Why Y.E.W.P. exists.
Too many high school students graduate without ever being taught how to build a business, manage money, or step confidently into the professional world. Schools prepare students for tests — but not always for life. Y.E.W.P. exists to close that gap for young people across the Greater Philadelphia region.
Built in Philadelphia, for Philadelphia's students.
Y.E.W.P. began with a simple observation from a North Philadelphia classroom: talented young people were graduating without ever being taught how money, business, or careers actually work. Not because they couldn't learn it — because nobody ever taught it.
We serve high school students in grades 9–12, partnering with public schools, charter schools, districts, and community organizations. Entrepreneurship workshops for middle school students are available upon request.
Entrepreneurship matters because it teaches students to see problems as opportunities and to create — not just consume — value in their communities.
Financial literacy matters because the decisions students make about money in their teens and twenties shape the rest of their lives.
Career readiness matters because talent without preparation gets overlooked. Every student deserves to walk into a room — or a job interview — knowing they belong.
Why choose Y.E.W.P.
- Hands-On Learning
- Real Entrepreneurs
- Financial Literacy
- Career Readiness
- Business Pitch Competitions
- Mentorship
- Leadership Development
- Real Community Projects
Our Mission
Our mission is to build confident, independent leaders by providing financial literacy, entrepreneurship education, and hands-on learning opportunities. This empowers young people to create opportunities for themselves and succeed in life, business, and their communities.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every young person has the confidence, knowledge, and opportunities to think beyond their circumstances. We want them to build successful futures, create generational wealth, and make a lasting impact in their families and communities.
The values behind every Y.E.W.P. student.
These aren't slogans. They're the foundation of every workshop, pitch, and mentorship conversation we lead.
Confidence
Believing in your voice, your ideas, and your future.
Leadership
Showing up for your peers, community, and yourself.
Entrepreneurship
Turning ideas into action and problems into opportunity.
Financial Responsibility
Making informed money decisions that build a future.
Community Impact
Using what you learn to lift the neighborhood that raised you.
Independence
Owning your choices, your growth, and your path forward.
What a Y.E.W.P. student experiences.
From the first workshop to graduation day, every student moves through a clear journey of growth.
Discover Your Purpose
Identify strengths, interests, and the impact you want to make.
Build Confidence
Grow the mindset and voice to lead in any room you walk into.
Learn Business & Money Skills
Master the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and personal finance.
Launch Your Business Idea
Turn an idea into a real plan, product, or service.
Pitch With Confidence
Present your venture in front of peers, mentors, and judges.
Graduate Career Ready
Leave prepared for career, college, and life beyond the classroom.
A place where students see themselves as leaders.
Student Experiences
Pitch presentations, guest speakers, mentorship, and workshops that turn classrooms into launchpads.
Community Impact
Students design ventures and projects that give back to the neighborhoods and schools that shaped them.
Voice & Confidence
Public speaking, storytelling, and professional presence prepare young leaders to be heard.
Jesse Howard Stanton Jr. — "Mr. Jay"
Hi, I'm Jesse Howard Stanton Jr., but everyone knows me as Mr. Jay. I was born and raised in the Logan section of North Philadelphia, where I learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and community.
Growing up, I saw that many people never had the opportunity to learn about money, entrepreneurship, or building wealth. That's when I realized that your zip code doesn't have to determine your future.
As a father, entrepreneur, and mentor, my mission is to help young people build confidence, develop financial literacy, explore entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for themselves. I believe that sometimes all a young person needs is someone who believes in them before they believe in themselves — and that's why I created Young Entrepreneurs With A Purpose (Y.E.W.P.).