The Benefits of TYE for High School Students (Mar 9, 2026)

” Another benefit that stands out to me is soft skills. Because of the collaborative and student-driven nature of TYE projects, team members grow in areas critical to future success.”

While we may not always talk about it, TiE Young Entrepreneurs is a program that puts its students a step ahead. Oftentimes, we focus on the high caliber of the program itself: the amazing mentors and instructors, the hands-on curriculum, and so on. But, how does this experience translate to students' lives? What is the impact of TiE Young Entrepreneurs on our young entrepreneurs?

Let's focus on only one aspect of TYE: the mentors and instructors. After I completed the TYE Community Program, I went on into the world seeing pain points and thinking about possible solutions. When I came upon an idea, I was excited about, the first person I reached out to was a TYE instructor, Shashi Jain. He instantly began ideating with me, devoting time and energy to helping me move my idea forwards. I know that I can reach out at any time to him and other instructors, and they will do their best to put me in contact with others and to support my endeavors. Of course, this is not unique to me; Any TYE student is empowered with a network of professional engineers and innovator who care about supporting their growth.

Another benefit that stands out to me is soft skills. Because of the collaborative and student-driven nature of TYE projects, team members grow in areas critical to future success. Among these: leadership, communication, and initiative. TYE students do things that don't always come easy: many cold-email existing companies, build their own websites, and gather interviewees for customer validation. These tasks require organization, foresight, and stepping outside of one's comfort zone. In my experience, both as a student and later mentoring others, TYE causes growth in all of these skills that facilitate increased leadership from then on. TYE students are empowered to be changemakers and leaders in their communities even after the program, and they take advantage of the networks and skills they've accrued to follow their dreams.