Young Innovators Program

Course is Full

Course Description

Enrollment for this course is at capacity and is now closed. We will only admit students from the waitlist if places become available. Please make other selections for your application. We strongly recommend that you apply for more than one course on your application.

The Young Innovators Program empowers high achieving students for academic and career success in STEM innovation. In partnership with Invenergy, an industry leader in renewable and clean energy generation, and the Polsky Foundation, students have access to experiential learning opportunities, mentorship from industry leaders, and a network of entrepreneurial peers. This program is a one-week, in-person experience in July on UChicago’s campus.

Students will complete a series of seminars led by experts from UChicago and members of industry. These include team members at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Career Advancement’s Careers in Entrepreneurship and Careers in STEM staff, UChicago faculty, and Invenergy professionals. The seminars will train students in both soft and technical skills and introduce them to the many exciting career paths at the intersection of climate science and entrepreneurship, including bioengineering, renewable energy, founding startups, and venture capital.

Throughout the program, students will work in teams on a pitch for sustainable improvements to an American city that will culminate in a 10-minute live presentation. Students will receive coaching from professionals at Invenergy and the Polsky Center on how to develop and present their pitch. Complementing their pitch development, students will tour campus laboratories, explore the city of Chicago, and complete programming on how to apply for selective colleges and universities. In addition to providing a valuable hands-on experience, the competition will help students build a peer support network.

As part of the experience, students will also travel to Invenergy’s Chicago headquarters for an office tour and a discussion panel with industry professionals. Invenergy team members will speak to their experience working in different parts of the industry and provide an inspiring example to students of what they can do with STEM degrees.

Program Contact: All questions should be directed to Willem Gerrish at willemgerrish@uchicago.edu.

Course Criteria

Academic Interest

College Preview

Application Materials

A complete application includes a transcript, two short essays, a letter of recommendation, writing sample, application fee, and a submitted parent confirmation. If you are seeking need-based financial aid, you must indicate that in your application before it is submitted. Please refer to the Application Instructions for complete details. Applicants to 1 Week Enrichment may have a counselor or teacher submit a nomination in addition to the required letter of recommendation.

Applicants will be asked to respond to the following essay questions in the application:

• Why did you choose the particular program/courses for which you have applied? How are they related to your current interests and future plans? Please be as specific as possible, and make sure your response covers each of the courses you elected. (Limit: 500 words)

• "Since its founding, the University has been committed to the idea that a culture of rigorous inquiry requires an environment where diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas inform and stimulate intellectual exchange, challenge, and engagement.” -UChicago Office of the Provost. How would you contribute to this culture of inquiry in this program? What do you hope to gain or learn by engaging with peers from all over the U.S. or from different parts of the world? (Limit: 300 words)

Review the Application Instructions for more detailed information.

Cost

$2,500

Significant financial support is available for these programs, and any student can apply for aid. In addition, students applying only to 1 Week Enrichment programs, and whose household income is $120,000 or below, are eligible for the following financial support, as available:

• Household income at or below $120,000 USD: Program fee is waived (e.g., no cost to the student, exclusive of travel expenses).
• Household income at or below $65,000 USD: Program fee is waived + domestic roundtrip travel expenses covered (e.g., no cost to the student, inclusive of travel expenses for domestic students).

This course is completely full. Please choose another course instead. We recommend that you apply for more than one course on your application.