Startup Accelerator: Innovation and Business Planning for High Schoolers at Vanderbilt University

Course Description: Startup Accelerator: Innovation and Business Planning for High Schoolers at Vanderbilt University

Summer Institute: Engineering and Design Innovation Academy

Unlock the future of creativity and innovation with our two-week immersive academy designed for high school students eager to explore the intersection of engineering and design. This unique program empowers aspiring innovators to harness empathy, systems thinking, and prototyping skills to identify and solve real-world challenges.

Guided by industry experts, students will work in small teams to adopt the mindsets of engineers, designers, entrepreneurs, and change-makers. Through engaging, hands-on workshops, participants will dive into design thinking, develop both physical and virtual prototypes, and engage in collaborative problem-solving.

Why It is a Great Choice

• Cultivate creative confidence and collaboration skills essential for innovation.

• Experience authentic learning through real-world challenges and expert guidance.

• Build a tangible portfolio showcasing your skills and achievements.

• Develop leadership abilities and the capacity to manage brainstorming teams.

Location

Our program takes place in a vibrant academic environment, providing access to cutting-edge research labs and opportunities for on-site and off-site user interviews. This setting fosters a dynamic learning experience where students can thrive and grow.

Course Description

Design Thinking and Innovation

• Hands-on Projects: Engage in the creative process behind engineering and design, utilizing empathy, systems thinking, and prototyping.

• Team Collaboration: Work in small teams to address real-world problems, guided by field experts.

• Design Thinking Workshops: Participate in workshops that emphasize empathy, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

• Prototype Development: Build and refine functional prototypes, gaining practical experience in innovation.

Learning Outcomes

• Master the Design Thinking process: empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test.

• Lead brainstorming sessions and translate complex ideas into compelling stories.

• Present final prototypes in a public showcase, demonstrating your skills and insights.

Tangible Outcomes

• Develop hand-built prototypes and refine them through testing.

• Create interview protocols, transcripts, and synthesis documentation.

• Craft a descriptive portfolio page to enhance your resume.

Admission Criteria

To join this transformative experience, students should have a passion for becoming future change-makers. Admission criteria include:

• A recommended GPA of 3.5 or above in relevant fields.

• Completion of the Summer Institute application, including thoughtful responses to short-answer questions.

Who Should Attend

This program is perfect for:

• Creative students eager to transform ideas into reality.

• Individuals comfortable with experimenting and exploring new concepts.

• Students aspiring to lead innovation projects.

• Those interested in technology, engineering, and business entrepreneurship.

Benefits

Participants will receive a comprehensive university-level course experience, complete with:

• A Course Completion Certificate from Summer Institute at Vanderbilt.

• A Letter of Recognition acknowledging your academic achievement.

Activities

Students will enjoy an array of enriching activities, including field trips to research labs and user interview sites, enhancing their practical understanding of the course material.

Getting There

Our program is easily accessible, ensuring a smooth transition for students arriving from various locations. Join us for an unforgettable summer of discovery and innovation!

🛂 Visa Requirements for International Students

🌎 Students NOT in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your home country is not one of the 40 countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, you will need a B-2 Visitor Visa to attend the program.

The B-2 visa is for tourism and short-term study (under 16–18 hours of classes per week).

After enrollment, you will receive a Letter of Introduction to help support your visa application.

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✔️ Students IN the U.S. Visa Waiver Program

If your country is on the Visa Waiver Program list, you do not need a visa.

However, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before entering the U.S.

Apply here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta

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💼 What the International Program Fee Covers

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 International medical/health insurance while abroad

• 📱 Help securing a local phone number or SIM card if needed

🌍 International Fees & Support

💵 International Registration Fee (U.S. Programs)

Students whose primary residence is outside the United States will be charged an International Registration Fee when attending a U.S.-based program.

This fee includes:

• 📄 Visa support and pre-arrival communication

• 🚌 Transportation to and from campus

• 🕑 24/7 arrival and departure assistance

• 🏥 Medical/health insurance for international students

• 📱 Help obtaining a U.S. SIM card or phone plan

Note: This fee is mandatory and non-refundable, even if the student does not use all services.

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📘 Academic Reports & College Credit

📝 Student Performance Reports

After the program ends, students receive:

• Detailed course performance summaries

• Instructor feedback

• Recommendations for continued growth

Reports can be mailed to a student’s school upon written parent request.

🎓 College Credit Programs

Students enrolled in credit-bearing classes receive:

• A grade report

• Instructions for requesting a university transcript

Acceptance of credits depends on the receiving university’s policies.

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🌎 International Student Community

Programs welcome a diverse and global student population each summer:

• 🌐 About 30% of students come from outside the U.S.

• 🌍 Representing 50–60 countries

This creates a vibrant, multicultural learning experience.

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🏠 Housing & Roommate Matching

Students complete a personal profile in the spring to assist with roommate assignments.

Matching is based on:

• Interests

• Personality

• Sleeping habits

• Age group

Roommate Requests:

• Must be mutual

• Must be same age group and gender

• Not guaranteed, though campus staff make every effort

Cultural diversity is encouraged, and many roommates come from different countries.

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🧳 What to Bring

Students should pack essentials for at least one week.

Recommended:

• Clothing for warm and cool weather

• Basic school supplies

• Personal toiletries

• Laundry supplies

Spending Money:

• $100–$150 per week (snacks, lunches, souvenirs)

• Debit card recommended for ATM withdrawals

• Credit card for emergencies

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

Note: Some campuses provide bedding. A campus-specific packing list will be available after enrollment.

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✈ Travel & Airport Transportation

Programs do not arrange flights.

🚌 Airport Shuttles

Shuttle transportation (additional fee) is available to/from designated airports.

Details are included in the pre-summer transportation form.

