Future Builders: Youth Entrepreneurship & Financial Empowerment After-School Program

Around the Clock Tots (ATCT) proposes “Future Builders”- an engaging, hands-on after-school program designed to teach middle and high school youth (ages 10–17) in East New York the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, budgeting and investing, while reinforcing teamwork, creativity and leadership through experiential learning and incentives. The program will operate on a 10-month cycle (September–June), following the NYC public school calendar, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM. at partner sites such as local public libraries, community centers or public schools. Topics include entrepreneurship basics from idea to business plan- how to start something that solves community problems, budgeting and saving- how to manage allowance, earnings and expenses; understanding needs vs. wants, smart investing- age-appropriate lessons on how money grows, stocks, interest and compound savings, team building- collaborative projects where youth form “mini business teams” to design mock ventures and pitch their ideas and financial tech tools- using safe digital tools and games to understand online banking, credit and investing apps. Each workshop will combine fun learning activities, peer collaboration and real-world applications led by financial educators, youth mentors and local entrepreneurs. Each student will receive two one-on-one financial mentorship sessions throughout the program helping them set personal savings goals, identify career aspirations and plan for future milestones (college, job readiness or entrepreneurship). To sustain motivation and reward participation, the program will include monthly incentives and experiential learning opportunities, such as entrepreneurship field trips, visits to local small businesses, youth incubators and financial institutions allowing students to meet real entrepreneurs and learn from their experiences. For example, a visit to a local bank for a “Youth Banking Day.” ATCT will offer quarterly “Pitch & Earn” challenges where youth teams present their mini business ideas to a friendly community panel (local entrepreneurs and parents). Winners receive small seed grants, gift cards or certificates to fund their ideas. ATCT will recognize and reward youth who show leadership, creativity or improvement in their financial and entrepreneurial growth with certificates, prizes and mentorship opportunities. The program will be led by program director, Tifany Thomas, licensed special education teacher, child development expert and founder of Around the Clock Tots. Facilitators will consist of certified financial educators, local youth entrepreneurs and trained ATCT staff. Guest Mentors including business owners from East New York and Brooklyn-based youth empowerment organizations will be invited to support the program mission. ATCT will propose community partners including local libraries, East Brooklyn BID, local banks and youth-focused nonprofits support with program facilitation. Participants will gain practical financial literacy- budgeting, saving, credit awareness, smart money habits and exposure to career paths, internships and community mentors. Intangible benefits include entrepreneurial mindset which includes the confidence to turn creative ideas into real solutions, teamwork and leadership skills fostering collaboration, communication and problem-solving through group projects and a sense of purpose and belonging from a structured, positive after-school environment that keeps youth engaged, inspired and future-focused.

Around the Clock Tots aims to empower East New York youth with the tools and mindset to achieve long-term financial independence by reducing risky after-school idle time by offering structured, enriching and safe learning opportunities, strengthening community collaboration between families, schools and local businesses fostering early entrepreneurship and innovation among young people of color in East New York and building a model of youth empowerment that can expand to other NYC neighborhoods with growing needs. East New York is home to talented, resilient youth who often face limited access to financial education and opportunity. By investing in Future Builders, we’re planting the seeds for generational change, equipping young people not only to dream, but to design and build their futures. The program aligns with NYC’s priorities of community development, youth engagement and economic empowerment. It transforms after-school hours into a time of growth, discovery and leadership. ATCT is most excited about witnessing our youth light up when they realize they can become business owners, investors and innovators. We’re thrilled to see teams work together, visit real businesses and proudly pitch their ideas to their peers and families. Watching them develop confidence, discipline and a sense of financial power is the ultimate reward and we know these skills will ripple through families and the broader East New York community. East New York is a community of resilience and unity. Families here support each other and local organizations collaborate to uplift the next generation. This strong social fabric makes it the perfect home for Future Builders, a program designed to turn that resilience into leadership, creativity and prosperity.

Youth (under 24)

Public Housing Residents

People with Disabilities