Schoolyard Ventures provides innovative entrepreneurship education for ambitious teens.
Social Innovators Program | Spring 2024
Online High School Program
The Social Innovators Program is a partnership between the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice, La Jolla Country Day School, and Schoolyard Ventures. Students who successfully complete the twelve-week course will earn a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset
Entrepreneurship is much more than merely learning how to start a business. It’s a mindset—a creative problem-solving framework that can be applied to any number of situations and opportunities—and it’s fundamental to students’ long-term success in school, work, and life. It allows them to see opportunities where others don’t, make risk-adjusted decisions, persevere through adversity, and communicate effectively with stakeholders and the public.
The Social Innovators Program is a partnership between the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy, La Jolla Country Day School, and Schoolyard Ventures, an organization that develops university-level, real-world learning opportunities for ambitious high school students. Developing an entrepreneurial mindset while in high school gives students substantive differentiation from their peers, better insight into their future educational and career opportunities, and more grit and resilience to accomplish their goals.
Program Description
The Social Innovators Program allows students to learn about entrepreneurship and experience it first-hand while earning a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship. During the program, students learn how to launch ventures of their own that create value and a positive impact on society.
The twelve-week program is a virtual program (online) with small class sizes (8 students per class). Lessons will be viewed online and include engaging interviews and case studies with young entrepreneurs. During recitations, students will participate in live online group discussions led by Schoolyard Ventures staff. Students will also have continual access to personalized guidance and support from the whole Schoolyard Ventures team. Because students choose their own projects, each student’s experience in the program is unique to his or her interests and goals.
Schoolyard Ventures has helped students launch ventures ranging from tech companies and fashion retailers, to community-based non-profits and social movements. Students are encouraged to find something that sparks their curiosity and to use intrinsic motivation as the basis for developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
At the end of the program, students will present their work and most importantly, their personal development. Students who successfully complete the requirements of the course will earn a twelve-week Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship.
Program Details
Spring Term
Week of February 19, 2024 - Week of May 13, 2024
Location
This is a virtual (online) program.
Important Dates
Parent & Student Informational Sessions: Wednesday, January 10 at 7:00pm PT | Watch the recording here
Application Deadline: Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 11:59 pm PT
Weekly Virtual Recitations: Week of February 19th through week of May 13th
Weekly meeting options (once admitted, students will choose one of the following - subject to availability):
Mondays 4:10pm - 5:15pm Pacific Time
Mondays 5:20pm - 6:25pm Pacific Time
Tuesdays 3:00pm - 4:05pm Pacific Time
Tuesdays 4:10pm - 5:15pm Pacific Time
Wednesdays 4:10pm - 5:15pm Pacific Time
Wednesdays 5:20pm - 6:25pm Pacific Time
Thursdays 4:10pm - 5:15pm Pacific Time
** Once accepted into the program, each student will have the opportunity to select a recitation day and time. They will be given several options—all one-hour slots during weekday evenings. While students are expected to attend all of their scheduled recitations, one-time conflicts can be accommodated with enough notice, and students will be allowed to attend alternate recitations.
Cost
Tuition for the program is $2,295. Due to a subsidy from LJCDS, Country Day students receive a discounted tuition rate of $1,845. Additionally, financial assistance is available for Country Day students who receive tuition assistance from the school. A 50 percent deposit is due upon acceptance, and the balance is due by program start.
Application Process
The application is now live. Students may apply online via the “Apply Now” button below. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, February 1st at 11:59pm PT.
Phone admissions interviews will be scheduled with students after their applications are received.
What do we look for in an applicant? Here are a few tips:
It is not necessary for students to have an idea to apply for the program (80% of accepted students begin without an idea). We will help students work through the process of developing an idea during the program.
We’re looking for students who are curious about social entrepreneurship and motivated to begin solving problems for other people and themselves while still in high school.
Students with a Growth Mindset will have an advantage in the admissions process. (Learn More About Growth Mindset)
Students should be able to commit at least 3 hours per week over the course of the 12-week program, which includes the weekly recitation, check-ins with their advisors, and working on their project.
Questions? Contact Rich Sedmak @ 267-481-1696 or rsedmak@upenn.edu
Applications for the Spring 2024 term are now closed.
Do you have questions about the program? Want to learn more about the next application cycle? Sign up for updates, request more information, or submit your questions below.