Question 1

Who is this program for?

Accepted Answer

Ambitious teens who want to learn how to build and launch real products. No coding experience required - we teach you to use AI tools that make building accessible to everyone. If you have ever had an app idea or wanted to start something, this is for you.

Question 2

What is vibe-coding and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Vibe-coding is a new way to build apps by describing what you want in plain English while AI writes the actual code. Instead of memorizing syntax, you learn to clearly communicate your vision and direct AI tools to build it. It is how many professional developers at startups work today, and it means you can build real, functional products without years of traditional coding education.

Question 3

Do I need any coding or technical experience?

Accepted Answer

None. We start from zero. You will learn to use AI-powered development tools the way startup founders and professional builders use them. By the end, you will understand how to take an idea from concept to working product and to market.

Question 4

What will I actually build in this program?

Accepted Answer

You will build a real, working digital product - an app, website, or tool that solves a problem you care about. Past students have built habit trackers, community platforms, AI study assistants, marketplace platforms, and wellness tools. These are not mockups or prototypes; they are production-ready products you can actually launch.

Question 5

What makes this different from a coding bootcamp?

Accepted Answer

Coding bootcamps teach you to write code. We teach you to build products. There is a huge difference. You will learn entrepreneurial thinking, product thinking, user research, design, iteration based on feedback, and marketing. You will build a product and market it to real users. With AI vibe-coding, you will build a live app without writing a single line of code - this is the future of entrepreneurship. That means you get to build a fully working product fast and focus on what matters: solving real problems for users.

Question 6

How much time does the program require?

Accepted Answer

Expect 15 hours per week over the 4-week program. This includes live sessions, team collaboration time, and independent work on your project. Each day is a focused 3-hour session that mixes instruction with hands-on team work.

Question 7

Do I work alone or in a team?

Accepted Answer

You will work in teams of 2-4 students. We match you with teammates who have complementary skills and interests. Learning to collaborate is a key part of the experience - just like at a real startup. If you would prefer to work independently or with friends, include that note in your application.

Question 8

Is 4 weeks really enough time to build something real?

Accepted Answer

Yes, because of how AI tools accelerate development. Tasks that used to take weeks now take hours. Our curriculum is designed around this new reality. Students consistently surprise themselves with what they accomplish. The constraint of 4 weeks actually helps - it forces you to focus on what matters and ship something real rather than endlessly planning.

Question 9

How does Demo Day work?

Accepted Answer

In the final week, you present your finished product to an audience of parents, mentors, startup founders, and peers - just like Y Combinator's famous Demo Day. You will pitch your idea, demo your product, and answer questions. It is real public accountability and creates a powerful portfolio piece. Many students say it is nerve-wracking and one of the most rewarding experiences they have ever had.

Question 10

What if my idea fails or doesn't work?

Accepted Answer

That is part of the learning. Real entrepreneurship involves testing ideas, getting feedback, and iterating. If your first concept does not work, you will pivot - just like real startups do. The goal is not a perfect product; it is learning the process of building. Students who pivot often learn more than those whose first idea works immediately.

Question 11

How will this help me get into college?

Accepted Answer

Most applicants list extracurriculars. Very few can say they built and launched a real product. You will have a live project to link in your application, concrete skills to discuss in interviews, and a story about taking an idea from zero to launch. Admissions officers and interviewers find this genuinely interesting because it is so rare.

Question 12

Can I keep working on my project after the program ends?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. You own everything you build. Many students continue developing their projects, some have launched to real users, and some have even generated revenue. The skills you learn transfer to any future project you want to build.

Question 13

What are Y Combinator skills and why do they matter?

Accepted Answer

Y Combinator is the world's most famous startup accelerator - they backed Airbnb, Dropbox, Stripe, and Reddit. YC values specific skills: moving fast, building things users actually want, iterating based on feedback, and shipping real products rather than just planning. These are exactly the skills you develop in our program, and they are valued whether you want to start a company, work at a startup, or join a big tech company.

Question 14

What happens during a typical day in the program?

Accepted Answer

Each day is a focused 3-hour session that mixes instruction with hands-on team work. You will learn a new concept or tool, then immediately apply it to your project with your team while mentors provide real-time feedback. There are also guest speakers from startups, peer feedback sessions, and milestone check-ins to keep you on track for Demo Day.

Question 15

Is the program virtual or in-person?

Accepted Answer

We run fully virtual cohorts for students anywhere in the US and World. The virtual experience includes live training, internship, mentorship and showcase day. Our program is highly engaging, hands-on and collaborative. We also run in-person cohorts for SouthBay students (students from Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, etc.). Please contact us directly for more information on in-person sessions.

Question 16

Will I receive a certificate or recommendation letter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upon successful completion of the program, you will receive an Entrepreneurship Certificate from Nova School. Outstanding fellows may also receive recommendation letters.

Question 17

How much does the program cost?

Accepted Answer

Program tuition is $2,490 for the 4-week experience. $2,290 if you apply by April 15. This includes training, mentorship, tools access, and Demo Day participation. Need-based scholarships are available. For member school pricing, please contact us or your school.

Question 18

Is financial aid available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer partial and full scholarships based on financial need.

Build Your First Startup in 4 Weeks

The Rules Have Changed.

Real Ideas. Real Products. Built by Teens Like You.

AI Study Buddy

Split the Bill

College App Tracker

Gym Buddy

Dorm Drops

Find My People

How We Get You There

From Idea to Startup

AI As Your Assistant

Founders as Your Guide

Your Shark Tank Moment

What You Will Walk Away With

A Live Product

Startup Pitch Experience

Startup Team Experience

Real AI Skills

Your 4-Week Journey

Ideate

Build

Validate

Monetize

Pitch

Ideate

Build

Validate

Monetize

A Typical Day in the Program

Your AI Toolkit

AI Assistants

AI Design Tools

AI Coding Tools

AI Marketing Tools

AI Project Tools

What Students Say

Program Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Build Something Real?