Check out these real stories of YouthBiz youth!

Read about the positive changes and inspiring goals of youth like you. 
Is your story next?

Jesus Apodaca, 13 years-old
Annunciation High School
After hearing from older siblings that YouthBiz programs were a great way to meet new people, earn money and learn while having fun, Jesus Apodaca decided to apply to YouthBiz.  Jesus loves how he gets to “learn through real, hands-on activities.”  He also commented, “My older brother is really smart, and he didn’t even know the words we were learning on our vocab tests. So I am going to be up on it.”

Though only thirteen years old, Jesus received the Tier II Business Award for the 2008 Spring Session.  Jesus now works as a crew leader teaching Tier I classes.  “Being a leader is important because when you are leader, you get to teach others important things and about your own experience,” noted Jesus.


Jesus Casillas, 14 years-old
East High School
For Jesus Casillas, YouthBiz runs in the family. After seeing his older brother, Alex, complete the program and get a full-time job as a computer technician, Jesus was eager to apply to be a YouthBiz trainee.  Jesus said, “I saw improvement in my brother, he was more responsible and felt happy to go to work.  I wanted a fun experience and a place to go after-school – not just roam around the streets and get into trouble”. 

Jesus completed the Tier I and Tier II programs and now works as a production intern at YouthInk. “I have learned new skills like completing a job from start to finish.  It’s cool how the staff treats us like young adults with responsibility”.   Jesus’ long-term goals include finishing high school and majoring in mechanical engineering in college.


Jessica Mendoza, 14 years-old
La Academia at the Denver Inner City Parish
Growing up in north Denver, Jessica saw the struggles that her older sisters had in school – fights, detentions, suspensions, and ditching school.  This is why she opted for the smaller community based atmosphere of La Academia, where she has thrived.  Jessica loves school and believes, “If I make school my #1 priority, I won’t have to settle for less than I want in life.” 

Jessica became involved with YouthBiz in 2007 and was excited to work in the community.  Through YouthBiz, Jessica has met new people and develop her leadership skills.  “I am excited to use my skills to work with other youth from my school.  I feel like a person who other kids can look up-to and that is a really good feeling!”  Jessica will be a crew leader at YouthBiz’s satellite program at La Academia in the fall of 2008.

Alicia Ribota, 16 years-old
La Academia at the Denver Inner City Parish
As an older sister, Alicia’s two goals in life are for both her and her little brother to grow up to be successful.  “To me, success doesn’t just mean getting good grades, but it also means setting a good example, being proud of my culture and not being another statistic.  I want to prove people wrong.”

Alicia learned about YouthBiz through her principal, who encouraged her to apply.  She is very excited to take the YouthBiz program to her school, “It will give other kids in my neighborhood a reason to come off of the streets, so they don’t have to be a statistic either.”  In the fall of 2008, Alicia will be a crew leader for YouthBiz’s satellite program in west Denver.


Janelle Turner
Youth Unlimited Partnership
“YouthBiz has helped me change a vision into a movement,” explains Janelle Turner. Through participation in YouthBiz’s YUP program, Janelle claims her horizons have widened.  While taking classes, entrepreneurship resonated with Janelle, as she began to dream of starting her own business.  By the end of the class, Janelle was ready with a complete business plan and a desire to see her ideas become a reality.  She is currently in the process of starting a child fun center, complete with art classes, games, and educational activities for young children.  Janelle now passes on her knowledge, passion, and determination to other youth by teaching classes.