Impact Academy
Find a real problem. Build with AI. Test with real people. Pitch on Demo Day. No experience required.
Applications Open — July 2026 CohortThe Full Entrepreneurship Cycle. In 4 Weeks.
Impact Academy is a 4-week intensive bootcamp for high school students who want to learn real entrepreneurship skills. Not theory — the actual cycle: find a problem, build a solution, test it with real people, and pitch your results.
AI tools have changed what's possible. Students no longer need months of preparation to build something working and meaningful. With the right guidance and the right tools, a motivated high school student can go from idea to validated prototype in four weeks.
No prerequisites. No coding experience. Just the willingness to solve a real problem.
4 Weeks. One Complete Cycle.
Every week has a clear goal. By Demo Day, you've gone through the full entrepreneurship process — problem to pitch.
Problem Decomposition
Break down a real-world problem into its root causes. Through research and interviews with people actually affected, you'll learn to separate symptoms from causes, map who's impacted and why, and frame the problem in a way that makes the solution obvious.
Solution Design
Design your solution from the ground up — user personas, opportunity mapping, market sizing, and a full Product Requirements Document. By the end of Week 2, you know exactly what you're building and why it will work.
Vibe Code the Prototype
Use AI tools to bring your PRD to life. Describe what you want in plain language and watch it come to life. Students go from mockup to working prototype in days. No coding experience needed — you direct the vision, AI handles the execution.
Investor Mindset & Demo Day
Learn how investors evaluate startups: market size, traction, defensibility, and why this team. Then step into the room and pitch your solution to a real panel. This is how you close.
What You'll Learn
AI-Assisted Prototyping
Use AI tools to design and build a working prototype without prior programming experience. Focus on what to build, not how to code it.
Problem-Solving Frameworks
Learn the structured process real entrepreneurs use — identify problems, define solutions, and prioritize what matters most.
User Research & Validation
Talk to real people, observe how they use your prototype, collect structured feedback, and iterate based on evidence.
Pitching & Communication
Tell the story of what you built and why it matters — to judges, panels, and eventually college admissions offices.
Who It's For
Impact Academy is for high school students in grades 9-12 who want to learn real entrepreneurship skills and do something meaningful this summer. No coding, no business background, no prerequisites.
We look for curiosity, motivation, and a genuine desire to solve a real problem. If you've never done anything like this before, that's exactly the point.
What You Walk Away With
Validated Social Impact Project
A real solution you designed, built, and tested with actual users — not a hypothetical. You own it and can keep developing it.
Demo Day Presentation
A polished pitch delivered to a panel of judges. The kind of experience college admissions officers remember.
AI Prototyping Skills
Hands-on experience with the AI tools professionals use to build products. Skills that transfer directly to college, careers, and future projects.
College Application Portfolio
A validated project, user testing data, and a professional pitch. Tangible proof of initiative that stands out on any application.
Problem-Solving Frameworks
The structured approach to identifying problems, designing solutions, and iterating based on real feedback — used by entrepreneurs at every level.
Path to Impact Builders
Academy graduates who are passionate about building and excelled at the program are invited to Impact Builders — where you actually build and launch your solution with a real user base.
Program Details
Tuition
- ✓All instruction and materials
- ✓Expert mentorship throughout
- ✓AI tools access included
- ✓Demo Day event + certificate
- ✓Need-based scholarships available
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need coding or technical experience?
No. Impact Academy is designed for complete beginners. You will learn to prototype with AI tools — no prior programming, technical, or business experience required. Curiosity and drive matter more than background.
Who can apply?
Any high school student in grades 9-12. We look for drive, curiosity, and a genuine desire to solve real problems.
What is the time commitment?
About 10-12 hours per week over 4 weeks — roughly 4 hours of live class time (Monday/Wednesday evenings + Saturday morning) and 5-8 hours of project work. Designed to fit around summer schedules.
What tools will I use?
You will work with modern AI prototyping tools, design tools, and presentation platforms. All tools and access are included in tuition — you just need a computer and internet connection.
How much does it cost?
Impact Academy is $250 for the full 4-week program. Need-based scholarships are available — don't let cost be a barrier. Visit our financial aid page to learn more.
What happens after Impact Academy?
Academy graduates who are passionate about building and excelled at the program are invited to Impact Builders — an 8-10 week sprint where you actually build and launch your solution with real users. It's the next level for students who want to go deeper.
How small are the groups?
Cohorts are capped at 10-12 students. Every student gets real attention, real feedback, and a genuine mentorship relationship — not just a seat in a crowd.
Ready to Build Something Real?
4 weeks. A real problem. AI tools. Demo Day. No experience required. Just 10–12 spots — apply now.