Team-Based ProgramTeamProgram
A 3-week online entrepreneurship boot camp for high school students who want to collaborate in teams and build a venture from idea to launch.
Program overview
Perfect for students looking to learn and innovate in a collaborative environment, the YFL Team-Based Program is a 100% online summer workshop for high school students focused on launching a business or non-profit organization. With 30 hours of live, interactive workshops, students collaborate in teams, gaining hands-on experience and expert guidance.
What is included
- 100% online with live interactive classes
- Workshops Monday-Friday, 12-3 pm ET / 9 am-12 pm PT
- 15-hours per week of student time commitment
- High school students; start-up idea and coding skills not required
- Global student community, office hours and mentor support
A global student communityA globalstudentcommunity
- Exchange ideas and brainstorm with the student cohort
- Access to exclusive opportunities
InternshipsReference lettersAlumni network
Continuous guidance & mentorship
- Renowned instructors and guest speakers
- Weekly office hours
Start-up mentorsInvestorsFounders
Program Structure: Fundamentals to Demo Day
Kickoff
Meet your cohort or mentor and choose the problem space you want to explore.
Phase 1
Learn core business fundamentals and shape the start-up idea you will build.
Phase 2
Run market and user research, then build your first prototype or MVP.
Phase 3
Launch for traction and learn growth, marketing and sales skills.
Demo Day
Present your venture, pitch and next steps with live mentor feedback.
Program Dates & Application Deadlines.
CohortApplication DeadlineProgram Start Date
Fall 202623 Aug, 202614 Sept, 2026
Winter 202615 Nov, 20267 Dec, 2026
Winter II 202627 Dec, 202618 Jan, 2027
Spring 20277 Feb, 20271 Mar, 2027
Summer 20279 May, 20271 Jun, 2027
Summer II 202720 Jun, 202714 Jul, 2027
Summer III 202720 Jul, 202711 Aug, 2027
Fall Early 202717 Aug, 20278 Sept, 2027
Mentorship from a world-class network of young founders and industry leaders.World-classmentorshipfrom young foundersand industry leaders.
Students receive close guidance from mentors, startup founders and professionals with backgrounds across top universities and companies.
Our alumni go on to the world’s top universities.
A survey of 340+ alumni who applied to universities in 2022–23 showed that 20% of our alumni who applied to an Ivy League university or Stanford got in — 4× higher than the general rate of acceptance at these universities.
UC Berkeley17acceptances
Cornell15acceptances
UPenn9acceptances
Columbia8acceptances
Yale7acceptances
Stanford4acceptances“YFL guided us through building a startup from the ground up. We created an MVP and pitch, then continued developing the venture with support from our mentor.”“YFL helped us turn an idea into an MVP and pitch. With our mentor’s support, we kept developing the venture after the program.”
Aalia Deora“YFL gave me hands-on experience in the field I want to pursue. Working with an experienced mentor taught me how entrepreneurship and innovation work in practice.”“YFL gave me practical experience in the field I want to pursue and showed me how entrepreneurship and innovation work in the real world.”
Neha Bhalla“YFL was invaluable. I developed practical skills, met ambitious peers and loved building alongside my teammates throughout the program.”
Reeyaa Ajay“YFL was an amazing experience. I learned so much about starting a business and even got to launch one by the end!”
Ronak ChughQuestions, answered.
Who is eligible for the Group Program?+
All high school students (grades 9–12) are eligible to join — no prior entrepreneurship experience required. If you're curious and driven, you're a fit.
When does the Group Program start?+
The Group Program runs in fixed summer cohorts. For Summer 2026, the early merit-scholarship deadline is January 15, 2026, with final application deadlines of February 15 (Summer I), March 15 (Summer II) and April 15 (Summer III).
Do I need to bring my own team?+
Either works. You can form your own team before joining, or let us match you with like-minded founders when you arrive.
What is the time commitment?+
Three weeks of live, interactive workshops Monday–Friday (12–3 pm ET / 9 am–12 pm PT) — roughly 15 hours per week including team work, and about 30 hours of live workshops overall.
What if I miss a session?+
Sessions are recorded so you can catch up, but we strongly recommend attending live — the program is fast-paced and missing sessions can mean losing key insights.
Is financial aid available?+
Yes. We offer need- and merit-based financial aid, and early applicants are eligible for merit scholarships.
Building a start-up is hard. That’s why we only take the best.
Fill out application formFill out application form
Share your motivation, interests and why YFL is a strong fit.
Admissions evaluation
Wait as the admissions team evaluates your application.
Interview with our team
Meet a senior member of the YFL team and talk through your goals.
Receive decision
The admissions team shares your outcome and next steps.
Begin your journey
Start building with your mentor, cohort or team.
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