The Watson Semester Accelerator is a program for college students, recent graduates, and gap-year students with an early-stage social venture/project and a passion for social impact.

During the 4-month program, a cohort of young social innovators convenes in Boulder, Colorado to tackle the greatest challenges facing the world. From climate change to income inequality and from political oppression to access to water, students enrolled in the program leverage training, mentorship, and community to unleash a lifetime of impact.

Courses

The Watson Semester Accelerator curriculum was developed by examining best practices in supporting social entrepreneurs worldwide and consolidated into a curriculum that provides students with the hard and soft skills, methodologies, and frameworks required to successfully grow a social venture and lead an impactful career. Each course is led by one of Watson Institute’s Preceptors, who themselves are accomplished entrepreneurs, leaders, and expert facilitators.

Program Track

• Venture Founder Track: The Venture Founder track is for students who are founders or co-founders of a venture or project. The Venture Founder may collaborate with a Free Agent track student attending the same cohort.
• Free Agent Track: The Free Agent track is for students looking to join a venture or project and are prepared to contribute in significant ways to the team. Free Agents join a Venture Founder’s team at the beginning of the cohort.

Tuition Cost

Below is the total cost of the Watson Semester Accelerator in Boulder, Colorado:

• Tuition: $12,000
• Housing: $3,000
• Total: $15,000

Scholarship

Scholarships covering up to 50% of the cost of tuition are available based on merit and financial need.

Eligibilities

• This program is for early-stage entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders with a bias towards action and the gritty idealism required to solve complex problems.
• The Venture Founder track is for students who are founders or co-founders of a venture or project. The Venture Funder may collaborate with a Free Agent track student attending the same cohort.
• The Free Agent track is for students looking to join a venture or project and are prepared to contribute in significant ways to the team. Free Agents join a Venture Founder’s team at the beginning of the cohort.

APPLY TO THE WATSON ACCELERATOR