The Playbook

Academic Athlete Founder Lab

Ownership mindset and creative problem solving.

Grades 7 to 12Monthly workshopEnds in Pitch Night

What it is


Founder Lab develops the ownership mindset, teaching students to spot problems, imagine solutions, and build something real. Students work in small founding teams and move a real idea from first concept to a one page business plan and a pitch deck.

Program PhotoSuggested image: A student pitching to a friendly panel at Pitch Night

How it works


  • Idea generation and understanding customers
  • Branding, pricing, and simple unit economics
  • Marketing and building a basic prototype
  • Guest entrepreneurs and real stories
  • A capstone Pitch Night with seed micro grants

What students gain


An ownership mindset
A one page business plan and pitch deck
Branding and marketing basics
The confidence to launch

Get in the game

Every program is free or scholarship first for youth and runs on committed mentors and partners. Enroll a student, volunteer your time, or sponsor this program.