Program Description

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This six-week program immerses you in an active exploration of the Design Thinking process as you

1. investigate some of the world's most wicked problems,

2. identify a specific challenge to address, and

3. develop your own ideas for ways to create value for others! 

 

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 Opens:                           February 1, 2025

• Info Sessions (optional):                   February 14, 2025 @ 9:30am, 12pm, and 3pm

• Info Sessions (optional):                   February 28, 2025 @ 9:30am, 12pm, and 3pm

• Applications Due by:                        March 7, 2025 @ 5pm

• Applicant Interviews:                        March 17, 2025 OR March 21, 2025 (select 1)

• Admission Decisions Announced:  March 28, 2025 @ 5pm

 

*Attendance at an Info Session is optional. Each info session reviews the same content.

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​Important Program Dates

• Meet the Cohort:                         April 25, 2025 @ 4:30pm 

• Residence Halls Open:               May 18, 2025

• Hatchery 2025 Start:                  May 19, 2025

• Hatchery 2025 End:                    June 27, 2025

• Residence Halls Close:               June 29,2025

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Program Info 

• Cost:         FREE (plus opportunity to receive cost of living grants!)

• Dates:       May 19, 2025 - June 29, 2025

• Days:        Monday-Friday 

• Times:       9am-5pm

• Location:   Asa Packer Campus; building and room TBD

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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 Baker Institute does not directly provide or coordinate summer housing. You should contact the Lehigh University Housing Office or arrange your own off-campus housing.​

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ACADEMIC Credit

There is no credit associated with the Hatchery.

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Additional Summer program Information:

​Find other programs offered at Lehigh University this summer.

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Final Thoughts:

All those who are interested in exploring various ways in which you can identify and then solve the world's most complex, complicated, messy, and wicked problems are encouraged to apply.  

 

Don't even know what kind of problem you want to solve yet?? That’s totally fine! 

 

You do not need to have already locked into an idea for the next cool app or device you want to bring to life. In fact, we'd PREFER you come in fresh and open-minded, willing to learn more about all kinds of problems people experience in today’s world then explore ways to solve them! 

 

We're looking for innovators and disruptors - people who see challenges as opportunities and run toward them, not away. Join us for Summer Session 1, and we'll help you uncover your passion for creative problem solving!

 

If you have the confidence, the drive, and the passion to work with others in order to do something BIG with YOUR IDEAS, then this is the program for you!