As a huge proponent of this program, and as a graduate myself, I am so excited to share this information; in an effort to increase diversity, Draper University is currently offering scholarships to women and minority students. They’ve reached out to me for help, so I’m here to spread the word about this incredible program: if you are a woman or a person of color with entrepreneurial aspirations, this opportunity is for you.
Draper University, quite literally, changed my life. It is the reason I know anything about the tech industry; it is the reason I know anything about venture capital; it is even the reason I work at BLACK ENTERPRISE
as a tech editor. I can’t say enough amazing things about this program–and they want you there!
A Bit of Background Info
Draper University was started by billionaire venture capitalist Tim Draper, whose investments include Tesla, Skype, Hotmail, SpaceX, and a slew of others. Draper comes from a family of venture capitalists; his father, Bill Draper wrote a book called The Startup Game, which goes into more detail about their family legacy, if you want to take a deeper dive. Though one may assume that Tim’s achievements and familial legacy would incite a degree of pretension, he remains incredibly humble and down to earth. He is also the most caring person that I’ve ever met–he really wants to see you win.
(From left to right: Alfred A. Edmond Jr., Sequoia Blodgett, and Tim Draper at the Black Enterprise TechConneXt Summit)
The Value of the Draper University Experience
Because the Drapers are connected to pretty much to everyone in Silicon Valley, attending Draper University can help you cultivate and develop valuable relationships that will grow astronomically over time. Not only that, but the teachers include folks like Elon Musk of Tesla, Aaron Levie of Box, and Tony Hsieh of Zappos.
The program is fun, exciting, experimental, and changes to keep up with the ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape, year after year. If you are an adventurous risk-taker that is ready to dive headfirst into the world of startups, then Draper University is definitely worth considering.
In addition to learning about core startup fundamentals–including how to fundraise, understanding product-market fit, and how to pitch to investors–this program enables you to learn a lot about yourself, as well (I most certainly did). You will discover your ability to tackle adversity while learning how to stay strong in challenging situations and how to quickly adapt to change.
How Do I Apply?
For more information, visit the Draper University website, or check out the show Startup U, which originally aired on ABC Family (now Freeform).
If you are interested in applying to Draper University, click here. To obtain more scholarship information, all you need to do is apply. If you qualify, someone will get in contact with you.
Sequoia Blodgett is the Technology Editor for Black Enterprise, Silicon Valley. She is also the founder of 7AM, a lifestyle, media platform, focused on personal development, guided by informed pop culture.