TiE Atlanta’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program won the Best Support for Youth Entrepreneurs at the 2018 TiE Global Awards held on June 30, 2018 in Prague, Czech Republic.

TYE is the signature youth entrepreneurship program of TiE Atlanta, a local nonprofit that invents, invests in, and inspires entrepreneurs through mentoring, education, funding, and networking. The youth program expanded into universities (TYE University) and colleges in 2013.

The award highlights the local chapter’s efforts to invent and invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs through its high school and university program.

The high school programs brings together teams of students who are mentored and coached by serial entrepreneurs to build their product or service and compete globally.

“The Atlanta TYE program is part of the infrastructure creating a strong future. The high school students that participate learn a new language and how to act on it. Their skill sets and presentation skills equal that of most business owners out raising money in the real world,” said Jim Beach, co-chair and curriculum lead of TYE.

Additionally, the TYE University program supports teams and students working on innovative products and services across Georgia universities with coaches and mentors.

“TiE Atlanta supports the entire lifecycle of the entrepreneur, which includes our youth from high school to university,” said Paul Lopez, President of TiE Atlanta. “These programs allow us to bring in successful serial entrepreneurs who really dedicate their talent and time to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators with impactful and thoughtful mentoring.”

Since 2010, TYE High School has over 350 graduates, more than 100 engaged mentors, and placed 66 students in competitive internships. Atlanta’s TYE High School teams have placed globally in the top three four times in the past six years. The 2018 team, Bye Bye WiFi, came in third place at the global competition held in Washington, DC in June.

Launched in 2013, TYE University has brought together 55 teams, 150 students across 18 Georgia Universities, and 50 coaches and mentors over the past five years.

The awards were given during the TiE Global Charter Member Retreat, where leadership from TiE’s 60 worldwide chapters come together to exchange ideas for leading and fostering entrepreneurs.