yefThe NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation is currently accepting applications for the 2010 Young Entrepreneur Awards. High-school seniors with a flare for entrepreneurship are encouraged to apply online for a chance to win a scholarship valued from $1,000-$10,000. The deadline for applying for an award is December 31. If you know an impressive young entrepreneur, encourage them to apply today.

Students can visit www.NFIB.com/YEA to apply for a scholarship online.

The eighth annual awards program for high-school seniors is designed to promote and encourage entrepreneurship endeavors among teenagers in America. Last year over 150 students nationwide received scholarships. Award recipients attend the university, college, community college or career institute of their choice with $1,000–$10,000 in tuition assistance from the foundation. One student will be named the 2010 Young Entrepreneur of the Year and will be awarded a total scholarship award of $10,000.

The program was established to raise awareness among the nation’s youth of the critical role that private enterprise and entrepreneurship play in growing America’s economy.

“Encouraging students to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations is the key mission for the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation,” said Julie Carney, senior manager of YEF programs. “We have been extremely impressed with the quality of applicants who have applied for the awards over the past few years and are very excited to learn about the innovative ideas that this year’s students will produce.”

While applying for a NFIB YEF Award, students are encouraged to check out the foundation’s online small business simulation game, Johnny Money. NFIB YEF, in conjunction with the Societal Wealth Program of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, created Johnny Money to show high school students what it’s like to run their own small business. Teachers, students, parents and anyone interested in testing their skills at running a small business can play. Click on the Play Now button for the game to start.