Similar to a buddy list on an instant message site, here is a compilation of organizations for you to access at the touch of a button. These resources will assist you in counseling, training and leadership development. Use this list – in addition to other sources on the Internet -- to guide you on your path to business ownership.

COUNSELING AND TRAINING

National Academy Foundation - http://www.naf.org

The National Academy Foundation sustains a national network of career academies to support the development of America's youth toward personal and professional success in high school, in higher education, and throughout their careers.  NAF Academies represent business/school partnerships that prepare young people for future careers through a combination of school-based curricula and work-based experiences.

The W.E.B. Dubois Scholars Institute – http://www.webduboisscholars.org

The Institute cultivates scholarship, leadership potential and community service among high-achieving African-American and Latino-American adolescents.

Mentoring - http://www.mentoring.org/

The National Mentoring Partnership is a resource for mentors and mentoring initiatives nationwide. Here are ideas to help you find a mentor.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND BUSINESS RESOURCES

Junior Achievement - http://www.ja.org

JA educates and inspires young people to value free enterprise, business and economics to improve the quality of their lives.

Future Business Leaders of America – http://www.fbla-pbl.org

Future Business Leaders of America brings business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovation, leadership and career development programs.

Distributive Education Clubs of America – http://www.deca.org

DECA is the association for students of marketing, management and entrepreneurship. DECA sponsors a competitive awards program; provides scholarships, leadership training and classroom support; and hosts conferences.

Students in Free Enterprise – http://www.sife.org

SIFE offers students the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills through learning, practicing and teaching the principles of free enterprise, thereby improving the standard of living for millions in the process.

Boy Scouts of America – http://www.scouting.org

Boy Scouts of America prepares young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of the scout oath and law. Leadership training focuses on character development and values.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America – http://www.bgca.org

Boys and Girls Clubs of America teach young people the skills they need to succeed in life. The Education and Career programs, for ages 13-18, expands knowledge of money management and teaches skills that lead to financial independence.

Girl Scouts of America – http://www.girlscouts.org

Girl Scouts of America teaches the importance of personal responsibility, the value of goal-setting, teamwork and accomplishment. For girls 11-17, scouting provides an opportunity to practice decision-making skills and how to relate to others with understanding and respect.

Association of Young Latino Entrepreneurs – http://www.ayle.org

The association promotes the business development of young Latino entrepreneurs with economic programs designed to strengthen and expand the income potential of its members and affiliates in the trade area.

4-H - http://www.4husa.org

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning about leadership, citizenship and life skills.

Entrepreneur Magazine - http://www.teenstartups.com

Entrepreneur U – http://www.entrepreneuru.org

This site was created for the purpose of informing students, administrators and parents about the opportunities for studying entrepreneurship beyond high school.

Young America’s Business Trust – www.ybiz.net

Believing The talents and prospects of young entrepreneurs of the Americas and the Caribbean today will determine the Hemisphere's potential for future economic growth and democratic stability , Young Americas Business Trust combines the energy of talented young people with the experience and prestige of the Organization of American States, an international organization of the 34 countries of the Americas .