From December 1-8, 2021, FIUTS will host seven students (ages 18-19) and two adults from Latvia as part of the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP). The Latvian participants have been part of a year- long career development and entrepreneurship program in Latvia called “Start Strong.” This program included seminars and activities, culminating in a business competition. The students coming to the U.S. are members of the teams that won the competition.
During their week with FIUTS in Seattle, students and adults participate in workshops, site visits, and volunteer service activities focused on entrepreneurship and social impact work. Participants gain skills and experiences that they can use in their own entrepreneurial initiatives once they return home, and learn about the role that entrepreneurship can play in addressing social issues and community problems. They also meet University of Washington students and local community members for cultural exchange activities. This is the fourth year we have hosted this program, and we are excited to meet the students and collaborate with local entrepreneurs and others after taking a hiatus last year due to the ongoing pandemic.