Program Description

This six-week program immerses participants in an active exploration of the Design Thinking process as they develop unique solutions to significant challenges. Together, we’ll investigate this human-centered approach to problem-solving and tackle very real situations encountered in the modern world. 

 

We welcome ALL Lehigh students - undergrads and graduates - from any college, any year, any major. Regardless of your prior experience with transforming your ideas into tangible products, services, or business plans, we encourage you to apply! Everyone will start fresh on Day 1 engaging in activities and experiences designed to ignite your capacity for creativity and unleash your potential for bringing innovative, valuable solutions to life!

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Application Dates

• Application Open:                                    February 16, 2024

• Info Session RSVP HERE*                         February 23, 2024 @ 3:30PM in BI 108

• Early Action Applications Due by:            March 11, 2024 @ 9:00AM

• Regular Applications Due by:                  March 25, 2024 @ 9:00AM

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*Attendance at the Info Session is optional, but refreshments will be provided so please RSVP if you plan to join us!

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Important Program Dates

• Meet the Cohort:                                    April 18, 2024 at 4:30pm 

• Hatchery 2024 Kick-off:                          July 1, 2024

• Independence Day (No Hatchery):         July 4, 2024

• Demo Day & Prep:                                  August 5th-9th 

• Hatchery Concludes:                              August 9th,2024

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Location

Lehigh University's Asa Packer Campus

Building & room to be determined

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Application Deadlines & Processes 

Deadlines:

• Early Action Applications are due NO LATER THAN MARCH 11 @ 9AM; those received later will be considered along with the Regular Application pool.

• Regular Applications are due NO LATER THAN MARCH 25 @ 9AM. No late submissions will be considered. To secure your spot, apply today!

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Decision-Making:

• Written Application: Your essay or video response to the prompt in the written application will be the primary component used in determining your place in the program. Take the time to write or record something that shows us who you are!

• Interview: Following the written application review you may be asked to participate in an interview. This interview can be scheduled to meet your needs and can be conducted virtually.

 

Note: The application reviewing team may request additional information about the applicant before making final decisions in an effort to ensure maximum fairness and equity for all.

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Acceptance & Confirmation:

• Students applying by the Early Action deadline will be notified by 9AM on March 18, 2024.

• Studetns applying by the Regular deadline will be notified by 9AM on April 1, 2024.

• Students will have one week from receiving an offer of acceptance to commit or decline. 

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Time Commitment

This is a Monday through Friday program. From years of testing we have learned that the immersive, intensive, and dedicated nature of the program is critical to its success. We do not allow additional courses to be taken nor any job that would interfere with the program commitment. Courses and jobs that are completed outside of the M-F 9AM-5PM are permitted. 

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Hatchery Eligibility

For Lehigh University students:

(1) Must be full time students or on a case-by-case basis, those students graduating in May before the program starts,

(2) must be in good academic standing,

(3) may not be on disciplinary probation during the time of program,

(4) must have their Bursar/financial accounts paid in full,

(5) if applying with an idea/project/venture that is already operating as a business (i.e. a formed legal entity, selling products or services,  raising funds, etc.) applicant must disclose status and details of said business including, but not limited to, type of entity, EIN, owners/partners/investors., and 

(6) if planning to enroll in a course or take a job, it may not conflict with full time program dates and times.

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For non-Lehigh University students:

If you are a non-Lehigh student interested in applying to the Hatchery, please email us at bakerinfo@lehigh.edu to inquire about the application process and program fees.

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FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS 

The Hatchery has no program fee for Lehigh University students. The Baker Institute is committed to a diversity of thought and opinions, and by having no program fee for Lehigh students, this opportunity is available, regardless of financial ability, to all students who qualify.

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Not only will there be no cost to you for this full time six- week program but for those with demonstrated need there are cost of living grants available as well.

 

Once we understand your needs we will provide direct financial support as well as assistance in identifying other financial support opportunities. There will be questions directly in the Hatchery application where you can note that you are in need of financial support for cost of living. 

 

Please keep in mind:

• You will not be asked to commit to the program until your finances have been finalized.

• Applications will be reviewed needs blind meaning requests for cost of living grants or other financial support will not affect our decision about you as a candidate for the program.

• The program occurs between 9am-5pm Monday - Friday. Participants may hold a job, but only during non-program hours.

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Housing

The Hatchery does not provide or coordinate summer housing. You may find on-campus summer housing or off-campus housing.

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ACADEMIC Credit

There is no credit associated with the Hatchery.

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Summer Sessions Office Information:

https://summer.lehigh.edu/visiting-college-students

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