After experiencing the Young Entrepreneurs Business Week, Matt learned that a little extra effort can make a difference.

Matt is the first to admit it: “When I first got to the Young Entrepreneurs Business Week (YEBW), I told my company advisor up front that I was lazy.”

Matt had been working with SIU for two summers, visiting businesses, colleges and exploring career options. When SIU noticed his knack for business, they connected him with the YEBW, a week long camp that teaches real world business skills with the goal of developing the next generation of entrepreneurs, CEO's, and community leaders. Helping him secure a $400 scholarship, Matt was prepared.

“Step It Up definitely prepared me for YEBW,” he commented, “it prepared me to get to work right away, a skill that is invaluable during YEBW.” Armed with training in basic workplace skills and the desire to do well, Matt succeeded at the YEBW, learning all “the knowledge and skills that I’ll need to survive in the real world.

“I learned ‘the difference between an extraordinary person and an ordinary person is just a little extra.’” And others noticed the extra effort, too.“My advisor came to me at the end of the week and told me that lazy was the last thing he had ever seen me be.”