Junior Venture Capitalist Program
Empowering the next generation of women venture capitalists.
Overview
The Junior Venture Capitalist Program is Women Founders Network's high-school investor education program under its Next Generation Investors work. It invites girls in grades 9-12 to learn how venture capitalists evaluate businesses, review Women Founders Network Fast Pitch finalists, and vote on a $5,000 Jr. VC prize for one finalist company.
Investment focus
The program focuses on building an early pipeline of young women investors who understand startup finance, venture-style evaluation, and the funding gap facing women-founded businesses.
Program details
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Who it is for
Girls in grades 9-12 as of October 2026 may apply. Women Founders Network accepts applications from across the United States, with in-person events in the greater Los Angeles region and an online-only option for non-local students.
Check if you are eligible
Check your eligibility for Junior Venture Capitalist ProgramAdmissions and application
The official page links to an application form and says the 2026 application window is April 1 - May 31. It separately states grades 9-12 eligibility, national U.S. geography, local and online tracks, and fees.
Benefits
Junior VCs learn how to evaluate a business the way a venture capitalist evaluates investment worthiness. The program gives participants access to Fast Pitch finalist information, guidance on how to select investment-worthy businesses, and a real $5,000 grant that the students award to one finalist company.
Timeline
The program offers both in-person and online formats, with specific details on duration not provided.
What came of it
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How to go about it
- Read what it asks for
Who can apply, how people get in and whether it is open right now.
- Have something to show
Programs pick people whose work they can already point to. Put yours where it can be found.
- Apply the way the program asks
The program has not published how to apply. Terms and dates change. Check the official page before you act.
What it pays
Participants pay a fee of $800 to participate in the program.
Questions about this program
What is the cost of the program?
The in-person program costs $800, while the online-only program costs $100.
Who can apply?
High school students aged 14-18 can apply.
About Women Founders Network
Women Founders Network
Community
Empowering women entrepreneurs and investors.
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From public sources
What the sources say about Junior Venture Capitalist Program
WFN's linked mailing-list form includes a Next Generation Investors list.
Source: Women Founders Network : Sign Up to Stay in TouchWFN directs interested students to its mailing list for notice when 2027 Junior VC applications open.
Source: Junior VC ProgramEvent sponsor Stubbs Alderton & Markiles also announces WFN Fast Pitch for October 21, 2026.
Source: Scott Alderton to join Judging Panel for Women Founders Network’s 14th Annual Fast Pitch Event, sponsored by Stubbs Alderton & Markiles - Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLPWFN lists its 2026 Fast Pitch event for October 21, 2026.
Source: Events | Women Founders NetworkIn a reposted 2024 announcement, WFN names AI-Learners CEO Adele Smolansky as its Junior VC award winner.
Source: AI-Learners repost of WFN 2024 Junior VC award announcementWFN's program page says 2026 Junior VC applications are closed.
Source: Junior VC Program
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