Accel Leadership Program

Program Information

Founded in 2014, the Accel Leadership Program invites students from all academic backgrounds and graduate programs. Fellows engage in rigorous, case-based learning designed to develop the strategic thinking, operational expertise, and leadership acumen essential for leading entrepreneurial ventures and high-performing teams. The program's distinctive structure combines classroom learning with team-based case development, direct CEO collaboration, and curated startup site visits, offering invaluable real-world application of entrepreneurial frameworks.

Fellows will:

• Benefit from access to Stanford Technology Ventures Program faculty and industry-leading guest speakers from Silicon Valley startups and venture capital
• Gain hands-on experience solving real strategic challenges through direct collaboration with a current startup CEO or senior executive, culminating in a team-created case study
• Master fundamental skills in leadership and entrepreneurship such as, organizational structure, securing resources, operating models, storytelling, legal matters, and ethical leadership
• Attend in-person site visits at local Silicon Valley start-ups across both quarters
• Receive 1:1 mentorship with an Accel partner
• Apply your learning and jump-start your ideas by presenting at the “Pitch Day” with Accel partners
• Build lasting connections through a diverse network of entrepreneurially minded Stanford students and alumni from all majors and a cross-section of years

Eligibility:

• Open to active graduate and co-terminal Stanford students only
• Must enroll in MS&E 277A (Winter) and MS&E 277B (Spring), and attend weekly Tuesday sessions in the morning (tentatively 9:30-11:20 a.m.) for both quarters

Who Should Apply?

We welcome students from any discipline or major – no prior startup experience required. Applicants do not need to have a product idea in mind or built in order to apply. 

Preference is given to technically minded students and STEM majors who have demonstrated an interest in entrepreneurship and leadership by taking a “launch” class or a similar course in entrepreneurship.