Founded in 1999, BUILD's mission is to use entrepreneurship to excite and propel disengaged, low-income students through high school to college success. We believe that the power of student ideas in action drives youth to reach their fullest potential in school and beyond. Our four-year high school program offers a unique blend of entrepreneurship, academics, and personal support that attracts and motivates many students who are otherwise at high risk of failing classes and dropping out of high school.

Our students develop their own business ideas, write business plans, pitch to funders, and launch real businesses. This real-world business experience makes school relevant and motivates them to succeed. To help them become college-eligible, students also receive individualized academic support and advising for their school-work and college planning.

BUILD currently serves 700 high school students at programs located in East Palo Alto and Oakland, CA; Washington DC; and a new site will be launched in Boston, MA.

Most importantly, in communities with dropout rates of 50-70%, 100% of BUILD seniors graduate high school and are accepted into college.