Accel Leadership Program

Build leadership skills through real-world problem-solving

The Accel Leadership Program (ALP) develops entrepreneurial leaders through case-based team learning. Each year, 16 technically-minded Stanford seniors and graduate students from across the University solve real-world problems with fellows and mentors. Students work in teams with a high growth venture CEO to create and present a case study on a real-world business problem. Over six-months, Accel Fellows build life-long community and learn about startup strategy, organizational structure, fundraising, leading and scaling technical ventures, and operating models.

Current Cohort

Shikha Avancha

Clinical Informatics Management

Shadi Elaridi

Mechanical Engineering

Akayla Hackson

Electrical Engineering

Julius Hillebrand

Management Science & Engineering

Arec Jamgochian

PhD Robotics (Aero/Astro)

Ali Kight

Bioengineering

Rizwaan Malik

Education Data Science

Fahad Nabi

Symbolic Systems

Divya Nagaraj

Computer Science

Guillaume Noziere

Management Science & Engineering

Emily Redmond

Computer Science & Human Computer Interaction

Saige Sunier

Design, Mechanical Engineering

Angela Tsao

Earth System Science; Computer Science

Bingyi Wang

Physics

Tim Wu

Bioengineering, Management Science & Engineering

Yang Fan Yun

Computer Science, Management Science & Engineering

Year-At-A-Glance

Winter

MS&E 277A Explore how to lead entrepreneurial ventures including establishing startup strategy, forming organizational culture and effective team structures, securing resources, and building operating models that scale.

Spring

MS&E 277B Teams formulate a case study with a current startup CEO/senior executive that tackles a real-world business problem for their high-growth venture, and present the case on the challenge and the potential paths to resolution.

Teaching Team

Mo Lei Fong

Executive Director, STVP

Bio

Tom Byers

Professor, MS&E and Faculty Director, STVP

Bio
Tom Byers

Steve Loughlin

Partner, Accel

Bio
Steve Loughlin

Amy Saper

Partner, Accel

Bio
Amy Saper

Program Information

The Accel Leadership Program (ALP) is an immersive six-month leadership program that prepares 16 technically-minded Stanford seniors and graduate students to lead entrepreneurial ventures, with a focus on startup strategy. Each Accel Fellow will work on a team with a high growth venture CEO, to create and present a case study on a real-world business problem. Fellows will:  
  • Benefit from access to faculty coaches and industry-leading guest speakers from Silicon Valley startups and venture capitalists
  • Gain experience in solving real business strategy issues through interactive cases
  • Master skills in leadership, organizational structure, securing resources, and operating models
  • Build lasting connections through a diverse network of entrepreneurially-minded Stanford students and alumni from all majors and a cross-section of years
 

Application Information

Fellowship applications are accepted from current Stanford seniors and graduate students from any major or school at Stanford. Preference is given to technically-minded students and STEM majors who have demonstrated an interest in entrepreneurship and leadership. An example of demonstrated interest includes taking a “launch” class such as Lean Launchpad, Technology Venture Formation, or similar entrepreneurship courses. To apply, students will submit the STVP Fellows Programs application for Accel Leadership Program,Threshold Venture Fellows and Mayfield Fellows Program. They will indicate which program is their top choice. Students  will be asked to provide a transcript, resume/CV, and thoughtful responses to prompt questions, such as sharing challenges they’ve overcome. Select applicants will be asked to attend a virtual interview in November, which will allow applicants the chance to share their unique backgrounds with the selection committee. Typically, interviews are conducted in groups.

Important Dates

The STVP Fellows Programs Application for 2023 is now closed.

Please email Eunice Lee with any questions about applying to the Accel Leadership Program.

Alumni

Acknowledgements

STVP, the Stanford Engineering Entrepreneurship Center, extends its deep appreciation to Accel for supporting this program for Stanford students.
Accel Partners
STVP
Stanford School of Engineering