STARTedUP Innovation

Accelerator

Empower your students, expand your impact, and connect with a like-minded community of educators—all at no cost to you.

Application window closes May 31st

Educators Supported

Students Impacted

+62 

88%

Counties Involved

Increase in Classroom Passion

+22k

+190

168

Schools Reached

About the Accelerator

Your classroom is about to become an innovation hub

An innovation hub is where real-world problem-solving, creativity, and entrepreneurial mindsets become integrated into daily learning. More than a physical space, it's a culture of growth and experimentation that thrives during class time.

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  • The STARTedUP Innovation Accelerator is a dynamic professional development program that equips high school educators with the tools, training, and community to foster innovative mindsets in their classrooms.

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Through the Accelerator, you'll join a community of educators who share your passion and vision, receive year-round support from STARTedUP Certified Innovation Coaches, and gain access to practical resources through a flexible curriculum that helps students see problems as opportunities, develop a solution, and take action—the foundation of an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset.

As students engage with the material, educators help them make local connections and access real-world resources. By tapping into their own networks, teachers play a key role in showing students how to turn ideas into impact.

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Why Entrepreneurship?

We use entrepreneurial thinking as the vehicle to develop innovative mindsets. When students identify problems and transform them into opportunities, they engage in inherently entrepreneurial processes. Creating businesses, nonprofits, products, services, or solutions that meet real needs helps them develops crucial life skills—from critical thinking and resilience to communication and collaboration.

The challenge teachers face today

You became a teacher to change lives, help students discover their potential, and prepare them for the future. But many teachers are finding that to be more challenging than they anticipated.

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Traditional structures often limit educators.

Balancing standards with engaging teaching approaches remains a daily challenge for dedicated educators. Finding space for innovation within established frameworks isn't always easy.

The path to meaningful change isn't always clear.

Educators recognize students thrive with real-world relevance—but where do you start? Passionate instructors often know what's needed but lack clear pathways and support to transform their innovative ideas into classroom reality.

Support is essential, but hard to find.

Many educators want to connect their classrooms to the real world, but finding support can be difficult. Teachers shouldn't have to do this work alone, yet many lack access to networks, resources, and mentorship needed to succeed.

Through the Accelerator, Educators Receive:

High-Impact Training & Professional Growth

  • In-Person Immersive Workshop: Set the stage for a transformational year with a full-day onboarding session at the beginning of the school year. You’ll learn alongside other Accelerator members as you engage in hands-on activities and gain inspiration from a variety of high impact speakers.

  • Monthly Professional Development: Engage in nine 90-minute virtual sessions featuring leaders in innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, curriculum integration strategies, technical assistance, and small-group discussions led by STARTedUP Certified Innovation Coaches.

  • Innovative Curriculum: Gain access to a flexible, 18-week modular course of study that guides students through problem identification, solution development, and real-world implementation.

Community, Networking & Ongoing Support

Peer Network & Coaching: Connect with a community of like-minded educators, benefit from personalized 1:1 check-ins with a STARTedUP Certified Innovation Coach, and receive ongoing technical assistance to enhance your implementation experience.

Start Your Network: Facilitated connections to community partners, providing your classroom with access to guest speakers and business mentors.

Stay Informed: Receive biweekly newsletters packed with insights, updates, and new opportunities.

Experiential Learning

  • Create meaningful connections: We invite guest speakers who bring real-world insights, and mentors that guide students in their specific projects.

  • Expand your professional network: Through curated professional development and networking opportunities, including industry workshops, chamber meetings, and economic development events.

  • Host an in-class pitch competition: This an exciting and engaging experience that fosters problem-solving and creativity. We will provide you with the resources, guidance, and support needed to make it a success.

At no cost to you, or your school.

There is no cost for schools to have individual educators participate in the STARTedUP Innovation Accelerator. Once an educator is accepted, we work with existing and potential funding partners to support their involvement—both financially and as program resources.

The Innovation Accelerator is made possible by the dedicated support and investment of partners at the local, regional, statewide, and national levels.

Program Details & Timeline

The Accelerator seamlessly integrates with Innovate WithIN, the most elite high school pitch competition in the country.

Something new, every year

We are always looking for, and creating new and unique opportunities for our educators and their classrooms.

Is This the Right Fit for You?

The STARTedUP Innovation Accelerator is built for high school educators from any subject area who are ready to transform their classroom into an innovation hub. You don’t need to have all the answers, just the mindset and a passion to make real-world learning a reality in your classroom.

We prioritize educators based in Indiana; out-of-state applicants are welcome to apply.

Program Requirements & Responsibilities

To earn the initial STARTedUP Innovator Certification, participating educators must:

  • Attend at least 80% of professional development sessions (8 out of 10).

