Community Startups

Community Startups is dedicated to bringing socially impactful ideas, created by youth, to market. We work with Chicago Public School students to look at complex societal problems as opportunities to create innovative tech products that can improve our communities. Our curriculum is provided free of charge to students in Public Schools. Over our 10 weeks, students learn to think critically about the issues they face each day and to problem solve their own solutions, using the resources technology provides. Our culminating event showcases their social innovations and impact-based business models and is open to the public. 2016 we are piloting a Summer Launch Program that will pair selected Student Founders with Corporate Mentors, Tech Hubs and Chicago Community partners to launch their products, generate revenue and create scholarships. Each team receives seed investment, professional mentorship, reliable transportation, hands-on education and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to launch and exit their first business before returning back to school in the fall.