What We Do

Our impact

700

students served over
two years

600

skilled-based
volunteers engaged

120

businesses
created

Like a “Shark Tank” for underserved urban teens, BUILD NYC empowers teens to run their own businesses. As part of our four-year program, we train students in the BUILD Sparks Skills to prepare them for college and career success.

BUILD NYC connects students in low-income communities to a powerful network of mentors and employers who empower them through high school and college into successful and rewarding careers.

HOW OUR PROGRAM WORKS

YR 1

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Critical thinking and problem solving skills:

  • Plan and launch a small business
  • Discover personal strengths and passions

YR 2

EXPLORATION

Business skills and life after high school:

  • Grow or start a business
  • College and career options

YR 3

EXPERIENCE

Prepare for their future:

  • Business or community internship
  • Experience career option; apply to college

YR 4

EMBARK

Entrepreneurship And Experiential Learning

The Destination

BUILD’s "Spark Skills": Collaboration, Communication, Grit, Innovation, Problem Solving, and Self-Management

The Vehicle

Experiential Learning: Teachers engage students purposefully in direct experience and critical reflections that they develop, practice, and apply skills.

The Tools

BUILD’s Success Toolkit: Learning & memory strategies, organization, research and time management.

The Fuel

Growth Mindset:
The belief that talent, intelligence, an on away of capabilities can be cultivated through focused effort and continous learning.

SUCCESS STORIES

“I went to my first BUILD NYC event as a guest, and after that I was hooked! I’ve since become a mentor, and now I help plan the annual Champions Benefit. It’s a great way to meet people and support the organization with my friends and family.”

- David Belmont -

Frejoel

When he joined BUILD NYC, he was a quiet student afraid to speak English. That's not all that's changed.

Bianca

She has developed a product called “stress relief bands”—and calls herself the “little CEO” of her Build NYC group.

Mehrin

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

More Stories