Learning Futures Summer Program

About the Program

The Stanford Accelerator for Learning is launching the Learning Futures Summer Program hosted by the Education Entrepreneurship Hub, with support from Google.org.

The program brings together a cohort of early-stage student founders who are passionate about improving learning outcomes through innovation. You will join a group of 12 Create+AI awardees. Through a combination of in-person workshops, virtual sessions, and community gatherings, program participants gain the tools, insights, and network needed to move their projects forward. 

Participants receive a research stipend to advance their inquiry, support the development of new ideas, and accelerate research-informed innovation with the potential for meaningful impact.

The summer program emphasizes:

• Learning science-informed design
• Responsible and effective use of AI
• Real-world research-infused application in education systems
• Community-driven entrepreneurship

Participants join a growing ecosystem of builders, researchers, and educators working to shape the future of learning. 

Program Goals & Learning Outcomes

The Stanford Accelerator for Learning is launching the Education Entrepreneurship Hub’s Learning Futures Summer Program, which is designed to support early-stage founders move from promising ideas to actionable, scalable ventures in education.

By the end of the program, program participants will:

1. Validate a Real Problem
• Define a clear problem statement informed by research and grounded in real-world needs
• Articulate a theory of impact and identify measurable learning outcomes & research plans
2. Build Thoughtful, Responsible Products
• Translate ideas into prototypes using modern tools, including AI if applicable
• Understand core principles of product design and technical architecture
• Apply best research-anchored practices in ethical AI, data privacy, and accessibility
3. Navigate the Education Market
• Develop a go-to-market strategy specific to schools and learning ecosystems
• Understand procurement, district decision-making, and partnerships
• Identify viable early adopters and distribution channels
4. Communicate and Fund Their Vision
• Craft a compelling narrative and pitch
• Understand fundraising fundamentals and legal basics
• Build confidence in presenting to stakeholders, partners, and investors
5. Build and Lead Effective Teams
• Identify co-founder fit and early team needs
• Develop strategies for hiring and culture-building
• Lead with clarity, purpose, and adaptability
6. Design for Real Learning Impact
• Integrate learning science into product decisions
• Design for learner variability and inclusive outcomes
• Evaluate whether their solution meaningfully improves learning

Eligibility

The program is designed for individuals who are actively building in the education space and are ready to take their ideas to the next level.      

Applicants must:

• Be a current enrolled student or 2026 graduate at Stanford University (undergraduate or graduate)
• Be over 18 years of age by the time of kick off week. 
• Be working on an early-stage venture or project in education and lifelong learning (idea stage to MVP)
• Demonstrate a strong interest in education, learning, or workforce development
• Be able to commit to the full 4-week program (August 25 – September 18)
• Attend in-person full-day sessions on Stanford campus on August 25-August 27, 2026 
• Submit one letter of recommendation from a Stanford faculty (advisor strongly preferred) 

About the Letter of Recommendation:
The letter should speak to the applicant’s academics, initiative, ability to execute, and commitment to improving learning or education. Recommenders may include professors, academic advisors, or university staff who have directly worked with the applicant (Strong preference for primary faculty advisor).

Up to two team members per team are eligible to be officially part of the summer program. Each person needs to apply individually.

FAQ

What is the time commitment?
The program runs for four weeks. The first three days (August 25–27) will be in-person on Stanford campus. Thereafter, program participants will join in weekly virtual sessions, with optional in-person activities and meals, and a final culmination event on September 18.

Do I need to have a fully built product?
No. Participants can be at the idea, prototype, or early pilot stage. What matters most is a clear interest in solving a meaningful problem in education.

Is this program focused on AI?
AI is a key component, but not the only focus. Participants will explore how to thoughtfully integrate AI into learning products while also grounding their work in pedagogy, ethics, and real-world impact.

Is there funding provided?
Yes, each participant will receive a one-time $4,500 research stipend.

Do I need a letter of recommendation?
Yes. All applicants must ask their Stanford Advisor to email a letter of recommendation to Sarahi Espinoza Salamanca (ssalamanca@stanford.edu). The letter should provide insight into your strengths, academic standing, work ethic, and potential as an education entrepreneur.

Can I participate if I’m working solo?
Yes. Solo founders are welcome to apply. The program includes guidance on finding co-founders and building teams.

Can I participate if I’m working in a team?
Yes. Teams are encouraged to apply. Up to two team members for each team are eligible for the Summer Program. Each team member needs to apply individually.

Will I get access to mentors and experts?
Yes. Program participants will engage with practitioners across product design, AI, learning science, education systems, and venture development.

What is the final outcome of the program?
Program participants will leave with:

• A validated problem and clearer product direction
• A refined pitch and strategy
• A roadmap for the next stage of their venture
• A strong peer and mentor network

Is attendance mandatory for all sessions?
Yes. Because the Summer Program is cohort-based and highly interactive, full participation is expected.

APPLY HERE 

Program Timeline & Key Dates

Application period:
May 15, 2026 – June 10, 2026

Application closes:
June 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST)

Review Applications:
June 17 – June 24, 2026`

Selected Participants Notified:
Summer program participants will be notified no later than June 26, 2026.

Deadline to Commit to the Summer Program:
July 1, 2026

Summer Program  Duration:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 – Friday, September 18, 2026. 

The cohort program will start with 3-day intensive in-person programming on Stanford campus on August 25-27, 2026.

Pre-Program Onboarding:
Late July – August 20, 2026

• Light async prep (user problem definition, early research)
• Intro calls / cohort meet-and-greet
• Optional mentor matching

Mentors

Following the in-person kickoff, program participants will be matched with mentors from across the Stanford Accelerator for Learning ecosystem and broader education, technology, and venture communities. Mentor matching is based on each participant’s project, goals, and areas of interest.

Throughout the program, participants will engage with their mentors for targeted guidance on advancing their projects from refining problem definition and product design to navigating the education market and preparing for fundraising. Mentors may include faculty, operators, founders, and domain experts in areas such as learning science, AI, product development, and education systems.

More details on mentor availability, focus areas, and engagement structure will be shared closer to the start of the Summer Program.