13 Nonprofit Bootcamps & Accelerators for High School Students
For high school students looking to launch or grow a nonprofit, bootcamps and accelerators provide structure, mentorship, and tools to move ideas into action. These programs are designed to help you navigate the challenges of starting a mission-driven organization, from defining your impact model to building a team, raising funds, and scaling initiatives.
Participating in a nonprofit bootcamp or accelerator can also be a strong differentiator on college applications, resumes, and scholarship statements. These programs demonstrate initiative, leadership, community engagement, and a willingness to take on complex problems. Whether you’re just starting out with an idea or already running a small project, these nonprofit-focused programs can enhance your impact and personal growth.
Here are 13 non-profit bootcamps and accelerators for high school students.
1. Young Founders Lab
Location: This program is 100% virtual, with live, interactive workshops
Cost: The total cost to attend the 4-week program is $2,900. There is need-based financial aid
Application Deadline: Varies according to cohort. You can access the application link here.
Dates: Vary according to cohort
Eligibility: The program is currently open to all high school students
The Young Founder’s Lab is a hands-on program where you gain practical experience in starting a business. Through guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, you’ll work on developing an idea and turning it into a functional project. The sessions cover core topics in entrepreneurship, including planning, testing, and refining ideas, as well as the basics of managing a small venture. If you’re interested in addressing social issues, the program also includes content on mission-driven models. You’ll learn how nonprofits and social enterprises are structured, and what it takes to build an organisation with a clear social purpose. You can check out the brochure for the program here.
2. INCubatoredu & ACCELeratoredu
Location: In-person, offered within partner schools
Cost: Varies by district, often covered by the school
Application Deadline: Based on individual school enrollment
Dates: Full academic year (INCubatoredu); year two for ACCELeratoredu
Eligibility: Grades 10–12, some locations grades 11–12
INCubatoredu is a year-long entrepreneurship curriculum embedded in high schools, designed to provide students with an authentic experience developing and launching a real venture , often a nonprofit or social enterprise , with mentorship from business leaders. In ACCELeratoredu, you formalise your ventures, acquire customers, and seek funding, learning to iterate and scale. The accelerator emphasises problem-solving for community good, pitch competitions for actual funding, and the formation of legal entities. You benefit from a robust support network and access to local entrepreneurs and donors. Teams receive real feedback and investment offers during “Shark Tank” style pitch nights. The immersive structure encourages innovation and accountability, and graduates have gone on to launch youth-led nonprofits nationwide.
3. Be Your Own Boss Virtual Internship | Future Founders
Location: Virtual, with one in-person event at Future Founder’s office in Chicago, IL
Cost: Free, stipend provided
Application Deadline: September 26
Dates: October 7 – 30
Eligibility: High school and college students (U.S.-based, ages 14–24; no prior venture required)
The Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) Virtual Internship is a national, cohort-based program specifically designed for students who want to launch for-profit or nonprofit ventures while gaining real entrepreneurial experience. Over six weeks, you attend workshops led by seasoned founders, nonprofit leaders, and industry experts who coach students on product/service development, business modelling, and impact strategy. The curriculum features guided project work, active mentorship, and peer accountability groups to help teens advance from an idea to a viable venture , whether for social good or traditional entrepreneurship. The BYOB program culminates in a Demo Day, where you pitch your projects to a panel of judges for potential recognition and resources.
4. H&C Incubator Program
Location: Virtual
Cost: Information available upon inquiry
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Dates: Multiple cohorts, typically lasting two to four months
Eligibility: Middle and high school students who are 13 to 17 years old
In the H&C Incubator Program, you’ll work individually with a mentor to develop and launch a project or venture. Over a period of two to four months, you’ll go through the core steps of building something from the ground up , generating ideas, testing assumptions, conducting market research, and refining your concept. During the incubator, you’ll meet one-on-one via video conference with Pierre or one of the company’s leadership specialists. Pierre is an experienced mentor, entrepreneur, and a recognised expert in college and graduate admissions. Along the way, you’ll also build a personal website, improve your LinkedIn profile, and write a professional essay that outlines your work. By the end of the program, you’ll have a clear direction for your project and the tools to keep developing it after the program ends.
