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iStart Valley, a leading accelerator committed to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership, is proud to announce the 2026 High School Scholarship Program. This year, iStart Valley is increasing its annual scholarship to $10,000, furthering its mission to empower the next generation of changemakers.
This scholarship is designed for high school students who are driven to solve real-world problems through creativity, technology, and leadership. It recognizes those who are not just dreaming of a better future but actively working to build it. Scholarships will be awarded during the Annual Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrations in November 2026.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is for students who have demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community impact, and entrepreneurial thinking. If you are passionate about pushing boundaries and making a difference, this scholarship can help propel you toward your goals.
Scholarship Categories:
• Outstanding Achievement Scholarship – Honoring students who exemplify leadership and innovation.
• STEM Scholarship – Celebrating outstanding contributions in science and technology.
• Speech and Debate Scholarship – Recognizing excellence in communication, advocacy, and critical thinking.
Application Details:
• Deadline: August 14, 2026
• Winners Announced: November 21, 2026, during Global Entrepreneurship Week
• Apply Now: iStart Valley Scholarship Application
Take Your Journey Further with iStart Valley
The iStart Valley Scholarship is exclusively available to alumni of iStart Valley programs, reinforcing our commitment to nurturing the potential of students who have engaged with our programs.
• Summer Internship Program – Gain hands-on experience and develop skills through real-world projects. Apply Now
• Advanced STEM Programs – Explore AI, Research, Space Technology, and Cyber Technology, starting June 21st. Register Here
If you are ready to challenge yourself, think differently, and drive change, iStart Valley is here to support your journey. Your potential is limitless, take the next step today.
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iStart Valley Launches IVSA – iStart Valley Volunteer Service Awards – as Interim Recognition During PVSA Suspension
Austin, Texas – Feb 16th 2026: iStart Valley, a nationally renowned nonprofit Business Accelerator dedicated to youth entrepreneurship, STEM leadership, and technology education, today announced the launch of the iStart Valley Volunteer Service Awards (IVSA).
The IVSA has been established as an interim recognition program following the temporary suspension of the AmeriCorps Presidential Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) program until further notice.
For years, iStart Valley has proudly recognized its interns and youth leaders with the PVSA for their meaningful contributions in leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation. With the PVSA currently on hold, iStart Valley has created the IVSA to ensure that student volunteers continue to receive timely and meaningful recognition for their service.
“Volunteerism is at the heart of leadership,” said MJ Charmani, Founder & Chair of iStart Valley. “Our students contribute hundreds of hours building startups, mentoring peers, leading community initiatives, and advancing innovation. Their impact deserves recognition without interruption.”
IVSA: Upholding the Same High Standards
The IVSA maintains the same rigorous service criteria previously used for PVSA nominations and follows identical hour-based recognition thresholds.
|
Age Group |
Bronze |
Silver |
Gold |
|
Teens (11–15) |
50–74 hrs |
75–99 hrs |
100+ hrs |
|
Young Adults (16–25) |
100–174 hrs |
175–249 hrs |
250+ hrs |
Awards are presented at three levels — Gold, Silver, and Bronze — based strictly on verified volunteer hours, in alignment with historical PVSA criteria.
Recognizing Service in Leadership, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Unlike traditional volunteer programs focused solely on community service, iStart Valley’s volunteer framework recognizes impact in:
- Youth Leadership Development
- Startup Incubation & Entrepreneurship
- STEM Innovation & Research
- Advanced Technology Projects
- Mentorship & Community Engagement
Through its internship programs, Youth Executive Council, Startup Accelerator initiatives, and innovation challenges, iStart Valley interns contribute measurable hours toward real-world problem solving and community advancement.
Commitment to Continued Excellence
The IVSA reflects iStart Valley’s ongoing commitment to transparency, integrity, and excellence in volunteer recognition.
When the Presidential Volunteer Service Award program resumes under AmeriCorps, iStart Valley intends to continue participation as eligible. Until then, the IVSA ensures that student leaders and volunteers receive recognition aligned with national standards.
For more information about the iStart Valley Volunteer Service Awards (IVSA), please contact:
Asha Lingaraju
Program Manager
iStart Valley
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Empowering Innovators. Accelerating Startups. Transforming Futures.
