A trio of high school students in Dubai is making waves in the world of finance and education with their initiative, the Youth Economy Lab (YEL). Founded by Joseph Augustine, Yuvraj Vikrant Bharadia, and Kabir Pasricha, the nonprofit has rapidly expanded into a global network boasting over 5,600 members across 78 countries. By establishing 41 chapters worldwide, these young entrepreneurs have successfully bridged the gap between secondary education and professional economics, proving that age is no barrier to fostering high-level intellectual collaboration.

The platform was born from a desire to democratize access to economic and financial resources, which the founders felt were typically locked behind expensive university programs. YEL offers a suite of free tools, including business simulations, research competitions, and mentorship sessions with industry experts, effectively creating a hub for aspiring young minds to learn without financial gatekeeping. Supported by prestigious partnerships like Microsoft’s CSR program and the IB Global Youth Action Fund, YEL is not only tapping into the UAE’s vibrant startup culture but is also empowering thousands of students globally to engage with complex financial topics early in their academic careers.