BE YOUR OWN BOSS

Make friends, earn money, and build your network with the Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) Internship. This fun, paid experience helps high school students gain the confidence, skills, and connections to take control of their futures. Through hands-on project learning, mentorship, and exposure to real entrepreneurs, you’ll learn what it takes to turn an idea into a real business.

Applications for Be Your Own Boss are currently closed. Join our waitlist to be the first to know when applications for our next cohort open.
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WHO WE ARE

A Community of Young Innovators

Future Founders is building the nation’s largest inclusive community of intentional young entrepreneurs. Our programs are free, accessible, and designed to help students dream bigger.

The BYOB Internship gives high school students an opportunity to explore entrepreneurship while developing valuable 21st Century skills—like creativity, problem solving, teamwork, and communication. Through a mix of interactive sessions, group challenges, and mentorship, participants discover what it means to think like an entrepreneur and build a business idea with a group of like-minded peers.

Upcoming Cohort Details

Applications

Check This Page for Upcoming Application Opportunities

Program
Dates

January 12 -
February 4, 2027
(Subject to change)

Format

Tuesday - Thursday From 5 PM - 7:15 PM CST on Zoom

Stipend

Participants Eligible to Earn Up to $250 Cash Stipend

WHO IT'S FOR

High School Students Ready to Learn & Lead

There’s no one “type” of BYOB Intern. But there are a few things that make a great fit:

AGE

AGE

You’re a current high school student

LOCATION

LOCATION

You live in the U.S. (either nationwide or in Chicago, depending on cohort)

INTEREST

INTEREST

You’re curious about business, innovation, or leadership

AVAILABILITY

AVAILABILITY

You can commit to weekly sessions and group projects
THE PROGRAM

What to Expect

Workshops

Programming

Spend a few hours each week learning, collaborating, and putting new skills into practice through sessions that are in-person, hybrid, or virtual, depending on the cohort

Community

Group Projects

Collaborative challenges that bring ideas to life as you design, test, and present projects that strengthen creativity, teamwork, and confidence like a real startup team

Mentorship

Mentorship

Personalized guidance from experienced professionals who help you set goals, navigate challenges, and grow your confidence as a young entrepreneur

Pitching

Each team will take part in a pitch competition, designed to showcase your innovation. All teams will present their ideas for the chance of winning additional cash prizes

IN-PERSON CONNECTION

Chicago Events

For our Chicago cohorts, select in-person sessions and events offer a chance to meet other interns and connect with Future Founders staff and mentors face-to-face. These experiences deepen learning and help interns see what’s possible in their own communities.

Benefits and Outcomes

Career Readiness

Learn the habits, mindset, and communication skills employers value

Confidence

Discover your strengths and how to lead with them

Earn Money

Earn money while developing real-world skills

Founder Mindset

Think creatively, take initiative, and turn ideas into action

Connections That Count

Join a national network of students and mentors who will support your journey

STUDENT IMPACT

Paid Interns
0
Now Believe They Can Be an Entrepreneur
0 %
Want to Own a
Business Someday
0 %
Developed Key
21st Century Skills
0 %

Featured Be Your Own Boss Stories

Spots are limited.

If you’re ready to grow, apply what you learn, and have fun doing it, apply for our next BYOB Internship cohort.