Our Mission
Building Confident, Career-Ready Leaders
Many Phoenix-area youth — particularly those from underserved and under-resourced communities — have limited access to individualized mentorship, financial education, career exploration, and practical entrepreneurship experiences.
10 Youth
Served this fall
12 Weeks
Two 6-week cohorts
Free
No cost to participants
What We Teach
Program Pillars
Our curriculum advances five priority areas aligned with Corning Community Impact: education, workforce development, economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, and community well-being.
Leadership Development
Structured workshops that build communication skills, self-confidence, and the mindset young people need to lead in their communities and careers.
Entrepreneurship
Hands-on activities and mentorship that guide each participant to develop and present a real business or community-impact concept by program end.
Financial Literacy
Practical financial education covering budgeting, saving, credit, and money management — skills that create lasting economic opportunity.
Career Exploration
Exposure to diverse career paths, professional networking, and workforce readiness skills that prepare youth to enter and thrive in the job market.
The Journey
How the Program Works
Two Cohorts of Five
The 12-week program runs as two consecutive six-week cohorts, each serving five participants. This small-group model ensures every youth receives individualized attention and mentorship.
Structured Workshops & Mentoring
Participants attend weekly workshops covering leadership, financial literacy, career exploration, and entrepreneurship — supported by dedicated mentors throughout the program.
Personal Success Plan
Every participant develops a written personal success plan — a roadmap for their goals, strengths, and next steps as a future employee, entrepreneur, or community leader.
Business or Impact Concept Presentation
Each completing participant presents an original business or community-impact concept, putting their new skills into practice and building confidence for the real world.
Inside the Program
Program Strategy
The Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship Program uses small cohorts to provide individualized attention and meaningful mentorship. Every participant completes a structured curriculum and leaves with real, demonstrable skills.
Workshop Topics
Who We Serve
The program prioritizes youth from underserved and under-resourced communities who may have limited access to mentorship, leadership education, financial literacy, career exposure, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Participation is offered at no cost, with assistance for meals, materials, and transportation provided when resources permit.
How We Measure Success
Measurable Impact
Program Goals for Fall 2026
By the end of the 12-week grant period, we expect to achieve the following measurable outcomes:
10
Phoenix-area youth enrolled and served
80%+
Attendance and completion rate
80%+
Participants showing increased knowledge in leadership, financial literacy & entrepreneurship
100%
Completing participants with a written personal success plan
100%
Completing participants who present a business or community-impact concept
Eligibility
Who Can Participate
Our program is open and welcoming. If you're motivated to grow, there's a place for you here.
Apply NowSustaining the Work
Funding & Sustainability
Mechelle Cares pursues a diversified funding strategy so the program remains free and accessible to every participant — now and in the future.
Support the ProgramJoin the Movement
Ready to Shape the Future?
Whether you're a young person ready to grow, a mentor ready to give back, or a sponsor ready to invest — there's a place for you in the Youth Leadership & Entrepreneurship Program.
Youth Participant
Ages 13–24 in the Phoenix area. Apply to join the program and start your leadership journey.
Apply NowVolunteer Mentor
Share your experience and wisdom. Mentors meet monthly and make a lasting impact on young lives.
Become a MentorProgram Sponsor
Your investment funds workshops, events, and resources that keep the program free for all participants.
Sponsor the ProgramExplore more from Mechelle Cares Foundation