ISOA'S  BEEM Program (Business Exchange for the Entrepreneurially Minded) is a progressive youth entrepreneurial and economic development  program  for grades K-4, designed to motivate and inspire youth in the public school system to achieve in the business world either as an employer or employee. The BEEM Program is especially designed for the advancement of "at risk" youth regardless of ethnic or cultural background and has been operating at Brookmeade Elementary School continuously since the Spring of 1991.  The Program impacts over 400 young lives annually through activities including entrepreneurial classroom training, field trips, youth entrepreneurial ventures, a youth entrepreneurial newsletter and an annual career fair.

The BEEM students in the school’s fourth grade classes, called BEEMERS, plan the entire Career Fair Event with the assistance of Brookmeade 4th grade teachers, ISOA board members and volunteers. Planning the Career Fair allows youth a chance to really learn about organizing, planning, managing and teamspersonship.  With ego totally elevated, BEEMERS serve as hosts for this special day, greeting and escorting businesspersons, parents and students throughout the afternoon.

ISOA's BEEM Program and other community efforts have  received numerous awards and honors.

AWARDS:

• JC Penney Golden Rule Award for Community Service

• JC Penney Golden Rule Award for Education

• Brookmeade Elementary School Awards for outstanding service and excellence.

• Governor of Tennessee Award for Service to Youth

• The Coalition for The Survival of The African American Male Award for
  Outstanding Service to Youth

HONORS:

• A Metropolitan Nashville School Showcased Program

• Tennessee Legislative Caucus Model Youth Program in the State

• Knoxville Teen  Entrepreneurial Conference--Highlighted as an exemplary youth program in the State