5. Startup UCLA: Social Entrepreneurship Summer Institute
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,850 | Scholarships are available
Application deadline: Session A: June 13; Session B & C: June 6; Session D: July 25 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: Virtual: June 23 – July 4 (A); August 4 – 15 (D). Residential: July 6 – 19 (B); July 20 – August 2 (C). All dates are tentative, based on previous years
Eligibility: Students in grades 10 to 12 who are at least 15 years old
At the Startup UCLA: Social Entrepreneurship Summer Institute, you’ll learn how to develop and plan a social impact organisation or nonprofit. Through a combination of live classes, mentorship, and hands-on projects, you’ll create a business model that responds to a specific social or community issue. The program covers key topics like how to structure an organisation, the basics of launching a startup, and the core principles of social entrepreneurship. With support from instructors and entrepreneurs, you’ll work step-by-step toward a final presentation of your project by the end of the session.
6. Tufts University Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp
Format: In-person (Tufts University campus)
Cost: Residential $5,750; Commuter $4,225; limited need-based financial aid available
Application Deadline: May 1 (tentative, based on previous years)
Dates: July 6 – 18 (tentative, based on previous years)
Eligibility: Rising 10th–12th graders or high school graduates, age 15+ for residential
The Tufts Entrepreneurship & Innovation Bootcamp is an immersive two-week pre-college program where high school students learn to launch ventures focused on solving societal problems through entrepreneurship, including social enterprises and nonprofits. You engage in experiential learning activities to build a business case, develop differentiated solutions, and create a go-to-market strategy. The program involves team collaboration, workshops on leadership, pitching, and problem-solving frameworks tailored to real-world ventures. Mentorship is provided by Tufts faculty, alumni entrepreneurs, and industry experts, granting exposure to entrepreneurial ecosystems. The culmination of the program is a Demo Day where teams pitch their ventures to a panel of judges from varied professional backgrounds, simulating a startup accelerator experience.
7. USC Pre-College Online Program — Entrepreneurship: Exploring What It Takes to Create Your Own Business
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,990 USD + $35 application fee
Application deadline: Rolling admissions, with multiple application deadlines
Program dates: Multiple sessions in April, May, June, July, and August week before the program start date | You can find all the details here
Eligibility: High school students who are 14 or older
The USC Pre-College Online Program offers a virtual course that introduces the basics of starting and managing a business. While it’s not a traditional incubator, the course covers key topics such as estimating market size, evaluating competitors, understanding small business finances, and preparing to present a business idea to potential investors. You’ll also learn how to compare different business models, identify market opportunities, and consider the practical steps involved in launching a venture. The course includes recorded lectures, case studies, and assignments that you can complete on your own schedule. After finishing the course, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion from USC.
8. Knowledge Matters Virtual Business: Entrepreneurship
Location: Virtual
Cost: You can inquire about pricing at info@knowledgematters.com
Application deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Program dates: Available year-round
Eligibility: High school students
The Virtual Business: Entrepreneurship program is an online course designed for high school students interested in learning how to start and manage a business. Through a series of interactive simulations, you’ll take on the role of an entrepreneur and develop practical skills related to business planning, financial decision-making, and market analysis. The program includes three main projects. In the Shark Project, you’ll practice presenting a business idea to simulated investors. The Business Plan Project involves creating a detailed plan that outlines how your business will operate and grow. In the Mega-Mogul Project, you’ll work on expanding a business from a single location to multiple sites, focusing on strategy and operations. These activities are designed to give you hands-on experience with the core steps involved in building and running a business.
