LaunchX Entrepreneur
The Launch X Young Entrepreneurs Program attracts ambitious, entrepreneurial high schoolers and supports them through the process of launching a start-up. Join a highly-curated group of promising young entrepreneurs from around the globe for four intense weeks. You'll learn from industry experts and work in a group of peer co-founders to build real products and solve business challenges in viable ways. LaunchX isn't a business plan competition - students start real companies. These startups are driven by using the design thinking process to discover innovative opportunities, backed by extensive market research, multiple iterations of prototypes and user testing, and gaining traction through getting real customers and partnerships. This is an experience that should add some real WOW!!
How do I get started? Check out the LaunchX website for more information.
How do I expand this narrative arc?
Have a look at Wharton’s Management and Technology summer program.
If you are interested in the intersection between sustainability and entrepreneurship, consider Sustainable Summer, which includes a program at Dartmouth at which students develop commercial solutions to climate change problems.
Put your ideas into action when you launch a business in your own community.
Want to do something similar through a different organization to expand your network and try your ideas in a different setting? Check out Leangap Entrepreneur.
The Knowledge Society runs year round programs in an number of cities across the country. Find out if there’s a cohort near you.
HOT TIP: For a budding entrepreneur this is a really opportunity to add some zing to your portfolio. That said, the value you gain from the experience will likely come from what you do with your prototype or product after the summer ends. Summer experiences on their own can look like “pay to play”. Be sure to transition whatever comes out of your summer into something longer term and more meaningful!