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Programs

Become the Boss — at every age.

Four pathways from ages 5–24, delivered through our Summer Camp and After-School Program, with financial assistance available for families who need it.

Ages 5–9

Baby Boss

Hi I am Baby BossAshton!

As a Baby Boss at The ARK, you learn the basics of entrepreneurship through fun and play-based activities. You'll be introduced to customer service, basic counting, service skills, and product distribution in a way that's engaging and age-appropriate.

Ashton, a Baby Boss at The ARK, in a green Baby Boss t-shirt
Ashton, in the Baby Boss program at The ARK Meet Ashton
Enroll
Ages 10–13

Mini Boss

Hi I am Mini BossMelanie!

As a Mini Boss at The ARK, you dive deeper into the world of business. You'll learn how to create a business plan, develop marketing strategies, explore graphic design, and bring your product ideas to life. The best part? You'll receive funding to create your products and showcase them at our annual Youth Boss Expo!

Melanie, a Mini Boss at The ARK, in a red Mini Boss t-shirt
Melanie, in the Mini Boss program at The ARK Meet Melanie
Enroll
Ages 14–18

Big Boss

Hi I am Big BossAkyla!

As a Big Boss at The ARK, you receive all the training provided to Mini Bosses — but with an added level of professionalism. You'll have the opportunity to legally register your business as an LLC and take real steps toward becoming a young CEO.

Akyla, a Big Boss at The ARK, in an orange Big Boss t-shirt
Akyla, in the Big Boss program at The ARK Meet Akyla
Enroll
Ages 18–24

Be Entrepreneurial

Hi I amJaime!

Be Entrepreneurial at The ARK is a workforce development program for young adults who want to innovate without the risks of business ownership. This program introduces intrapreneurship — teaching how to lead, create, and problem-solve within the security of an established organization.

Jaime, in the Be Entrepreneurial program at The ARK, in a gray Intrapreneur t-shirt
Jaime, in the Be Entrepreneurial program at The ARK Meet Jaime
Enroll
How we deliver

Two ways to join The ARK.

Entrepreneur Summer Camp Ages 5–24

Ten weeks each summer filled with weekly trips — the zoo, museums, skating, and more — alongside entrepreneurial enrichment classes and activities, capped by our Youth Boss Expo, where campers showcase the businesses they created during camp.

  • The full-day program: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (late pick-up can be arranged)
  • $45/day, payable bi-weekly, monthly, or in full
  • Low-income families can apply through Action for Children to cover part or all of tuition

Before registering: have your Mini/Big-Boss physical and immunization records filled out and ready to upload (download the forms here). Need more time? Submit a doctor's appointment letter.

Register for Summer Camp

After-School Program Ages 5–24

The half-day program: year-round, Monday through Friday, 3:00 – 7:00 pm. Entrepreneurial enrichment classes, tutoring, arts, and many other activities that turn after-school hours into boss hours.

  • $25/day, payable bi-weekly, monthly, or in full
  • Low-income families can apply through Action for Children — see Financial Assistance
  • Same registration documents as Summer Camp (physical & immunization records)
Register for After-School

Teens attend The ARK at no cost — they are paid to train. Apprentices aged 14–15 receive a stipend; interns aged 16–24 are paid $17.04 an hour. Learn about financial assistance →