9. These Teens Mean Busine$$ Incubator — CEOs of Tomorrow
Location: Spark Building, Madison, WI
Cost: $160; partial need-based scholarships available
Application deadline: Rolling registration until seats are filled (early registration recommended)
Program dates: Fall Session: October 11 – December 13 (on Saturdays)
Eligibility: High school students
The Teens Mean Busine$$ Incubator is a nine-week program designed for high school students interested in developing small businesses that address community needs, making it especially relevant if you’re considering launching a nonprofit or mission-driven venture. Throughout the program, you’ll work with mentors to plan, test, and launch a venture focused on creating social impact. You’ll learn practical skills related to business development, including market research, branding, customer interaction, and basic financial planning. The program ends with a Pitch & Launch Event, where you’ll present your business to a panel and have the opportunity to offer your product or service to the public. You may also be eligible for awards or scholarships based on your performance.
10. Athena Summer Innovation Institute @ Barnard College
Location: Barnard College, New York City, NY
Cost: Residential tuition: $10,171; Commuter tuition: $8,160 | Need-based financial aid is available.
Application deadline: Rolling applications
Program dates: July 21 – August 8
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, as well as gap year students
The Athena Summer Innovation Institute at Barnard College is a three-week program where high school students work in teams to develop ventures focused on social impact. You’ll take part in practical sessions covering core aspects of entrepreneurship such as generating ideas, conducting market research, building a brand, understanding startup finances, and preparing a pitch. The program includes site visits to local startups in New York City, as well as guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and staff from the Athena Centre for Leadership. You’ll also receive structured support in public speaking through workshops led by Barnard’s Speaking Fellows. At the end of the program, you’ll present your project to peers and mentors during a final pitch event.
11. Get Girls Going Summer Incubator
Location: Get Girls Going sites in Boston and Worcester, MA
Cost: Free; students may be eligible for additional year-round support after the program
Application deadline: March 31
Program dates: July 9 – August 16 (tentative, based on previous year’s dates)
Eligibility: Black high school girls who are upcoming sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Get Girls Going offers a six-week summer program for Black high school girls interested in creating social enterprises that respond to real-world issues. During the program, you’ll work with mentors and advisors to develop your ideas, build a business model, and make adjustments based on feedback. You’ll also take part in workshops focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, wellness, and career readiness. At the end of the program, you’ll present your venture at a final pitch event. Support doesn’t end in the summer ; you’ll continue to receive guidance during the school year to help you build on your progress. This program is designed to help you strengthen your leadership skills and apply entrepreneurial thinking to social challenges.
12. Allsup Entrepreneurship Academy @ Saint Louis University
Location: Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
Cost: $695 (includes lunch, activities, and materials) | Need-based and merit scholarships available
Application deadline: Rolling admissions accepted until the cohort is full
Program dates: July 21 – 25
Eligibility: High school students
Saint Louis University’s Allsup Entrepreneurship Academy is a one-week program for high school students interested in exploring business innovation. You’ll work in teams to tackle problem-solving challenges, create and refine venture ideas, and receive feedback from experienced entrepreneurs. The week includes activities focused on key startup concepts, collaborative thinking, and leadership development. You’ll also take part in a final pitch event where you’ll present your ideas to a panel. The program offers a practical introduction to the process of starting and shaping a business.
13. Seeds of Fortune Girls Startup Business Accelerator
Location: Virtual + in-person event in Miami, FL
Cost: Fully funded
Application Deadline: TBA. More info here
Dates: TBA. More info here
Eligibility: Open to high school juniors attending public or parochial schools with a combined household income of $125,000 or less, regardless of gender or background
Seeds of Fortune’s Girls Start-Up Accelerator is a year-long program designed for high school students who identify as young women and are interested in building socially-focused businesses. Throughout the program, you will participate in online workshops led by industry professionals, work alongside mentors, and collaborate with peers to develop your business idea. The curriculum includes business planning, pitching skills, and an overview of funding options. You will also explore college and career paths related to entrepreneurship. Selected participants have the opportunity to compete for up to $6,000 in funding and attend a pitch event in Miami, with expenses covered. The program concludes with Founders Day, where you present your project to a panel of judges.
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