According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics the percentage of people aged 16 to 24 who were employed in 2025 was 53.1%, which is 1.4% lower than in 2024.

In recent years many teens have been struggling to get hired and find balancing school life, due to the often demanding hours of a job to be difficult and taxing on mental health. At Centennial multiple students have combatted this challenge by starting their own businesses offering a variety of services. 

For example, many students have branched into baking services, homecare services, and services in the beauty industry.

Senior Grace Carter, owner of “Posters by Grace” shared, “The main thing that inspired me to start my own business instead of getting a traditional job is how involved I am in school. My schedule is already pretty packed, so running my own business allows me to create my own hours.” 

In the Titan Community on social media, it’s common to see students supporting the businesses of their peers through stories and reposts. Social media has played a large part in the traction these entrepreneurs have gained. Often encouraging their customers to spread the word. 

Junior Jace Fuller, founder of “Jace’s Yard Care”, started his business last fall and from then has grown into a legitimate business. He has been able to even hire employees and make more money than he would have at a typical high school job. 

Inspired by his uncle, Fuller has put his blood, sweat, and tears into making his venture a successful, community-building organization. 

“Teachers have hung up my posters. I’ve been able to pass out flyers to students, my friends. They’ve given it to their parents. I’ve gotten like 5 jobs from the school, and that was really nice for the teacher to put them up in their classroom. It is hard to gain trust of adults, but when you get spoken for in a community that’s tight-knit, kind of like Centennial, it really builds up your trust.”

Entrepreneurship doesn’t just stop with the students of Centennial but also extends to some of its multi-talented staff. Yearbook and Photojournalism teacher Alexa Pace began her baking business, Pace Pastries, in March of 2024 accomplishing a lifelong goal of hers to own her own business. Since then she’s grown her portfolio and expanded her client base, a large part of that growth is due to the support she’s received from Centennial. 

“It’s definitely rewarding and when you have those moments of doubt, dig deep and ask yourself: ‘Why did I start this in the first place’?” Pace shared her words of advice.“Everything does not have to be perfect right away. Because you will grow with time, and things will change, and you have to be able to adapt.”