Apply to the Hatchery
Diana Davis Spencer Hatchery
A community that supports bold ideas, meaningful work, and real-world impact
Every spring, a new cohort of students joins the Diana Davis Spencer Hatchery to launch for-profit and nonprofit ventures for academic credit. If you have an idea for an enterprise—or want to evaluate one in a supportive, collaborative environment—consider applying to the Hatchery.
The Hatchery is open to third- and fourth-year students from any field—arts, sciences, activism, community development, food systems, technology, and more—and supports both for-profit and non-profit ventures. You can apply as an individual or as part of a team, and you may also choose to consult for outside enterprises.
- Course credit: The Hatchery is a three-credit course; you may take it for regular academic or senior project credit
- Structured support: Weekly meetings on all aspects of starting an enterprise
- Seed funding: Eligible ventures may receive seed funding and rent-free office space for the first year
- Professional advice: Access legal, accounting, fundraising, mentoring, equipment, and a larger support network
- Flexible development: For nine months after the course, you retain access to Hatchery resources and office space to continue your venture
- Application: Apply by Friday, week four of winter term
- Rapid prototype: During the 10-week course, develop and test a prototype for your idea
- Development: Continue growing your venture with Hatchery resources for nine months after the course—or after graduation, if taken in your senior spring
To apply to the Hatchery, download, fill out, and return the application form to Jay Friedlander or Kerri Sands. Contact Kerri for a Word version of the form.
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