

A hands-on youth leadership program advancing equity, service, and economic opportunity through real-world experiences that transform potential into purpose.
YEAL (Young Earners and Learners) is a community-driven youth leadership initiative that combines academic enrichment, career exploration, and service learning into a powerful development experience.
Students engage in real-world experiences across high-impact industries including Real Estate, Media & Marketing, Cultural Communications, and Artificial Intelligence & Technology.

Serving grades 3-12 and early college, focused on underserved youth.
Combining community wisdom and youth innovation for culturally-rooted learning.
Aligning with college readiness standards while building 21st-century skills.
Each "Exploration Of..." course offers mentorship, project-based learning, and pathways to employment or entrepreneurship in high-growth fields.
Students learn real-world skills through hands-on projects with industry mentors.
Build portfolios through real client work in campaigns, digital content, and storytelling.
Hands-on AI, coding, and ethical tech projects.
Develop global skills through exchange and service.
We understand that youth have different schedules and learning preferences. That's why YEAL offers multiple program formats to ensure every student can participate in ways that work for them and their families.

Industry-recognized certifications and portfolio projects that demonstrate real capabilities to colleges and employers.
Practical experience through internships or paid placements with community partners and leading businesses.
The confidence, creativity, and business acumen to identify opportunities and develop innovative solutions.
Self-awareness, communication abilities, and the capacity to mobilize others toward shared goals and community impact.
We welcome collaborations with schools, employers, nonprofits, and funders who believe in youth potential and want to make a tangible difference in their development.
Your organization can provide job shadowing opportunities, serve as internship sites, offer career mentors, sponsor program sessions, or collaborate on service projects that benefit the community.

"YEAL is about transforming community knowledge into economic empowerment. We're creating pathways where young people not only learn valuable skills but apply them in ways that generate income and build community wealth."
— Charisse Callender-Scott, YEAL Site Director
"Our mission is to develop income-generating, independent leaders committed to service. When young people see how their talents can solve real problems, they become unstoppable forces for positive change."
— Aisha Taylor, Program Coordinator

"Before YEAL, my daughter was shy and unsure about her future. Now she's confidently leading group projects and talking about starting her own business someday. This program showed her possibilities she never imagined."
— Parent of YEAL participant
"The real estate course taught me skills I can use right now in my community. I've already helped my neighborhood association create a development proposal for an empty lot near our school."
— YEAL Student, Age 16
Montgomery County Community College
East County Education Center
1222 Broachbirch Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20904
240-715-5138
Monday-Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
info@comunibuildfoundation.org
We respond within 24 hours
Whether you're a parent looking to enroll your child, an educator seeking enrichment opportunities for your students, or a community partner wanting to support youth development, YEAL offers meaningful ways to get involved.
The journey to empowered, economically independent youth leaders starts with a single step. Reach out today to discover how YEAL can serve your family or organization.

Empowering Young Leaders to Earn While They Learn