Founding Story: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Real-World Experience
Youth Growth Network (YGN) was founded with a powerful mission: to bridge the gap between academic learning and the real-world skills students need to thrive in their future careers. Recognizing that traditional education often falls short in providing hands-on experiences, YGN was created to offer high school and college students meaningful opportunities to explore industries, develop professional skills, and connect with mentors who can guide them along their career paths.
Launched in 2024, YGN was built on the belief that every student—regardless of background—deserves access to real-world learning experiences that prepare them for success. With a focus on fostering leadership, creativity, and critical thinking, YGN has quickly become a platform for connecting young talent with forward-thinking organizations.
A Milestone Partnership: YGN and Wyze’s Summer Internship Program
One of YGN’s most impactful initiatives to date has been its partnership with Wyze, a leading technology company known for its innovative smart home products. In the summer of 2024, YGN and Wyze launched a six-week high school internship program designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the tech industry.
Through this program, 13 high school students were recruited and mentored, diving deep into key business areas such as product development, supply chain, technology, artificial intelligence, marketing, and customer service. Interns worked alongside Wyze employees, tackling real-world problems and contributing innovative solutions. They also participated in leadership workshops, met with Wyze’s CEO and co-founders—a rare and invaluable experience—and engaged with guest speakers, including entrepreneurs, educators, IP lawyers, venture capitalists, and product leaders.
The program wasn’t just about work; it was about growth. Interns learned the value of collaboration, strategic thinking, and the importance of putting customers first. From developing social media campaigns to working on Wyze’s Safe Community Neighborhood initiative, students were immersed in projects that combined technical skills with social impact.
Driving Change: YGN’s Impact and Evolution
YGN’s programs are intentionally designed to go beyond traditional internships. By focusing on mentorship, leadership development, and real-world challenges, YGN empowers students to explore their interests and discover their potential. The organization actively prioritizes creating opportunities for economically disadvantaged and underrepresented youth, recognizing that access to professional experiences can be a game-changer for students from underserved communities.
As YGN continues to grow, partnerships with companies like Wyze showcase the power of collaboration between education and industry. These programs not only benefit students but also provide companies with fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a direct connection to the next generation of talent.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Opportunities for Youth
The success of the YGN-Wyze internship program has set the stage for future growth. YGN is actively working to expand its network of partners, aiming to offer more internship and mentorship opportunities across diverse industries. Plans are underway to develop year-round programs, expand outreach to more schools, and deepen its impact in economically disadvantaged communities.
Additionally, YGN is focused on building sustainable programs that will empower future student leaders to take ownership of initiatives, ensuring long-term impact beyond the involvement of its founders and current team.
Building a Brighter Future, One Student at a Time
Youth Growth Network is more than an organization—it’s a movement dedicated to unlocking the potential of young minds. By providing students with meaningful, hands-on experiences and the mentorship they need to grow, YGN is shaping the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow.
In partnership with visionary companies like Wyze and driven by a commitment to equity and opportunity, YGN is redefining what it means to prepare students for the future. And this is just the beginning.
