The program offers a unique blend of academic seminars, hands-on team projects, and mentorship from University of Chicago faculty and industry professionals from Invenergy and the Polsky Center.
The Young Innovators Program (YIP) is a one-week residential program at the University of Chicago designed for high-achieving high school students interested in STEM innovation, climate science, and entrepreneurship. In partnership with Invenergy, a leader in renewable energy, and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, students gain experiential learning opportunities and mentorship from industry leaders. The program features seminars led by UChicago faculty, Polsky Center staff, and Invenergy professionals, focusing on both soft and technical skills relevant to careers in bioengineering, renewable energy, startups, and venture capital. Students work in teams to develop and pitch proposals for sustainable improvements to an American city, culminating in a live presentation. The program also includes tours of campus laboratories, explorations of Chicago, and workshops on applying to selective colleges and universities, fostering a peer support network.
A typical day involves seminars led by UChicago faculty and industry professionals, team-based project work on sustainable city improvements, and potentially campus lab tours or city excursions.
This program is best for rising 9th and 10th graders who are at least 14 years old and have a strong interest in STEM, climate science, and entrepreneurship.
University of Chicago
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