Students can hone entrepreneurial skills at Mason’s Summer Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program

The Mason Summer Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (MSEA) is more than just a novel way for a business-minded student to spend a summer.

Now entering its third year, the program has been recognized by Mason as a high impact experience for students, meaning that participation in the program is officially recognized on transcripts. That could bode well for students trying to stick out among a crowded job landscape following graduation.

“It’s something students and graduates can talk about as they enter the work world,” said Sean Mallon, Mason’s associate vice president for entrepreneurship and innovation.

Working in teams of two to five members, participants in the program will conduct intense customer-related research and discovery around their particular business idea. They will be assisted along the way by experienced entrepreneurial instructors and mentors.

The goal of MSEA is to give Mason undergraduate and graduate students a structured opportunity to determine the commercial potential of their team’s product or service idea; help participants improve their entrepreneurial, problem-solving and collaboration skills and encourage and facilitate the formation and success of Mason-affiliated startup companies and social entrepreneurship ventures.

Participants will each receive a $3,000 stipend (maximum of $9,000 per team) and a certificate of completion.

To be considered for the eight-week program, candidates may apply as a team or individually. MSEA is a not-for-credit program and is offered to participants at no cost.

Students who want to learn more can attend an information session Tuesday, Feb. 5, from 4 to 5 p.m., or Wednesday, Feb. 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. Both sessions are in the Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX) at Fenwick Library. Additional program information can be found here, or contact Karen Livingston in the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at kliving@gmu.edu or 703-993-5196.