From Student to Leader: How TYE Helped Me Build Confidence, Community, and a College-Ready Resume
“Thank you for being part of something that empowers students like me to dream bigger, lead with confidence, and create real impact.”
When I started high school, I never imagined I’d be leading a youth entrepreneurship program, helping plan pitch competitions, or working alongside real business mentors. But that’s exactly what happened when I joined the TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) program — and it ended up being one of the most impactful experiences I could include on my college applications.
As a Student Co-Director, I had the chance to take on real responsibility. I helped coordinate meetings, supported student teams as they developed startup ideas, and worked directly with business professionals who volunteered their time to mentor us. I wasn’t just participating in a program — I was helping lead it. That leadership experience gave me strong, real-world examples to write about in my college essays and interviews.
One of the most valuable parts of TYE was learning how to solve problems creatively. When our team faced challenges during our startup project, we had to pivot, adjust our strategy, and keep pushing forward — just like real entrepreneurs. That resilience and collaboration is something colleges love to see, and TYE helped me grow in both areas.
TYE also gave me something meaningful to be passionate about. It’s one thing to say you’re interested in business; it’s another to actually build something, work with a team, and present your idea to a panel of judges. That hands-on experience is something I’ll never forget.
Now, as we approach the end of this year’s program, I’m proud to invite you to the TYE Awards & Fundraising Dinner on May 18th from 4–7pm. This special event celebrates all the hard work of our amazing student teams and helps us raise money to make next year’s program possible.
TYE offers incredible value to young aspiring entrepreneurs — from business skills and mentorship to leadership development and lifelong friendships. But none of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors.
If you believe in supporting youth innovation and leadership, please join us!
Thank you for being part of something that empowers students like me to dream bigger, lead with confidence, and create real impact.
