Be Your Own Boss - October 2026 Cohort

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.

We will be running a cohort of the Be Your Own Boss internship in Fall 2026. Program dates are as follows:

• The October Cohort will meet from Monday October 12, 2026- Thursday, October 29, 2026. Programming will take place after school from 5:00-7:15 PM CT on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday.
• There will be 1 in person days: Monday October 12, 2026 10 AM - 3 PM (CPS Day off). Lunch will be provided.

Sessions will include a mix of all-intern and team sessions. Accepted applicants will be paid up to $250 for their participation in the internship and have the opportunity to win an extra $150 at the end-of-program pitch competition.

Key information and eligibility can be found below:

• There is an in person day on Monday, October 12, 2026.
• Participants must be public school students in currently in 9, 10, 11, or 12 grade.
• Meet every additional Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:00-7:15 pm CT virtually on Zoom
• In-person programming will take place at Future Founders’ office in the Loop. (1 N Dearborn)
• Must be your first Be Your Own Boss Program (past participants are ineligible)
• $250 stipend available upon successful completion of the program (bonus $150 for each team member on the winning team for the end of program pitch competition)
• APPLICATIONS ARE DUE ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 AT 11:59PM CT