Social Innovators Program | 2026 Summer Term

Online High School Program

The Social Innovators Program is a partnership between the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice, Mercersburg Academy and Schoolyard Ventures. Students who successfully complete the eight-week program 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, Mercersburg Academy, 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 eight-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 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 High School Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship.

 

Information Session

 
 

Program Details

2026 Summer Program

Week of June 8th - Week of July 27th

Who

Upper School Students at Mercersburg Academy

Location

This is a virtual (online) program.

The Social Innovators Program has been designed to be online from its inception seven years ago. We believe that pedagogically, online learning requires a different model than in-person. This includes much smaller class sizes, an emphasis on action and discussion instead of passive lectures, and a focus on mentorship and personalized guidance.

Important Dates

  • Parent & Student Information Session: Monday, April 6th at 7:30 pm ET | Watch the Recording

  • Application Deadline: Thursday, May 7th at 11:59pm ET

  • Program Timeline: Week of June 8th - Week of July 27th

Time Commitment

The suggested weekly time commitment for students is ~4-5 hours per week. As a multi-week virtual experience, the program is designed intentionally to fit around other summer commitments, including travel or in-person programs.

Format

The weekly format and time commitment includes:

  • Weekly Recitations (80 minutes): Students join live group sessions are led by 2 advisors with no more than 8 students per cohort, where new concepts are introduced and explained, group discussions are facilitated, and project feedback and reflection are shared.

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

  • Independent work (2-3 hours): Students will implement concepts learned from each recitation to develop their own ventures through weekly challenges, skill-building drills, and reflection.

Weekly Recitation Options

Students choose one weekly meeting time that works for their schedule. Time are subject to availability.

  • Mondays 2:00pm - 3:20pm ET

  • Mondays 5:00pm - 6:20pm ET

  • Mondays 6:30pm - 7:50pm ET

  • Mondays 8:00pm - 9:20pm ET

  • Tuesdays 2:00pm - 3:20pm ET

  • Tuesdays 6:30pm - 7:50pm ET

  • Tuesdays 9:30pm - 10:50pm ET

  • Wednesdays 6:30pm - 7:50pm ET

  • Wednesdays 8:00pm - 9:20pm ET

More Information

Scheduling Details

 

    • 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.

    • Students have full autonomy over their project's focus area and target market.

    • Weekly challenges, skill-building exercises, and reflections guide you in building your venture.

    • There are no textbooks, tests, or quizzes—the work involves putting your ideas into action and reflecting on your progress each week.

Cost

Tuition for the program is $2,295 USD but Mercersburg Academy Students receive a discounted tuition of $2,095 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 Mercersburg.

 

Application Process

 

Process

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

  1. Written Application: The application is now live. Students can download this PDF to review the application questions. Students may apply online via the “Apply Now” button below. Trouble accessing the application? Click here.

  2. Phone Interview: If a student application is strong, a brief phone admissions interview (~15 minutes) will be scheduled. Students should expect to receive an email from admissions@schoolyard.org.

  3. Scheduling: Once accepted into the program, students will have the opportunity to select their preferred recitation day and time.

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)

Questions?

Schoolyard Ventures Contact: Reilly Brooks @ reilly@schoolyard.org

UPenn Contact: Rich Sedmak @ 267-481-1696 or rsedmak@upenn.edu

 
 
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