We started this program to identify motivated students seeking to acquire an entrepreneurial mindset and provide them with financial aid and seed capital for their progressive ideas in science, technology, engineering, manufacturing, math, healthcare, finance, infrastructure/civil, education, literacy, and business (“applicable industries”). This program is designed to support students who plan to pursue a full-time career in innovation upon graduation.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

For 2024, we are identifying 10 founders to receive $250 in the form of an entrepreneurship scholarship. The deadline to apply is November 24. Apply here.

PRE-ACCELERATOR AWARD

Selected scholars may receive up to $1,000* per semester towards tuition expenses and $1,000* per semester towards their submitted idea. The awards are renewed, prior to the start of the next semester, based on demonstrated effort and commitment by the student. Eligible students can complete an innovation-focused summer internship in our network earning up to $10,000. A student who participates in our program in full may obtain a total award package of up to $15,000. Upon completion of our program, students accepted into our partnering accelerator, Conscious Venture Lab, may receive up to an additional $125,000 in capital investment.

ELIGIBILITY FOR PRE-ACCELERATOR PROGRAM

Students must be:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Enrolled full-time at a U.S. accredited college, university, or trade/professional school (“institution”)
  • Have earned 48 or more college credits (or trade/professional school equivalent) at their institution:
    • Or at least nine credits from graduate-level courses
    • Or at least within 12 months of graduation
  • A U.S. citizen
  • In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)
  • Maryland residents preferred

For 2024, we are reserving two slots for full-time students from any accredited Historically Black College & University (HBCU) in the US, and two slots for any community college/vocational program in Maryland.

OUTCOMES

Our program is laser-focused on placing each participant on a path to becoming a full-time founder upon graduation, which include

  • Placement into an accelerator or incubation program; and
  • funding to continue building a promising start-up

CONTACT

Say hello by emailing hello@innovatorsofprogress.org or joining our mailing list for future updates you care about.

Qualify? Learn more about the application process.

* Award amount subject to change between renewal periods.