• Help Shape Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs: Banking on Our Youth Seeks Mentors

    Help Shape Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs: Banking on Our Youth Seeks Mentors

    The Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce is proud to spotlight, Templo Calvario Community Development Corp., and their inspiring Banking on Our Youth program. This initiative is transforming the lives of Orange County high school students by providing them with essential financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills – and they need experienced business professionals like you to help make it happen.

    Empowering the Next Generation

    Banking on Our Youth is an investment in our community's future. The initiative targets junior and senior high school students in Orange County who are interested in business and finance, offering them comprehensive training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and business development. Students learn practical skills including banking, investing, saving, budgeting, and how to develop their own business plans using the proven NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) curriculum.

    What makes this program truly special are the incredible perks offered to participants: each student receives a free laptop, scholarship opportunities, professional mentorship, and exclusive business tours that provide real-world exposure to various industries.

    The Mentor Opportunity

    As a Chamber member, you have the unique opportunity to directly impact a young person's future by becoming a mentor in this program. The commitment is manageable yet meaningful. All they ask for is just one hour per month for the program duration, working closely with assigned mentees to guide them through their business plan development.

    What You'll Do:

    • Guide students using the provided NFTE curriculum
    • Meet with mentees for one hour monthly
    • Serve as a resource and positive role model
    • Share your industry expertise and contacts
    • Work collaboratively with the program manager

    What You'll Gain:

    • Experience working with youth and transferring leadership skills
    • Insights into youth culture and perspectives
    • Strengthened interpersonal relationship skills
    • Personal satisfaction from helping young entrepreneurs achieve their dreams
    • The opportunity to identify and nurture future business leaders in our community

    Program Structure and Schedule

    The program runs from November through April, with classes held on Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM at Templo Calvario (2501 W. 5th St. Santa Ana). The program offers two cohort options to accommodate different schedules, with both culminating in an awards ceremony in April celebrating the students' achievements.

    Students participate in 1-2 Saturday sessions per month, covering comprehensive financial literacy topics and working on their individual business plans with mentor guidance throughout the process.

    Making a Real Impact

    This program accepts up to 100 students annually, following a competitive application process that includes essay writing and interviews. The rigorous selection ensures motivated, committed students who are serious about learning and growing as future business leaders.

    By participating as a mentor, you'll share your knowledge and you'll helping to break cycles of financial illiteracy and opening doors to entrepreneurship for young people who might not otherwise have these opportunities.

    Join the Movement

    Chamber members interested in becoming mentors should contact Michael at 714-543-3711 ext. 234 or Michael@tccdc.org. You can also learn more by visiting www.tccdc.org or following their journey on Instagram @bankingonouryouthsa.

    The time commitment is minimal, but the impact is immeasurable. As successful business professionals, Chamber members have the expertise and experience these students need to transform their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Consider how your one hour per month could change a young person's entire trajectory and contribute to building a stronger, more financially literate community in Orange County.

    Banking on Our Youth represents the best of what our Chamber community can offer – experienced professionals investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders. Together, we can ensure that today's students become tomorrow's successful business owners and community leaders.