Mahtomedi High School student Jaylen Jones (Class of 2026) has won the $1,000 Youth Spark Innovative Idea Competition prize from Social Venture Partners Minnesota for his business idea to create a home cleaning service for senior citizens that is staffed by young adults who are trained in companionship (building friendship and meaningful conversations) with seniors. The idea for the business was inspired by his grandma, Shonda Ofili, who he regularly helps with home cleaning. Jaylen sees the business as a reciprocal benefit to three generations of people: teenagers who can gain employment and connection, middle-aged adults who need help for their parents, and senior citizens who receive help in their homes and friendships.
At Mahtomedi High School, Jaylen is a member of DECA and will soon compete at the State-level business competition. He is also an intern for the company Blunest Connect and works on helping senior citizens establish digital literacy skills.
Jaylen’s business idea has also caught the attention of Minnesota Public Radio, click here to listen to the interview.