Entrepreneurial Ventures Summer Accelerator 2021

Online High School Program

The Entrepreneurial Ventures Program is a partnership between the University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship, The Diamond Challenge and Schoolyard Ventures.

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Program Overview

The Entrepreneurial Ventures Summer Accelerator is a partnership between Horn Entrepreneurship at the University of Delaware and Schoolyard Ventures, an organization that develops university-level learning opportunities for ambitious high school students.

During the intensive eight-week program, students will launch their own business ventures. By the end of the program, they will be able to:

» Develop a plan for launching a venture

» Define customers and customer segments

» Test their ideas in the real world

» Market through multiple channels

» Understand how customers, employers, and colleges view them and their strengths

» Present their ideas to potential investors and advocates

The program will culminate in a graduation event where students present their ventures, accomplishments and personal development experiences.


Program Format

***See note below about COVID-19 Flexibility***

Weekly Recitation Classes (once per week, twice per week during the first two weeks)

  • 65 minutes each

  • Live video group chat with 2 instructors and no more than 6 students

  • New concepts introduced and explained, group discussions, project feedback and reflection

Weekly One-on-one Check-ins (average of once per week)

  • 10 to 30 minute one-on-one check-ins with instructor for supplementary project coaching / guidance

  • Additional check-ins, including evening and weekend hours, available per student request

Slack App Learning Management and Communication System (available continuously)

  • Students will have access to the Slack app, which will allow them to message instructors at any time, receive assignments, review recitation presentations, post assignments and project updates, and collaborate with other students.

Guest Lectures by Entrepreneurs

  • Students will have the opportunity to meet successful entrepreneurs, hear lessons learned and get their questions answered.

Independent Work (2 to 3 hours per week)

  • The program will require 2 to 3 hours per week of independent work, spent mostly on project advancement, but also on weekly challenges, skill-building drills, and reflections.

Total Student Commitment Required = 5-6 hours per week

Program Details

2021 Summer Program

June 14th - August 6th

Who

Current high school students

Location

This is a 100% virtual (online) program.

Information Sessions

We will host a series of evening webinars / info sessions for students and parents. (If you are unable to attend, please register and we will send you a recording.)

Cost

Tuition for the program is $1,695. A 50 percent deposit is due upon acceptance, and the balance is due by June 1st. Students can opt to one (1) University of Delaware credit for completion of this program for an additional fee of $295.

Learn about our refund policy here.

**A NOTE ABOUT COVID-19**

We recognize that families are facing a great deal of uncertainty regarding summer plans. We acknowledge this and want to be as flexible as we can be. We are doing this in three specific ways:

  1. Students will have the opportunity to choose a between a number of weekly evening recitation times - generally Monday or Tuesdays during the 6pm or 7pm time slot. Evening sessions allow move flexibility for students who are waiting to confirm involvement with day time summer work, day camps or intensive day-time sports.

  2. We are able to schedule up to two make-up recitations sessions should a student need to miss sessions due to overnight camp, vacation or college visits.

  3. We have extended our application deadline so that families can make enrollment decisions with the best information possible. However, we caution that the program might reach capacity before this deadline.

We would be happy to discuss your individual situation.

One additional note about online programming. We recognize that students are spending considerably more time online due to COVID-19. We also recognize that many in-person programs are attempting to transition their programs online with varying degrees of success. Entrepreneurial Ventures Summer Accelerator has been designed to be online. We believe that pedagogically, online learning requires a different model than in-person - including much smaller class sizes, an emphasis on action and discussion instead of passive lectures and a focus on mentorship and personalized guidance.

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Application Process

The application is now live. Students may apply online via the “Apply Now” button below.

If a student application is strong, a brief phone admissions interview (10 to 15 minutes) will be scheduled.

Students will be notified of our decision within 72 hours.

Once accepted into the program, students will have the opportunity to select their preferred recitation days and times. They will be given several options—all 65 minute slots during weekday evenings. While students are expected to attend all of their scheduled recitations, conflicts can be accommodated with enough notice, and students will be allowed to attend alternate recitations.