A registered Canadian charity equipping youth with entrepreneurial and career-ready skills has expanded its accredited entrepreneurship program into Airdrie and surrounding communities.
YELL Canada is looking to make partnerships with local entrepreneurs, businesses, and community groups to support the next generation of innovators.
The organization first launched in Airdrie at Bert Church High School in the 2021/2022 school year with 21 students. Just three years later, the program has grown to one class at Bert Church High School and one class at W.H. Croxford High School in Airdrie, one class at Bow Valley High School in Cochrane, and two classes at STEM Innovation Academy in Calgary. These programs serve close to 150 students across the region.
“The program gives a hands-on, realistic approach to entrepreneurship,” says Jonathan McIntosh, a Grade 11 student at Bert Church High School in the 2022/2023 school year and YELL Ambassador.
“The YELL Canada program has undoubtedly accelerated my understanding of the world of entrepreneurship and has taught me a plethora of skills with countless applications. The skills and networks that each student builds is invaluable.”
Through YELL’s flagship Enterprise 20/30 program, students earn graduation credits while experiencing the real-world journey of launching a business. Working in teams, they identify problems, develop solutions, and present venture pitches to local business leaders. Along the way, they build critical skills in problem-solving, communication, creativity, leadership, and resilience – skills they will carry into post-secondary education, the workforce, and their communities.
Last school year, YELL mobilized nearly 30 volunteers in Airdrie and area. With program expansion, the need is growing as they are seeking more than 50 volunteers to serve as guest speakers, mentors, judges, and hosts for field trips and pitch events.
“Our vision is to connect students with the business community around them,” says Katty Wang, director of national operations at YELL Canada.
“By sharing stories, providing mentorship, and opening doors to new opportunities, local entrepreneurs play a crucial role in preparing youth for the future of work.”
A Call to the Airdrie Business Community
As YELL grows in Airdrie and the surrounding area, the organization is looking for interested business owners who want to make a difference. Opportunities to get involved include:
- Guest Speakers – Share your entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned with students directly in the classroom.
- Mentors – Guide and support student venture teams as they develop their ideas.
- Business Field Trips – Host a class at your workplace or provide space for students to hold their capstone pitch competition outside of the classroom.
- Community Connections – Introduce students to local resources, such as programs offered by Airdrie Economic Development, that can guide them when they are ready to take their ventures beyond the classroom.
YELL Canada is a registered charity equipping high school students with the entrepreneurial thinking, career skills, and industry exposure needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
In the 2024/2025 school year, YELL engaged 772 students in 19 classes across Western Canada, supported by over 300 volunteer business leaders who serve as mentors, guest speakers, and judges. They are on track to reach more than 1,000 students in the 2025/2026 school year. Learn more at yellcanada.org.
