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Apply to Be a Melissa & Doug Entrepreneur

Applications for year-long entrepreneur fellowship due Feb. 5 

Duke students pose for a picture after participating in a startup workshop during the summer of 2013.
Duke students pose for a picture after participating in a startup workshop during the summer of 2013.
by Cord Peters

Apply by February 5 to become part of the inaugural class of Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs. The program will accept 12 applicants as part of a year-long intensive fellowship program at Duke, in which undergraduate students will turn entrprenurial ideas into action.

As part of Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative, the program exists to give students the support they need to become innovators and entrepreneurs. It is open to both students who are currently working on a startup and those who are interning at a startup over the summer.

Melissa Bernstein '87 and her husband started an educational toy company in 1988 in Doug's parents' garage. Now, the award-winnning company, which the New York Times predicted would generate nearly $325 million in 2013, makes 2,000 different toys and 200 new items each year.

Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs will have great access to Duke's innovation and entrepreneurship resources.  They will receive one-on-one mentorships, summer stipends, VIP access to visiting speakers, and the opportunity to work with Melissa & Doug Bernstein. The spring consists of workshops learning from entrepreneurs, visiting startups, and working as a cohort of students. The summer focuses on hands-on startup experince and mentorship, and the fall allows for reflection and sharing lessons from your experiences with fellow students. 

For more information: www.melissaanddougentrepreneurs.com