Ben Slivinski: From a Coding Course to Y Combinator

The Shipley School · SIP, Fall 2024

Ben shares how one SIP project grew into a coding course used around the world, and how it led him to Y Combinator.

Ben came into SIP focused on science and coding and had never thought of using those skills as an entrepreneur. He designed a project-based course to help people learn to code faster, then published it online, where more than 1,000 learners in 46 countries have used it. Since then he's launched an app, done neuroscience research, and, at 16, earned an interview with Y Combinator and a spot in its fellowship program.

In this episode, Ben talks about pushing past his shyness to interview strangers, what building an app taught him about marketing, and why he thinks every student should apply for things that feel out of reach.

His advice: "Just apply, see what happens."

Ready to start your own story? The Social Innovators Program is a 12-week virtual program where students earn a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania.