VSEDC is brimming with pride as we celebrate the achievements of our brilliant students at the recently concluded 2023 Union Bank Youth Entrepreneurial Challenge (YEC) in partnership with NFTE.
The air was thick with anticipation at The Beehive, Los Angeles, on April 29, 2023, as the finalists vied for the top spot. The day was opened with words of wisdom from LA City Councilman for the 9th District, Curren D. Price, Jr. His message reminded all those present of the community’s enduring quest for success and the indelible impressions such events leave on the youth, paving their path towards achievement and distinction.
The competition was segmented into two categories: grades 7-10 and grades 11-12, with talented participants representing various esteemed organizations such as Brotherhood Crusade, Los Angeles Urban League, View Park Charter, and of course, our very own South LA Best Buy Teen Tech Center (SLABBTTC).
SLABBTTC was proud to present our student, Jamila Ghazie, as one of the finalists. Jamila, an NFTE course graduate and NFTE Semifinals victor in her division, presented a unique business concept, “Vermont Chicken Wingz,” her innovative idea aimed to establish the first Black, Muslim, and woman-owned food truck that specializes in Halal chicken wings.
We applaud Jamilia on her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication on her well-earned third-dplace prize of $750 to help catalyze her entrepreneurial dreams into reality.
The SLABBTTC serves as a fertile space that nurtures technological and entrepreneurial skills to encourage academic improvement, personal character development, social skills, and cultural appreciation among the youth.
If you’re a parent, a teenager, or someone interested in shaping a technologically adept future, we encourage you to join us in the 2023 Young Innovators Accelerator. This platform is an exceptional opportunity to empower youth, increase their technological skill set, and pave the way for their future success.
The Center hosts numerous activities that stimulate innovation and encourage creativity. Stay in the know and see our young innovators in action by following us on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at our projects and get a glimpse of what the future looks like.