While most summer programming students are busy splashing in pools or enjoying arts and crafts, a remarkable group of middle and high school students enrolled in The Sanders Hand Young Billionaires Club is diving into the world of entrepreneurship and financial literacy. This dynamic nonprofit, founded in 2017 by Sebastian Sanders, is making waves in the Alief community by equipping at-risk youth across Harris County with essential skills to break the cycle of poverty.

 During summer programming, students participate in an exercise that requires their group to practice developing an original business idea and financial plan
 

“You’re learning things that school wouldn’t even teach you, and it’s fun here,” says rising seventh grader Terry “TJ” Jones. “You can escape the traditional classroom setting, learn in a fun way, and socialize with others.” 

The Young Billionaires Club has adapted its offerings to enhance student accessibility, providing workshops, summits, and its signature 6-to-8-week cohort programs. With the support of the Harris County Department of Education’s County Connections Youth Summer Initiative, The Sanders Hand recently received a $5,000 grant. This funding, approved by Harris County Commissioners and managed by the Center for Afterschool, Summer, and Enrichment for Kids (CASE for Kids), helps meet the evolving needs of students in the program.

“I’m grateful for the County Connections grant because it’s allowed me to bring in a program coordinator to facilitate various activities and a media team that gives our kids a professional setting to practice interview techniques and marketing,” Sanders explains.

 

 

Students join the Young Billionaires Club for various reasons, each motivated by personal goals. TJ, a top student at Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, began detailing cars almost a year ago and is eager to learn best practices to maintain and expand his enterprise. “My prices are good because I don’t charge as much as the professional companies, so I’m offering my clients a deal,” he explains. “I encourage them to check out the car when I’m done and give me feedback. I’m getting business cards soon to help spread the word.”

For Katelynn Jones, an incoming high schooler, family drives her ambitions. “I saw my mom struggling to pay the bills, and I wanted to help,” she shares. “I want to spend all my money on fun things, but Mr. Sebastian taught me to prioritize bills first.”

Every week, more than a dozen students engage in activities that teach them how to build business plans, secure funding, manage finances, and develop customer service skills. They play interactive games, like a twist on Family Feud, to foster collaboration and learn about successful marketing strategies. By playing Monopoly, they gain insights into financial independence, real estate, and negotiation skills.

 Terry “TJ” Jones and Katelynn Jones recently graduated from The Sanders Hand’s July cohort with the knowledge to succeed financially.
 

Program Coordinator Stephanie Charles and Sanders encourage students to embrace their entrepreneurial spirit through hands-on business development exercises. Each team develops an original idea, creates a business plan, and markets their product in a mock commercial. “It’s amazing to see how even the shyest kids come out of their shells during our digital ad projects,” Charles remarks. “In a previous cohort, we even awarded a scholarship to a duo for their brilliant idea of a combination tongue scraper and flosser. It was incredible to witness their excitement as they became their own bosses.”

Sanders adds, “We wanted to make marketing enjoyable for them. On media day, we interviewed the kids on camera, helping them feel like professionals. This experience allows them to be creative while learning what it means to be a business owner—because if you don’t market your product or service, no one will know who you are.”

The Sanders Hand is dedicated to providing essential life skills that foster creativity and open doors to brighter futures. TJ is already considering his next venture: selling desk phones to various companies, while Katelynn hopes to launch her bracelet business by year’s end to support her family.

With over 1,000 Harris County students served to date, Sanders envisions expanding the program further to reach as many youth as possible, regardless of their backgrounds. “We aren’t just talking about making a change; we’re witnessing it,” he smiles. “These kids are creating businesses, and they come back excited, sharing their successes. This is my God-given purpose: to live out my dreams and equip our kids with the tools and resources to uplift their families.”

To learn more about County Connections and support initiatives like The Sanders Hand, visit http://www.hcde-texas.org/county-connections. Together, we can empower the next generation of young entrepreneurs in Houston and beyond.