Social Innovators Program | Winter 2022

Online High School Program

The Social Innovators Program is a partnership between the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice, The International School of Dakar, 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, the International School of Dakar, 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 (7 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

2022 Winter Term
November 21, 2022 - February 20, 2023

Location

This is a virtual (online) program.

Important Dates

  • Parent & Student Informational Webinar (if you can’t make one of these sessions, register and we’ll send the recording):

  • Application Deadline: Thursday, October 20th

  • Weekly Virtual Recitations: Week of November 21st through week of February 20th (no class weeks of December 19th and 26th) every Monday 7:00pm - 8:05pm SN.

Cost

Tuition for the program is $2,195 USD. A 50 percent deposit is due upon acceptance, and the balance is due by November 21st.

Application Process

The application is now live. Students may apply online via the “Apply Now” button below. Applications must be submitted by October 20th. 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

Questions? Contact Rich Sedmak @ 267-481-1696 or rich@schoolyardventures.com