What We Do

HOW OUR PROGRAM WORKS

Like a “Shark Tank” for underserved students, BUILD NYC empowers teens to create new products and run their own businesses. As part of our four-year program, we train students in the BUILD Sparks Skills–collaboration, communication, grit, innovation, problem solving, and self-management– to prepare them for college and career success. We also connect our students to a powerful network of mentors who support them as they realize their potential and abilities throughout their academic journey and enter successful careers.

IT'S ALL ABOUT ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

EMBRACING A GROWTH MINDSET

Our program is built on a simple but powerful idea, that everyone has the potential to succeed.

LEARNING BY DOING

Our student entrepreneurs invent a new product, then develop and execute a business plan to make it a reality, learning critical life skills along the way.

SKILLS FOR SUCCESS

Our students develop skills that are critical to academic success such as learning and memory strategies, organization, research, and time management.

GROWING INTO LEADERS

By keeping students focused and engaged in continuous learning, we cultivate their talent, intelligence, and leadership qualities.

The Four-Year Program

YR 1

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Students learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills:

  • Ideate, plan and launch a small business
  • Discover personal strengths and passions

YR 2

EXPLORATION

Students deepen their knowledge of:

  • Marketing and sales concepts
  • Growing a business and customer service
  • Continuing the development of 21st Century Skills

YR 3

EXPERIENCE

Students begin to prepare for their future:

  • Begin career exploration through job shadowing and internships
  • Social network development

YR 4

EMBARK

Students prepare for their transition to college and/or other postsecondary programs:

  • Complete college applications and financial aid packages
  • Create a plan for transition to college and career

SUCCESS STORIES

Frejoel

When Frejoel joined BUILD NYC, he was a quiet student, afraid to speak English. Since then, he's grown into a confident entrepreneur. That's not all that's changed.

View his story

Bianca

She has developed a product called “Stress Relief Bands.” Bianca refers to herself as the “little CEO” of her BUILD NYC Student Team.

View her story

Mehrin

An immigrant who arrived in 2014, Mehrin’s learned a lot about the importance of teamwork in business.

Read her story