
Our Spring Cohort starts on February 22nd.
We’re excited to welcome students who are ready to begin building something their university advantage early.
1. Do I need a business or non-profit idea before joining?
No. Most students begin without a clear idea. The first few classes focus entirely on idea generation and validation using proven frameworks, along with one-on-one guidance from our business consultant.
2. Is there class during Spring Break?
There are no classes during Spring Break on March 15, 22, or 29.
3. Are make-up sessions available if I miss a class?
Yes. If a student misses a session, we provide make-up support through Google Meet along with detailed notes. Additional sessions are also available if a student feels stuck or needs extra guidance for their venture or extracurricular planning.
4. What is the time commitment outside of class?
The program is designed to fit alongside school and extracurriculars. Most students complete their work during class time. Some students choose to spend an additional hour per week outside of class, depending on their goals. We are very mindful of busy schedules and help students pace their work accordingly.
5. Which grade levels is this program best for?
The program is especially recommended for Grade 9, 10 and 11 students. This is the ideal window to begin before the academic pressure of Grade 12. By Grade 12, students often face intense demands, with only a couple of months before university applications are due while also working to maintain strong grades and apply for scholarships. Starting earlier allows students the time to thoughtfully build, launch, and grow their venture—something universities and scholarship committees value deeply.
6. What will students complete by the end of the program?
By the end of the program, students graduate with a fully registered business or non-profit and a complete website, provided they stay engaged and use class time effectively. Top-performing students may choose to launch both a business and a non-profit.
Students also receive a curated list of recommended major and minor scholarships, along with written notes from their one-on-one extracurricular planning session. These notes outline specific recommendations to strengthen their profile in areas universities value most, including leadership, initiative, perseverance, communication, and passion.
7. What extra opportunities and guidance are available to students through UnlockU?
In addition to the core curriculum, UnlockU offers several forms of ongoing support at no additional cost. Students may schedule additional one-on-one extracurricular planning sessions during or after the program to further refine their direction and strengthen their profile. We also personally review, revise, and polish students’ scholarship applications and written components—support that has played a key role in many of our major scholarship successes.
