FAQ
What is Camp Ascendela?
Camp Ascendela is a 20-day entrepreneurship accelerator for bilingual girls ages 11–13 in Boston.
Founders arrive with a solution they want to explore and spend four weeks developing that idea through entrepreneurship, creativity, leadership, and community impact.
Why do you call participants "founders"?
Every participant arrives with an idea for solving a challenge in her community.
Throughout the accelerator, she develops that idea into a venture, which is why we proudly call our participants founders.
Who can apply?
Bilingual girls ages 11–13 who are curious, creative, and interested in making a difference who live in Boston.
No business experience is required.
What if my child has never started a business before?
Perfect.
Most founders are first-time entrepreneurs.
Camp Ascendela is designed to teach entrepreneurship through hands-on learning and real-world experiences.
What if my child is shy?
That's completely okay.
Many strong leaders begin as quiet observers.
Camp Ascendela helps founders gradually build confidence through teamwork, mentoring, public speaking practice, and supportive encouragement.
What will founders learn?
Founders explore:
Entrepreneurship
Leadership
Marketing
Financial Literacy
Public Speaking
Creativity
Teamwork
Community Impact
Is there an interview?
Yes.
After applications are reviewed, selected applicants will be invited to participate in a founder interview.
The interview helps us learn more about each applicant's interests, ideas, leadership potential, and readiness for the program.
It is a conversation, not a test.
What happens during the interview?
Applicants may be asked questions such as:
What challenge area interests you most?
Why does this issue matter to you?
What inspired your solution?
What are you hoping to learn this summer?
We simply want to get to know each founder.
Is Camp Ascendela free?
Yes.
Accepted founders participate at no tuition cost.
What is the $25 application donation?
The application donation helps support admissions review and program preparation.
The donation is non-refundable and does not guarantee admission.
Is Camp Ascendela safe?
Founder safety is our highest priority.
The Camp Director is CPR and First Aid certified, present during Friday programming, and follows established safety and emergency procedures.
When are the major family events?
Parent Orientation
June 22 or June 24 (Time TBD)
Launch Party
July 23
Camp Market
July 30
Pitch Fest & Graduation
August 6
Families are encouraged to attend these important milestones.