  • Integrate at least six curriculum modules into one of their classes.

  • Host two guest speakers or mentors – one provided by STARTedUP and one sourced independently.

  • Organize an in-class pitch competition (recommended timing: December or March).

  • Participate in one external event focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, or professional growth.

This program is designed for educators who:

  • Believe in Real-World Learning
    You’re eager to help students develop creative thinking, entrepreneurial confidence, and problem-solving skills.

  • Are Open-Minded and Adaptable
    You bring a flexible mindset and a willingness to shift your class structure or schedule when it leads to engaging learning experiences.

  • Lead with a Growth-Oriented Attitude
    You’re energized by the idea of creating authentic opportunities for your students, and excited to collaborate with others who feel the same.

  • Have a Strong Professional Capacity
    We’re looking for educators who are sharp, self-directed, and ready to take initiative in implementing what they learn.

  • Want to Participate in a Supportive, Action-Oriented Community
    You value having a network of like-minded educators, mentors, and professionals—and you’re ready to use practical tools, a clear roadmap, and year-round support to turn big ideas into classroom wins.

Hear from our Educators

  • "I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this cohort. Everyone seems to have the same mindset, and everyone is willing to help each other and work together."

    Angela Johnson | New Castle High School

  • "My school does not offer an entrepreneurship class and I have many students wanting to learn about creating a business. This has worked out perfectly and my students have loved this program. "

    Kyleigh Arnold | Columbus East High School

  • "The curriculum, connections, guidance and feedback have been amazing. I've really enjoyed getting to collaborate and work with like minded teachers. And those can be really hard to find organically. "

    Zachary Johnson | North Kansas City School District

  • "We started our first day with Tiffany Haddish. C'mon!"

    Tarah Donoghue | Allen County Juvenile Center

  • "The project resources have been fantastic and has really helped student engagement in my class."

    Anthony Mannarino | South Fayette High School

  • "The fellowship always does a great job of connecting us educators to opportunities and encouraging us to 'think outside of the box'"

    Reuben Benzel | Herron High School

  • "The availability of contacts, resources and outreach from the Fellowship has been absolutely impressive. The level of dedication and true belief in the driving cause and effort behind STARTed Up is impressive!"

    Brittney Hardy | Terre Haute North High School

  • "It’s a great new approach to teaching a world language."

    Ross Halvorsen | Signature School

  • "Having access to the resources I need to help students think and work entrepreneurially is a big deal for me. I also get a lot from hearing what other fellows are doing in and outside their classrooms."

    Andrew Wilkins | Noblesville High School

  • "We have completely changed an entrepreneurship class to use this curriculum. I have done several new things to help students be innovate. I have learned so much through the process, and the main thing I've learned is that I am not going to know everything and that's okay. There's people and resources available to help."

    Ian Thackrey | Perry Central Junior-Senior High School

  • "My membership has been incredibly beneficial. It has allowed me to connect with inspiring and like-minded individuals who are passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation. I was able to start a club for students who want to be innovators and entrepreneurs. The Fellowship has truly helped me expand my impact and support students."

    Maureen Chavez-Reda | Griffith Senior High School

  • "I have LOVED and APPRECIATED the mentorship and networking that comes with the fellowship. I want to be with this fellowship for a long time."

    Jeff Edge | Purdue Polytechnic High School

  • "I think it has made me really think outside the box on some teaching methods and that has led to more student divergent learning in my classroom. "

    Ross Fuhs | Southridge High Schol

  • "This year I have put myself and students outside of the community and have connected my classroom with our mayor and city planner. This was my goal and I have made this a reality this year."

    Autumn Ferguson | Garrett High School

 FAQs

  • Not at all. Educators from any subject area are welcome—innovation and entrepreneurial thinking thrive across all classrooms.

  • You'll meet virtually with your Innovation Coach twice a year to set goals, reflect on your journey, and receive personalized support.

  • We’re here to support you—if challenges arise, just reach out. We’ll work with you to find a path forward.

  • Once you're accepted, you'll receive full access to the curriculum in mid-July to begin preparing for the school year.

  • Nope! We’ll equip you with tools and strategies to build local partnerships—and we aim to help facilitate at least one community connection for you.

  • The kick-off is a key experience, but if you can’t attend, we’ll work with you to provide alternative ways to get started strong.

  • There’s no cap! In fact, we encourage teams of educators from the same school to grow this work together.

  • We’ve got you covered with a full toolkit that walks you through everything—from planning to execution.

  • Certification is just the beginning. You’ll unlock advanced resources, new opportunities, and pathways to deepen your impact through continued involvement.

Thank you to our sponsors

STARTedUP Innovation Accelerator

Applications Now Open

Application window closes May 31st