About Venture Lab Practicum
Early-stage ventures run on contributors, and Penn students are ready to contribute.
The Venture Lab Practicum is a Joiner Pathway program that connects founders in the Penn venture ecosystem with motivated student Joiners who bring skills, energy, and fresh perspective to hands-on, project-based work over a semester or full academic year.
Students commit to joining a project with a venture for one semester (approximately 8-10 weeks). Additionally, Practicum Joiners have an opportunity to participate in the Joiner Showcase in the late Spring.
How It Works
Founders submit a semester-based or academic-year project depending on the founder’s needs and the scope of the project. Joiner students apply to one project that align with their interests, skills, and learning goals. Founders review applicants, meet with potential joiners, and select students who are a strong fit for their project. Once matched, founders and joiners participate in a structured experience that includes onboarding, midpoint feedback, and final reflection.
Learn more about the remaining practicum projects:
Campus Ambassador and Growth Program - Smart Calendar
Community Development and Partnerships - Wild Roo Ginger Beer
Partnership Strategy - Purpose Schools
Customer Segmentation - Purpose Schools
Market Research - Swamy's
Branding and Content Creation - Swamy's
Customer Research - RecallOS
Cold outreach - Midnight Kettle Coffee
Practicum is a non-paid, educational joinership focused on experiential learning, professional development, and exposure to startup environments.
Eligibility
Applicants must be currently enrolled Penn students. International students are welcome to apply.
IMPORTANT DATES:
2nd application cycle starts September 27 - October 10
Interview period - October 10 - October 16
Acceptance and kick off call with Founders start the week of October 19th.
Fall program ends on December 14th
Full Academic Year program ends April 26, 2027
Questions? Please contact Twanna Toliver (ttoliver@wharton.upenn.edu), Associate Director, Joiner Programming, Include 'Practicum' in the subject line.
2026-2027 Venture Lab Practicum
About Venture Lab Practicum
Early-stage ventures run on contributors, and Penn students are ready to contribute.
The Venture Lab Practicum is a Joiner Pathway program that connects founders in the Penn venture ecosystem with motivated student Joiners who bring skills, energy, and fresh perspective to hands-on, project-based work over a semester or full academic year.
Students commit to joining a project with a venture for one semester (approximately 8-10 weeks). Additionally, Practicum Joiners have an opportunity to participate in the Joiner Showcase in the late Spring.
How It Works
Founders submit a semester-based or academic-year project depending on the founder’s needs and the scope of the project. Joiner students apply to one project that align with their interests, skills, and learning goals. Founders review applicants, meet with potential joiners, and select students who are a strong fit for their project. Once matched, founders and joiners participate in a structured experience that includes onboarding, midpoint feedback, and final reflection.
Learn more about the remaining practicum projects:
Campus Ambassador and Growth Program - Smart Calendar
Community Development and Partnerships - Wild Roo Ginger Beer
Partnership Strategy - Purpose Schools
Customer Segmentation - Purpose Schools
Market Research - Swamy's
Branding and Content Creation - Swamy's
Customer Research - RecallOS
Cold outreach - Midnight Kettle Coffee
Practicum is a non-paid, educational joinership focused on experiential learning, professional development, and exposure to startup environments.
Eligibility
Applicants must be currently enrolled Penn students. International students are welcome to apply.
IMPORTANT DATES:
2nd application cycle starts September 27 - October 10
Interview period - October 10 - October 16
Acceptance and kick off call with Founders start the week of October 19th.
Fall program ends on December 14th
Full Academic Year program ends April 26, 2027
Questions? Please contact Twanna Toliver (ttoliver@wharton.upenn.edu), Associate Director, Joiner Programming, Include 'Practicum' in the subject line.