Social Impact Fellowship | Summer 2026

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 Impact Fellowship is a partnership between the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Social Impact Strategy, The Scott Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Hillbrook 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

Through the Fellowship, students participate in the UPenn Social Innovators Program, which enables high school students to learn about entrepreneurship and experience it first-hand while earning a Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship. Students will learn how to launch ventures of their own that create value and a positive impact on society.

The Social Innovators Program is a virtual (online) with a strong focus on personalized and individualized guidance. With small class sizes, 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 have access to regular personalized guidance and support from the Schoolyard Ventures and Scott Center teams. 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

Summer 2026 Term

Week of June 8 - Week of July 27th

Who

Upper School Students

Location

This is a virtual (online) program.

Our programs have been fully online since our founding 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: Tuesday, May 5th at 7pm PT | Register Here

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

• Application Deadline: Sunday, May 10th at 11:59pm PT

• Program Timeline

  • Fellowship Kickoff with the Scott Center: Sunday, May 31st from 6-7pm PT

  • Social Innovators Program: Week of June 8, 2026 - Week of July 27, 2026

  • Fellowship Celebration with the Scott Center: Sunday, August 2nd from 6-7pm PT

Format

Students are expected to commit at least 4-5 hours per week over the course of the program. The weekly program format and time commitment includes:

• Scott Center Fellowship Kickoff and Celebration: Students will virtually come together with the other Fellows at the start and end of the program.

• 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. See recitation time options below.

• 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.

Scheduling

Cost

Tuition for the Fellowship is $2,450 USD. The cost of the Social Impact Fellowship is comprehensive and includes tuition to the UPenn Social Innovators Program and all associated materials. Tuition is due by June 1, 2026.

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 PT on Sunday, May 10th.

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 by Monday, May 18th.

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 in high school.

• Students with a Growth Mindset will have an advantage in the admissions process. (Learn More About Growth Mindset)