YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ACADEMY

Youth Employment Academy (YEA) is a Denver-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves underserved young people (roughly ages 14–24) with job training, industry-specific academies, wraparound supports and social enterprises that provide paid internships and real work experience. YEA began as a program of the Denver Housing Authority and incorporated as an independent nonprofit in 2012; it operates programs in culinary training (Osage Café & Osage Kitchen), arts and creative technology (Arts Street@YEA), and a neighborhood grocery workforce model (Decatur Fresh Market). In recent years YEA has expanded its social enterprise model and mental wellness supports, reporting year-over-year program growth and measurable outcomes (participants completing training, paid internships in enterprises, increased job-readiness scores). The organization partners with local funders and public agencies and files annual IRS Form 990s consistent with an active, operating nonprofit.