Students must arrive/depart within scheduled shuttle windows to use this service.

• For international students, the international registration fee is $379 (residential) OR $239 (commuter) – this fee covers a medical policy for the student and their airport transfers.

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🕒 A Typical Day on Campus (Residential Programs)

A structured, activity-filled day may look like:

• 8:00 AM – Wake Up 🌅

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast 🍳

• 9:30–11:30 AM – Morning Course / Academy 📘

• 11:45 AM – Lunch 🍽

• 1:00–3:00 PM – Afternoon Course / Academy 🧪

• 3:30 PM – Activities, Social Time, or Study Hall 🎉

• 6:00 PM – Dinner 🍝

• 8:00 PM – Evening / Primetime Activities 🌆

• 10:30 PM – Return to Residence Halls 🏠

• 11:30 PM – On Floors 🌙

• 12:00 AM – In Rooms / Lights Out 😴

Activities may include:

shopping • sports • beaches • museums • movies • comedy shows • concerts • local events

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📚 Academic Experience (Enrichment & College Prep)

Programs emphasize:

• Small, interactive classes

• Supportive, enthusiastic instructors

• Hands-on learning and real-world experiences

• Field trips connected to course themes

• A wide choice of enrichment or academic courses

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🚗 Day Students (Non-Residential)

Day students follow the regular campus schedule to align with meals and activities.

Standard Schedule (Monday–Friday):

• Drop-Off: 8:30 AM

• Pick-Up: 6:00 PM

Times may vary by campus.

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🍽 Special Dietary Needs

Special meals and dietary accommodations are available.

Requirements:

Parents must complete a dietary information form during pre-arrival.

Residential & Standard Programs:

Notify the Residential Life Dean of dietary restrictions.

Day Programs (Younger Students):

Parents should inform the Program Director on-site.

Common accommodations include:

• Allergy-friendly meals

• Vegetarian/vegan options

• Gluten-free meals

• Religious dietary needs

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🛡️ Campus Safety & Supervision

Student safety is the top priority.

Safety Measures:

• Staff and counselors live on student floors

• 24/7 supervision

• Key-card residence hall access

• Daily check-ins and room checks

• Visitors must check in at the program office

• Students may move only in small groups

• Students may never leave campus alone

• Older students (14–18) may have limited group movement privileges

• 24/7 access to medical care

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📱 Emergency Communication & Response

Campus teams monitor:

• Weather

• Local events

• Road closures

• Any conditions that affect student safety

If needed, programs may:

• Move classes

• Adjust or reroute activities

• Avoid specific areas

Students receive:

• Daily notifications

• Safety messages

• Emergency push alerts

A dedicated Campus Emergency Line connects students to on-site directors.

International students receive support obtaining a local SIM card for reliable communication.

All students attend a mandatory orientation within the first 24 hours covering emergency procedures.

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🚫 Movement Policies & Program Rules

To maintain a safe, positive environment:

• Students and staff may not participate in protests

• All off-campus trips are fully chaperoned

• Security may be increased with campus police or external teams if needed

• Staff monitor all on- and off-campus locations and adjust plans immediately if necessary

📍 Vanderbilt University – Campus Profile (Nashville, TN)

Vanderbilt University offers an inspiring summer environment where academic rigor meets the vibrant cultural spirit of Nashville, Tennessee. Known for its outstanding faculty, collaborative learning atmosphere, and world-class facilities, Vanderbilt provides students with a meaningful pre-college experience rooted in innovation, creativity, and discovery.

Located in the heart of “Music City,” the campus blends Southern hospitality with top-tier research, arts, and technology. Students enjoy access to modern labs, digital makerspaces, libraries, and interactive learning environments, while also exploring Nashville’s rich history, music scene, and lively urban energy. It’s an ideal setting for academically driven students seeking both challenge and adventure.

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✨ Program Environment

• Designed for motivated students interested in business, computing, leadership, technology, creative arts, and innovation

• Full-day academies developed and taught by Vanderbilt-affiliated instructors

• Hands-on coursework with access to university labs, studios, and learning facilities

• Supportive academic community that encourages exploration, ingenuity, and professional development

• Balanced schedule combining rigorous academics with rich cultural and recreational activities

• Located in one of America’s most exciting cities, offering endless music, history, food, and outdoor attractions

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🎒 Included in Tuition

• 📘 Academic tuition

• 🏫 Use of Vanderbilt academic facilities

• 🏨 Housing (residential programs)

• 🧺 Laundry

• 🍽 Meals:

• Three meals per day Monday–Friday

• Two meals on Sunday

• No meals on Saturday (excursion day)

• 🎡 Daily afternoon, evening, and weekend activities and excursions

• 🚐 Transportation for all included activities

• 🏋️ Access to athletic and recreational facilities

• 🛡 Full campus safety and supervision

Note: Certain specialized courses may require additional academic fees.

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🚫 Not Included in Tuition

• 📝 Application fee

• ✈ Airfare and airport transfers

• 🍽 Meals eaten off campus

• 🛏 Linens

• 💼 Personal spending money

• 🏥 Medical expenses

A standard international program fee applies for international students.

Closest airport: Nashville International Airport (BNA).

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🎡 Top Activities in Nashville, Tennessee

• 🏛 Visit the Nashville Parthenon

• 🌲 Explore Radnor Lake State Park

• 🎵 Learn about music history at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, and RCA Studio B

• 🐾 Visit the Nashville Zoo

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🎉 Top Campus Activities

• 🌳 Visit Centennial Park

• 🗿 Explore 50+ outdoor sculptures across campus and the Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery

• 🥗 Eat at Grins — Nashville’s oldest vegetarian and certified Kosher restaurant

• 🤝 Meet friends in popular social spaces like Alumni Lawn, Rand Decks, and Wyatt Stairs