SofYE Summer 2026: A Summer of BIG Firsts

Innovation is at the heart of the School of Young Entrepreneurs (SofYE)—and this summer, innovation took center stage in ways we’ve never seen before. SofYE Summer 2026 was a season of BIG firsts, from welcoming back high school graduates as mentors to introducing AI, visiting cutting-edge startup incubators, adding student transportation, and celebrating our pitch competition with a reception and awards ceremony. Most importantly, 35 middle school students from 10 schools spent two weeks turning ideas into possibilities—and discovering what they’re capable of creating.

From SofYE Students to SofYE Mentors

One of our most exciting firsts was the return of seven SofYE graduates who are now in high school. Selected from 14 applicants, these young entrepreneurs volunteered their time to mentor our middle school students throughout their two-week journey to the final pitch competition. They weren’t simply helpers—they were role models who had once been in the students’ shoes. Their leadership, energy, and enthusiasm made a tremendous impact. And the ideas our students developed? Truly inspiring. This year’s concepts included “Calm Collar,” a dog collar designed to help anxious pets; a wristband designed to support sobriety; “Hydropop,” a healthy electrolyte-filled popsicle; smart glasses that help you remember where you left things (we could all use those!); and “Phytofarms,” a home décor concept using phytoplankton to oxygenate and cleanse indoor spaces. And that’s just a sampling!

Inside the World of Innovation

Our students also got an unprecedented look at entrepreneurship beyond the classroom. At UCSD’s The Basement startup incubator, hosts Jacques Chirazi and Vice Chancellor Paul Roben welcomed SofYE students for an unforgettable experience. Students visited the MAVERIC XR Lab, where they created their own digital worlds, and the UCSD Craft Center, where they brought their pitch ideas to life through physical prototypes. For the first time, students also explored the possibilities of AI, thanks to our friends at ClickUp, who not only introduced students to new technology but also provided judges for the final pitch competition.Another first was our visit to EvoNexus, a cutting-edge incubator for early-stage startups. Gene Dantsker graciously hosted our students and introduced them to real-life founders and their innovative ideas. Seeing entrepreneurship unfold in real time made a powerful impression—and gave students a glimpse of where their own ideas could lead.

The Next Generation Is Already Leading

That EvoNexus visit produced another inspiring connection. We met Gene’s son, Zach, and his friends, founders of the Canyon Crest Academy Venture Tech Club. In addition to spending meaningful time with our students as mentors and role models, they organized fundraisers and donated $500 to support the SofYE mission. This is exactly the next step we envision for SofYE graduates: students who return to lead, mentor, give back, and inspire the next generation. And our high school mentors are already showing us what that future can look like.

Two Weeks of Learning—and Plenty of Fun

Of course, entrepreneurship was only part of the experience. Students enjoyed sunny beach days, tide-pool exploration at Sunset Cliffs, fitness and kickboxing, bowling, field activities, and mini-golf at The Loma Club in Liberty Station. And they were well fueled along the way! Snacks were generously donated by Jimbo’s Naturally, while Ki’s School Lunches were supplemented with favorites from Sea Trader Deli, Sunnie’s Ocean Beach, Dirty Birds, Domino’s, Chipotle, Loma Club Grill, and McDonald’s.

Removing Barriers, Opening Doors

None of this would be possible without the generosity of our community. Thanks to major donors Cindy Butitta and Linda Hervey, SofYE provided financial assistance to 80% of attendees. For the first time, we were also able to provide morning and afternoon transportation for half of our students—an important addition that made it possible for many to participate. And the enthusiasm for SofYE continues to grow: 13 students returned from last summer, a powerful testament to the program’s value and appeal.

We are deeply grateful to our donors and community partners, including Insperity HR and AI CISO Cybersecurity, for helping us remove barriers, create opportunities, and empower the next generation of innovators.

Many friends from the business and academic community gave their time to be mentors, speakers, and pitch judges, so we would be remiss not to mention them: Neil Murphy (Therva Founder), Sam Gardner (Jimbo’s Naturally), Gene Dansker (EvoNexus), Mandy Mekhail, Deanna Tindell, Tanya King (all ClickUp), Mike Casler & David Janiak (Insperity HR), Adam Goff (Loma Club), Sam Knight (UC Alumni Coordinator), Kathy Sebuck (Marchitecture), Helder Sebastiao (Startup Consultant), & Jon Langbert (CFO). From SDSU Launchpad, Lisa Lamb (Her Sports), Kevin Kenniston (Side Eye USA), Kanna Ecklund (Asaichi), Jamileh Hamideh (Marketing Coordinator), Calvin Mays & Chhavi Jain (The Basement at UCSD mentors), Matteus Juza (UCSD Student). We could not do this without you, thank you!

And Then Came the Big Pitch…

After two weeks of learning, creating, testing, mentoring, and dreaming, it all came down to one exciting finale: the SofYE Summer pitch competition. And, yes—another first! This year’s competition was preceded by a reception and awards ceremony, giving students, families, mentors, donors, and community partners a chance to celebrate everything these young entrepreneurs had accomplished. They arrived with ideas. They left with confidence, experience, and a stronger belief that their ideas can make a difference.

What’s Next?

SofYE is itself a startup of sorts, and just like the young entrepreneurs we serve, we’re constantly experimenting, learning, and growing. After a summer filled with so many firsts, we can’t wait to see what’s next, and we are very excited to have The Monarch School for unhoused students partnering with us next summer! In the meantime, our Serve, Learn, & Earn program continues to need the support of our community. Whether you volunteer, mentor, donate, or connect us with a potential partner, there is a place for you in the SofYE story. Thank you for believing in young entrepreneurs—and for helping us launch future generations of innovators. Go SofYE!