Entrepreneurs aren’t just born.

Experiential Entrepreneurship is a summer program designed for future entrepreneurs who want to change the world with their ideas. In this program, students learn to be an entrepreneur by being an entrepreneur. The Oakland Experiential Entrepreneurship program harnesses the power of place, offering an experiential pre-college program that reflects the buzzing entrepreneurial spirit of the Bay Area. Students will form teams and build a startup from an idea to a pitch in front of a panel of entrepreneurs. Along the way, they will have access to Bay Area industry professionals who will provide guidance on topics such as finding and growing an audience, business planning, product development, negotiation, pitch presentations, and more. This opportunity to go from an idea to a pitch for high school students is a one of a kind experience. ​

Oakland, California is home to a range of nonprofit arts organizations, social justice initiatives, advocacy groups, and a business culture committed to social responsibility. Students will have the opportunity to apply what they learn from Bay Area thought leaders while learning how to be an entrepreneur. ​

Learning Outcomes