Enrollment
Growth
Marketing and lead follow-up that turn inquiries into enrolled students.
YEA is on a mission to empower instructors and unlock youth potential in America.
The premier educator-led youth enrichment platform
We back the programs that shaped us.
YEA partners with and acquires exceptional youth enrichment programs. We were founded by former NCAA athletes and educators who know the lasting impact of a great program.
We are on a mission to support the owners, coaches and teachers behind great programs, so more students can learn, gain confidence and reach their full potential. Every one of us is the product of an exceptional youth program.
What a partnership brings
More fuel. Same heart.
We know what eats up your time: hiring and retaining instructors, new students and churn, facility improvement and admin work. Our playbook tackles these challenges so you can focus on teaching and reclaim your personal time.
Enrollment
Scheduling & staffing
Smarter class schedules, plus help hiring and keeping great coaches.
Marketing, AI, tech & hiring
Shared resources a single school rarely has the time or budget to build alone.
New
locations
Capital for equipment and upgrades, and the know-how to open new locations.
What never changes
Your nameThe name families know stays on the door.
Your staffInstructors and program directors stay on.
Your brandYour curriculum and culture stay yours.
Your familiesThey notice modern facilities and newer equipment, not a new owner.
The team
Shaped by great instructors. Now we back them.
We are former NCAA athletes and educators turned entrepreneurs. We have run and scaled education businesses, and we bring real experience in operations, coach retention, sales, marketing and technology.
Brandon KarkhanisPlayed NCAA football and grew up in a family that treated education, athletics, and the arts as inseparable. That upbringing shaped how he sees youth enrichment, not as a service, but as a formative experience worth protecting.
Daniel OvelarGrew up playing competitive water polo for the National Team alongside teammates from all walks of life, an experience that taught him humility and showed him how much a person's path can depend on the opportunities put in front of them.
Rishabh AgarwalFormer middle school principal who has dedicated his educational career to creating opportunities for students to learn, grow, and reach their potential.
Our values
How we make every decision.
Integrity
Transparency and trust guide every decision we make. Our word is our bond.
01People-First
From partners to instructors, we prioritize well-being and long-term success.
02Excellence
The highest standard of care for our kids, and operational excellence.
03Legacy
We respect and build upon the strong foundations of the schools we partner with.
04For school owners
Owner questions, answered.
How does YEA build partnerships?+
YEA partners with school owners in the way that fits their goals. Some stay on as meaningful owners and grow with us over several years, with capital and support to open new locations. Others hand over the school completely, with a smooth transition for retirement or other reasons.
How long is the YEA partnership?+
YEA partnerships are built to last. We’re flexible to your needs, and YEA is a permanent home for your schools, with the option to build together for decades. There are no short timelines, because we’re always building for the future.
Will my school keep its name?+
Yes. Your school keeps its name, staff and brand. Families should not notice a change, other than a better experience and better facilities and equipment.
What happens to my coaches?+
They stay. We want your staff to be a part of the YEA family and grow with us as we build upon your legacy and create new opportunities with the people that made it all possible.
What kinds of schools do you look for?+
Independent, owner-operated youth enrichment businesses with an established local brand, five or more years in business, their own facility and excellent reviews from families.
What if I own my building?+
We have flexible solutions to either become tenants or evaluate a purchase of the real estate transparently and alongside you.
What is the first step?+
A short call with our founders. Book 30 minutes below, or reach out by phone or email to tell us about your business and what you want for the future.
Start a conversation
Tell us about your school.
Thinking about retirement, a partner, or just curious what your school could be worth? Book a 30-minute call with our founders. There is no commitment.
Book a 30-minute call