A total of 12 middle and high school students have started the latest program offered through the Young Entrepreneurs Academy in Grand Junction.

Coordinated by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce, the academy turns students into the chief executive officers of startup ventures. Over the course of the seven-month program, students come up with new products and services, write business plans, pitch their ideas to investors and develop their brands. By the end of the program, they oversee fully functioning enterprises they can continue to operate.

The latest class includes Miguel Ambriz Jr., Chance Clement and Charlotte Douglas from West Middle School;  Karlene Jimenez and Braeden Kassaw from Redlands Middle School; Nikolas Miller and Julie Shively from Caprock Academy; Qualay Calvin from Grand Mesa Middle School;  Levi Fink from Mesa County Community School; Jace Mizushima from Holy Family School; Caydence Lusher from Central High School; and Mielyn Recker from Fruita Monument High School.