The Gray Matter Experience ACCELERATE 2026 Application

  • 2026 ACCELERATE Application

    APPLICATION DEADLINE MAY 22, 2026

  • Thank you for your interest in ACCELERATE! The Gray Matter Experience (TGME) is a non-profit and entrepreneurial experience program for teens and young adults. Our mission is to close the opportunity gap for youth with big visions but limited access, unlocking their potential using entrepreneurship as a vehicle for personal growth and community transformation.

    ACCELERATE offers an option between two paid ($16/hr) immersive tracks spanning 6 weeks, giving young leaders a unique opportunity to hone their skills and drive innovation — whether inside an organization or building their own. With hands-on experience and real-world mentorship, this program is designed to prepare the next generation of bold, community-centered leaders.

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    Program Date: June 22- July 30, 2026

    Program Length: 6 weeks

    Compensation: $16.50/hr (paid program)

    Age Requirement:  Applicants must be 14-18 years old

    Both tracks in person: 

    • June 22-25, 10:00am- 1:00pm
    • Every Monday 10:00am- 1:00pm
    • July 27-30, 10:00am- 1:00pm

    Program Location: TBA

    Transportation: Transportation assistance for getting to/from the program will be available. 

    Cost: This program is completely free of cost

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    Intrapraneurship Track 

    Internship placement Tuesday–Thursdays, 10:00am–3:00pm, June 30-July 24

    Aimed at teens looking to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset within a workplace setting, this track offers a paid business internship with hands-on experience and exposure to real-world business operations.

    • Paid business internship with real-world organizational exposure
    • Focus on cultivating professional skills within an existing organizational framework
    • Prepares teens for leadership roles within companies or institutions

    Entrepreneurship Track

    Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00am–2:00pm (virtual); Wednesdays 10:00am–2:00pm (in person) June 30- July 24

    Designed for teens interested in building their own businesses. This track is for students with an already operating business, tested business idea or side hustle.

    • Blends asynchronous learning with real-world content from subject matter and industry experts and mentors
    • Access to participate in Pitch Black, a high-visibility pitch competition to showcase your minimum viable product
    • Opportunity to receive additional support, resources, and seed funding through Pitch Black 

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    Application Deadline: May 22, 2026
    Application Notification: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis

    For more information please visit https://www.graymatterexperience.com/programs

    For a successful submisison, please be sure to answer all questions thoroughly and thoughtfully.

  • Student Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Entrepreneurship Track

    Designed for teens with an already established and validated business idea or side hustle who are ready to take it to the next level. This 6-week track blends asynchronous learning with real-world content from industry experts and mentors. The track culminates with access to Pitch Black, a high-visibility pitch competition where participants compete for additional support, resources, and seed funding.
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  • Intrapraneurship Track

    Designed for teens who want to think and operate like an entrepreneur — inside a real workplace. This 6-week track offers a hands-on business internship with exposure to real-world operations, professional skill-building, and leadership development within an existing organizational framework. Ideal for teens looking to build their career foundation and prepare to be professional competitive.
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  • Application Submission

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