The Werth Innovators Program
is for UConn undergrads in any major who are interested in entrepreneurship and creating something they are passionate about. These students may not know what they want to create or how to do it, but are looking for help in making it happen.
We have over 100 Werth Innovators, see who they are!
How to Apply?
Applications are now open for the 2024 Werth Innovators cohort! Click the link below to apply and for additional information. Applications close April 7th, 2024 at midnight ET.
When do students apply?
- Rising sophomores located in Storrs and Stamford apply in April. Selection is made in May and the program starts in September of their sophomore year.
- Rising juniors with a Werth Institute staff nomination can also apply in April.
- First-year women located in Storrs apply in September. Selection is made in October and the program begins in November of their first year.
Who Should Apply?
Students across all majors interested in building and growing their skills, confidence and leadership experiences while exploring the world of entrepreneurship and growing their network should consider applying. The value a student gains as a Werth Innovator is defined by the student. Each student has unique goals, ideas or projects to pursue and The Werth Institute provides personalized support in the forms of goal setting, skill-building guidance, networking opportunities, mentorship, leadership and ambassadorship opportunities. Students are selected based upon their innovative projects, entrepreneurial mindsets, and their passion in an area they are driven to problem solve in.
Why Should I Apply?
Being a Werth Innovator means you will have access to unique life-transformative opportunities and be a proud member of one of the nation’s leading entrepreneurial leadership development programs. Benefit highlights include:
- Weekly support, guidance and resources to explore the problem they want to solve or idea they want to advance. Includes 1:1 and group Werth Innovator meetings.
- A one-time $3k scholarship for rising sophomores and selected rising juniors.
- 1st year women receive an additional $4k paid summer internship to develop their idea.
- Participation in unique events, travel and experiential learning associated with entrepreneurship.
- Development of an entrepreneurial mindset and skills including leadership, project management, problem solving, and communication skills.
- Networking practice and growth through alumni visits and guest speaker events.
- Career exploration.
- Increased self-confidence, emotional intelligence and a sense of belonging.
- Lasting friendships through a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals.
Resources
Gain access to unique opportunities, startup company trip and visits and events reserved for Werth Innovators. Set personal career and passion project goals and craft your plan to gain skills and experiences toward achieving your goals.
Experiences
Receive scholarship* money and participate in unique networking connections. Join the greater community of existing interdisciplinary Werth Innovator UConn students and alum, meet like-minded people to collaborate, ideate, and connect with, and grow your network through the friends of The Werth Institute and experienced alum.
Confidence
Gained through mentorship and leadership development opportunities.
What are the responsibilities of Werth Innovators?
- 1-2 volunteer hours per month in entrepreneurship related programs and activities.
- UConn Gives champion.
- Peer support and mentorship to other Werth Innovators.
- FYE class guest speaker.
- Posts on LinkedIn to promote Werth Innovator programs and events.
- Involvement with the Werth Institute post graduation including an opportunity to be a mentor for the NetWerx program.
$331,000
Scholarships disbursed to Werth Innovators since 2018
69%
Women in Werth Innovators
50%
Students traditionally underrepresented in entrepreneurship
Once a Werth Innovator, always a Werth Innovator
70
current Werth Innovators in 2023-2024
146
total Werth Innovators since the program began in 2018
34
different academic majors represented, spanning 7 different schools and colleges
15%
of Werth Innovators are working for an entrepreneurial-related company or are building their own venture
Werth Innovators in the News
Month of Discovery Student Researcher: Aria Penna, BUS ‘25
'Aria Penna's transformative journey at UConn, from a law school hopeful to a budding entrepreneur and finance enthusiast. This story is part of the Month of Discovery series'. Read on UConn Today!
Finance, Forests, and Forbes – A Summer of Experience for Werth Innovators
'Three students describe how UConn’s Peter J. Werth Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation has helped them make the most of their summers.'Read on UConn Today!
Werth Innovator Using Venture Capital to Support Social Justice This Summer
'Astou Diallo combines a flair for business with a passionate interest in social justice.'Read on UConn Today!
