Social Innovators Program | Summer 2024

Online High School Program

The Social Innovators Program is a partnership between the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice and Schoolyard Ventures. High school students who successfully complete the eight-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 Center for Social Impact Strategy 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 high school 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 eight-week program is virtual (online) with a strong focus on personalized and individualized guidance. With small class sizes (8 students and 2 entrepreneurial advisors 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, including one-on-one check-ins at least once per week.

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.

Summer 2024 will mark our 22nd cohort of the online Social Innovators Program.

 

Program Format

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

  • 65 minutes each

  • Live video group sessions with 2 advisors and no more than 8 students

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

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

  • 20 to 30 minute one-on-one check-ins with an advisor 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.

Independent Work (2 - 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 = 4-5 hours per week

Program Details

2024 Summer Program

Week of June 10th - Week of July 29th

Who

Current high school students.

Location

This is a 100% virtual (online) program.

The Social Innovators Program has been designed to be online from its inception six years ago. 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.

Recitation Options

Students will be able to choose a weekly meeting time that works for their schedule. Current options include (subject to availability):

  • Mondays 2:00pm - 3:05pm ET

  • Mondays 7:10pm - 8:15pm ET

  • Mondays 8:20pm - 9:25pm ET

  • Tuesdays 2:00pm - 3:05pm ET

  • Tuesdays 7:10pm - 8:15pm ET

  • Wednesdays 7:10pm - 8:15pm ET

Information Sessions

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

Cost

Tuition for the program is $2,295 USD. A 50 percent deposit is due upon acceptance, and the balance is due by June 1st.

Application Process

This is a rolling admission process. The program will likely reach capacity before the deadline.

Deadline:

Thursday, May 9th at 11:59pm ET / 8:59pm PT

Process:

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

  2. Phone Interview: If a student application is strong, a brief phone admissions interview (15 minutes) will be scheduled.

  3. Decision: Students will be notified of our decision within one week of the phone interview.

  4. Scheduling: Once accepted into the program, students will have the opportunity to select their preferred recitation days and times. Conflicts can be accommodated with enough notice, and students will be allowed to attend alternate recitations.

 

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 4-5 hours per week over the course of the eight-week program.

Program Policies

  • Because of the program’s small class sizes and limited capacity, program deposits are non-refundable (unless program is cancelled by Penn / Schoolyard Ventures). Final 50 percent payments are refundable until June 16th (end of week 1).

  • We expect students to attend their weekly recitations. However, students may miss two recitations with advance notice, and instructors will work with them to schedule a one-on-one makeup session.

  • Students who miss two or more sessions will not be eligible to receive a certificate.

  • Students will be assessed not based on the success or failure of their projects, but rather on the quality and quantity of their learning and their weekly progress.

  • While there are no formal grades in the program, students will be given feedback from instructors on a weekly basis regarding their progress. If an instructor believes a student is not meeting the expectations of the program, the instructor will inform the student and work with him/her to develop a plan for getting back on track. Our goal is for every admitted student to have a positive and beneficial experience in the program and earn a certificate.

  • We ask that students engage in pro-social behavior in their dealings with other students and program staff.

Questions? Contact Rich Sedmak @ 267-481-1696 or rsedmak@upenn.edu

 

Information Session