Social Innovators Program | 2026-2027 Program

Online High School Program

The Social Innovators Program is a partnership between the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice, Miami 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, Miami 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 nonprofits 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

Winter Term 26/27

Week of November 9, 2026 - Week of February 15, 2027

Who

Grade 10 and 11 Students at MCDS

Location

This is a virtual (online) program.

Important Dates

  • Parent & Student Information Session: Monday, September 28th at 7:30pm ET | Register Here

    • Can’t attend? Register and we will send you the recording.

  • Application Deadline: Thursday, October 15th at 11:59pm ET

  • Winter Term: Week of November 9, 2026 - Week of February 15, 2027

    • No classes the week of Nov 23rd for Thanksgiving Break.

    • No classes the weeks of Dec 21st and Dec 28th for Winter Break.

 

  • Below are options for students’ weekly recitation day and times. (Subject to availability)

    • Mondays 6:00pm - 7:05pm EST

    • Mondays 7:10pm - 8:15pm EST

    • Mondays 8:20pm - 9:25pm EST

    • Mondays 9:30pm - 10:35pm EST

    • Tuesdays 4:50pm - 5:55pm EST

    • Tuesdays 6:00pm - 7:05pm EST

    • Tuesdays 7:10pm - 8:15pm EST

    • Tuesdays 8:20pm - 9:25pm EST

    • Wednesdays 4:50pm - 5:55pm EST

    • Wednesdays 6:00pm - 7:05pm EST

    • Wednesdays 7:10pm - 8:15pm EST

    • Wednesdays 8:20pm - 9:25pm EST

    • Wednesdays 9:30pm - 10:35pm EST

    • Thursdays 6:00pm - 7:05pm EST

    • Thursdays 7:10pm - 8:15pm EST

    • After acceptance, each student selects a recitation day and time.

    • Students choose from several options, all of which are one-hour slots during weekday evenings, subject to availability.

    • Students meet only once a week with their cohort.

    • Students are expected to attend all of their scheduled recitations.

    • One-time conflicts can be accommodated if sufficient notice is given. In case of conflicts, students are allowed to attend alternate recitations.

  • This program will be facilitated by advisors who are experienced social innovators and entrepreneurs from a variety of fields and backgrounds. Our advisors have built and scaled ventures across five continents, from affordable housing reform in California to plant-based food systems in India to education nonprofits in Haiti. Plus, many started their entrepreneurial journeys as teenagers themselves. They bring firsthand experience across early-stage startups, venture capital, international development, human-centered design, and social impact. They each have experience navigating the uncertainty of building something from the ground up, and are here to help you do the same.

 

Cost

Program tuition for the 2026–2027 school year is $2,395 USD. Students from MCDS receive a $200 discount, bringing tuition to $2,195 USD. A 50 percent deposit is due upon acceptance, and the balance is due by program start. Additionally, financial assistance is available for students who receive tuition assistance from MCDS.

Format

Students should be able to commit at least 3 hours per week during the program. The weekly format and time commitment includes:

  • Weekly Recitations (65 minutes): Students will meet with their cohort during their chosen recitation time weekly for 65 minutes.

  • Advisor Check-ins (~30 minutes): Students will engage in routine one-on-one check-ins with their advisor for personalized support and guidance.

  • Independent work (1-2 hours): Students will implement concepts learned from each recitation to develop their own ventures through weekly challenges, skill-building drills, and reflection.

Application Process

 

Process

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

  1. Written Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm ET on Thursday, October 15th.

  2. Phone admissions interviews will be scheduled with students after their applications are received. Please look out for an email from admissions@schoolyard.org.

  3. Students will be notified about admission decisions around one week after the application deadline.

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)

 
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