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.
How to Apply?
Applications are now open for the Werth Innovators Program: Women’s Leadership Cohort! The deadline to apply is October 25th, 2026 at midnight. The Women’s Leadership Cohort is a collaborative learning experience for students to develop entrepreneurial skills that account for the unique challenges and opportunities women encounter in entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology.
For more information, please contact katie.britt@uconn.edu
Apply for the ’26-’27 Women’s Leadership Cohort
Applications for the rising sophomore cohort of Werth Innovators will open in March/April of 2027.
We have almost 200 Werth Innovators, see who they are!
2025 Werth Innovators
2026 First-Year Women Werth Innovators
2025-2026 Werth Innovators Leadership Board
Werth Innovator Archive
When do students apply?
- Rising sophomores at Storrs 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 Werth Innovators of the Women’s Leadership cohort at Storrs apply in September/October. Selection is made in November and the program begins in January 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 selected rising sophomores and selected rising juniors.
- The Women’s Leadership cohort for first-year Werth Innovators receive a $4k paid remote summer internship to develop and advance 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.
76%
are women in the Werth Innovators program
53
undergrad Werth Innovators in '25-'26
Once a Werth Innovator, always a Werth Innovator
193
total Werth Innovators since the program began in 2018
16.6%
of Werth Innovators who graduated are working for an entrepreneurial-related company or are building their own venture
34
different academic majors represented, spanning 7 different schools and colleges
Werth Innovators in the News
From Campus to a Capsule: UConn Undergrad Launching African-Inspired Fashion Line Supporting Women in Ghana
'I’m so proud to tell people I have a business' Read on UConn Today!
Entrepreneurship Opportunities at UConn Lead Undergraduate Student to United Nations Panel
'It’s not just about structural barriers existing, but it’s about pushing through those barriers and getting what you need'Read on UConn Today!
Meet the Undergraduate: Jennifer Gearin ‘28 (CLAS)
'Gearin showcases her project ‘Mosaic’ as a part of the First-Year Women Werth Innovators Program'. Read on UConn Today!
Getting Cozy: UConn Entrepreneur Focuses on Mindful Productivity as Werth Institute Program Continues Engaging First-Year Women
'Take every opportunity you’re given and just make sure that you’re loving what you’re doing, that you want to be here, that you want to learn'. Read on UConn Today!
