFY program.

JFY Entrepreneurship Program, birthed in 2004, teaches youth (8-18 years old) how to start and run their own businesses. Students are equipped with entrepreneurship principles, the right attitude and character to be successful entrepreneurs. In only two weeks, students:

	Learn how a free enterprise economy works
	Learn how to set goals
	Learn to develop and interpret financial statements
	Learn how to finance a business
	Learn how to publicly present their business plans
	Earn cash prizes for their business or college careers

The inaugural class of students was chosen from the 100 JFY 2004 program participants.

An ETHM Adult Entrepreneurship Program is planned primarily for Prince George’s County residents who are interested in starting their own businesses or strengthening their business management skills.