In another groundbreaking year, iStart Valley has continued to spark innovation, nurture entrepreneurial spirit, and drive meaningful impact across the nation. Through our flagship accelerators, we’ve empowered hundreds of aspiring founders, future technologists, and young innovators to take bold steps into the future.
🔹 Startup Accelerator
Where Vision Meets Venture
- 15 High-Potential Startups Accelerated
- $225 Millions Combined Valuation of Participating Startups
- 18 Top-Tier Mentors Engaged
- 18 Strategic Mentorship & Coaching Sessions Conducted
iStart Valley’s Startup Accelerator continues to be a launchpad for scalable ventures, guided by industry leaders and aimed at global markets.
🔹 Youth Startup Accelerator
Fueling the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
- 280+ Ideas Generated and Pitched by Students
- 50 Startup Teams Formed
- 28 Teams Advanced to Global Startup Contest Semifinals
- 6 Finalist Teams Competed in the Global Startup Contest Finals
- $10.5 Millions Combined Valuation of Student-led Startups
- $13,500 in Cash Awards Distributed
- Representing 35 States and 102 Cities Across the U.S.
Our Youth Accelerator proves that age is no barrier to innovation. This year’s cohort demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and passion, turning classroom concepts into real-world ventures.
🔹 Human Capital Accelerator
Building Future-Ready Leaders & Innovators
- 120 Future Innovators Equipped with 21st Century Skills
- $11,500 in Talent Awards and Incentives
- Representing 32 States and 100 Cities Across the Nation
Through immersive programs in AI, Data Science, Quantum Computing, and more, iStart Valley is shaping the workforce of tomorrow - today.
💡 A National Movement in Innovation
From ideation to impact, iStart Valley’s accelerators are more than programs—they are platforms for transformation. With a presence in over 35 states and 100+ cities, our reach is nationwide, our impact measurable, and our mission unstoppable.
Together, we are igniting the spirit of innovation, one startup, one student, and one dream at a time.
iStart Valley Interns Propel to Ivy League and Top School Success, Building the Future of Innovation
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iStart Valley’s High School Internship Program continues to shape the future of young visionaries, with an astounding 97% of its alumni securing admissions to Ivy League and top universities. In 2024, iStart Valley interns repeated their remarkable success, earning spots at Harvard, Yale, Wharton, Cornell, and other prestigious institutions. The program’s proven track record extends beyond Ivy League, with students also gaining admissions to top-tier schools such as UC Berkeley, UT Austin, UNC Chapel Hill, and UIUC.
This consistent success underscores the transformational impact of iStart Valley’s immersive, entrepreneurial-driven internship, which molds high school students into visionary leaders and future industry disruptors.
A Life-Changing Internship for Future Innovators
The popularity of the program has surged, with applications growing exponentially year after year. Despite thousands of high school students from across the U.S. and internationally—including applicants from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia (EMEA)—only 15-20% are accepted, making it one of the most selective and prestigious high school internship experiences.
Unlike traditional internships, iStart Valley equips students with the mindset and tools to become startup founders. Through an experiential learning approach, students go beyond theoretical knowledge and build real-world businesses. By the end of the program, interns transform from aspiring entrepreneurs into founders, gaining firsthand experience in business building, problem-solving, and leveraging emerging technologies to create AI-driven enterprises.
Turning Ideas into High-Value Startups
iStart Valley interns don't just work on passion projects, they build scalable startups with valuations ranging from $100K to $500K while still in their teens. Guided by Steve Blank’s Lean Startup Principles, students develop solutions for real-world problems and turn them into viable businesses.
Beyond the internship, selected student-led startups are invited to compete at the Global Startup Battle, where they pitch against top-performing startups from multiple cohorts. The top six earn the chance to compete on the global stage, gain industry recognition, and win significant prizes, while networking with Silicon Valley strategists, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Expanding Horizons with Leadership & STEM Innovation
Interns also have the exclusive opportunity to join iStart Valley’s Leadership Development Program, which equips them with essential leadership skills for the future. Additionally, the program offers advanced STEM opportunities, including certified courses in Space Technology, Research, and AI (STEM.org certified), further enhancing their academic and professional trajectories.