Are you or do you know a NYC high school student interested in mobile technology and entrepreneurship? As part of NYCEDC’s focus on fostering talent in the City’s growing technology sector, NYCEDC and the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) are piloting "NYC Generation Tech” during the summer and fall of 2012. This new technology, entrepreneurship and mentorship program will serve promising high school students from across New York City who are presently facing disadvantages.  

The program is structured around the following four components:

• Summer Tech Bootcamp: During a two-week intensive “bootcamp,” about 30 students from NYC high schools will work in teams to develop a mobile app prototype, using MIT App Inventor, that aims to improve the quality of education or quality of life in the City for other NYC students. Participants will learn about entrepreneurship and gain exposure to NYC’s tech ecosystem. (Aug. 6-10, 13-17)
• Fall Sessions: During the fall, students will attend nine weeknight sessions to further explore topics in entrepreneurship and technology, finalize their mobile apps, and develop a pitch presentation and short business plan with the help of instructors and mentors. (Sept. 12, 19; Oct. 3, 10, 24; Nov. 7, 14, 28; Dec. 5)
• Business Plan Competition & Awards Ceremony: In December 2012, students will demo and pitch their finished apps and business plans to a panel of judges from the technology and venture capital community. Winning teams receive cash prizes and all students will be honored at an awards ceremony.
• Mentorship & Enterprise Discovery: Students will receive mentorship from local tech professionals and undergraduate and graduate students. Students will also visit NYC tech companies, startups, and incubators to speak to entrepreneurs and be exposed to various entrepreneurial environments. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Targeted to students who will be in the 10^th and 11^th grade in 2012-2013; there are a few spots open for students who will be in the 9^th grade in 2012-2013
• Student should qualify for free/reduced lunch or attend NYC school with over 50% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch 
• 3.0 GPA or higher preferred
• Minimum 90% attendance in school
• An interest in technology and entrepreneurship
• Availability to attend all program sessions

Interested students are encouraged to visit the NYC Generation Tech website to apply for the program. Deadline for applications is Friday, July 20^th.