Immersion-HUVTSP

Turn Ambition Into Action: Build, Pitch, and Launch Your Startup

A premier program for ambitious high school students who are ready to innovate, make an impact, and gain real-world experience.

Program Highlights

Learning

6 weeks of intensive online learning and startup building.

Pitch Ideas

Pitch your ideas to real venture capitalists and investors.

Collaboration

1-week immersive, in-person collaboration on Jeju Island.

Partnerships

Harvard faculty, seasoned entrepreneurs, and investors.

Immersion-HUVTSP is a collaboration between Ivy Immersion, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and the Harvard Undergraduate Ventures-TECH Summer Program (HUVTSP). HUVTSP is supported by the Technology & Entrepreneurship Center at Harvard (TECH) within the Harvard John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) at Harvard University. HUVTSP is also supported by Harvard Undergraduate Ventures, the largest student-run entrepreneurship and venture capital organization at Harvard College.

Immersion-HUVTSP is an exciting, selective initiative designed for high-achieving high school students eager to explore the intersection of technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and business. This unique experience pairs participants with cutting-edge startups for real-world internships across diverse industries.

Guided by Ivy League mentors, founders, and C-suite executives, students gain practical experience, industry insights, and personalized mentorship—all within a dynamic, technology-driven environment. No prior entrepreneurial experience is required—just a passion for learning, problem-solving, and exploring the world of startups.

🚀 Turn ideas into reality. Gain hands-on experience. Build your future with Immersion-HUVTSP.

Program Overview

Dates

Online Session I: Jun 9—Jul 18
Online Session II: Jul 7—Aug 15

In-Person: Aug 10th—16th

Eligibility

For high school students passionate about startups and innovation (including non-US applicants) and gap year students. Undergraduate and graduate students are not eligible.

Outcome

Students leave with a certificate, functioning startup, internship opportunity, and investor connections

Admissions

The Immersion-Harvard Undergraduate Ventures-TECH Summer Program admissions process is highly competitive, evaluating applicants based on their ambition, motivation, interest in early-stage startups, and academic preparedness. The program welcomes applications from all high school students and international candidates, with early applicants receiving priority due to limited spots. Students currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs are not eligible to participate. However, individuals who have completed high school but are taking a gap year or have yet to begin their undergraduate studies may apply.

Process

There are two admissions programs: Invite-Only Admission and Regular Admission. Both processes run simultaneously.

Invite-Only Admission is an exclusive application track available by invitation only. Candidates must have a valid link or code, which is reserved for alumni and members of partner organizations. Applicants admitted through this track have the option to either accept and enroll in the Immersion-HUVTSP or defer their admission to a future cycle. However, deferrals are treated as re-applications, with no guarantee of re-admission.

Regular Admission is open to all eligible applicants and follows the standard admissions process. Decisions are issued according to the timeline below.

Interviews

For all admission programs, students may be requested to participate in an interview. Interviews are conducted on Zoom and are designed to be an informal chat between an admissions officer and the candidate, allowing the candidate to share more about their interests and motivations as well as ask the admissions officer any questions they may have. Receiving an interview request is not a requirement to be admitted nor a guarantee of admission.

Timelines

Immersion—HUVTSP is a blended online and in-person experience spanning two six-week summer sessions, culminating in a one-week in-person immersion on Jeju Island.

Program Dates

Session I

  • Online: June 9 – July 18, 2025

  • In-Person (Jeju Island): August 10 – August 16, 2025

Session II

  • Online: July 7 – August 15, 2025

  • In-Person (Jeju Island): August 10 – August 16, 2025

In-Person Component (Jeju Island)

  • August 10 – August 16, 2025

Pre-Program Activities

Before the official start date, admitted participants will have access to:

  • Virtual networking opportunities

  • Fireside chats with entrepreneurs, investors, and Harvard University faculty

  • Private networking sessions with fellow participants

Tuition

Immersion—HUVTSP is a 6-week online program plus a 1-week in-person experience on Jeju Island.

Tuition for the full program is $8,995, whether a student enrolls in Session I or Session II.

There is no application fee to apply.

Financial Aid

Immersion-HUVTSP is able to offer a financial aid program, providing scholarships each year on a case-by-case basis to accepted high school students with demonstrated need. HUVTSP is dedicated to making education accessible to all. Admissions are conducted on a need-blind basis, meaning a request for financial aid is not considered in HUVTSP’s decision to admit a student. After a candidate is admitted, their financial aid request is considered and financial aid may be awarded based on numerous factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Ivy Immersion is an intensive academic and leadership program designed for high-achieving students who aspire to gain acceptance into top universities and develop real-world skills. Our programs provide hands-on learning experiences, expert mentorship, and exposure to rigorous academic challenges.

  • Ivy Immersion is ideal for students who:

    • Aspire to attend Ivy League and other top universities

    • Want to develop leadership, critical thinking, and research skills

    • Are highly motivated and looking for an academic challenge

    • Need guidance on crafting a compelling college application

  • We offer a range of programs tailored to different academic and career interests, including:

    • Research & Publication: Work alongside professors to publish original research

    • Entrepreneurship & Leadership: Hands-on business development and leadership training

    • Professional Externships: Real-world experience in various industries

  • Ivy Immersion provides ALL the benefits of elite university summer programs like CTY, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes, and Harvard Secondary School Program—but in Asia!

    As a university-affiliated program, we offer college credit and/or official certificates upon completion, ensuring students gain academically recognized credentials. Our programs go beyond traditional academic enrichment by integrating real-world experiences, professional mentorship, and hands-on projects that lead to tangible achievements—such as published research, startup experience, and professional externships.

    Ivy Immersion allows students to experience the same level of academic rigor, networking, and university preparation as top U.S. summer programs—without needing to travel overseas.

  • Students work directly with research mentors on cutting-edge topics. Through guided mentorship, they develop original research papers, which are then submitted to academic journals or conferences for potential publication.

  • Yes. Our programs help students build standout applications by providing unique academic and extracurricular achievements that admissions officers value. Students who complete our programs have a stronger profile compared to peers who only focus on GPA and standardized tests.

  • Admission to Ivy Immersion is highly selective. We seek students with strong academic backgrounds, leadership potential, and a commitment to personal and intellectual growth. Applications are reviewed holistically to ensure the best fit for our programs.

  • Program lengths vary depending on the track:

    • Short Intensives: 1–4 weeks

    • Semester-Long Programs: 8–12 weeks

    • Year-Round Mentorship: Ongoing support for research, externships, and leadership training

  • We offer both online and in-person programs, depending on the track. Online programs provide flexibility and access to global mentors, while in-person programs offer immersive, hands-on experiences in major cities and university settings.

  • Yes. We provide limited scholarships and financial aid for students with demonstrated need. However, as a highly specialized program, availability is limited, and we encourage early applications.

  • Due to the nature of our selective programs, tuition is generally non-refundable once a student is admitted. However, under extenuating circumstances, partial credit may be applied toward future programs.