Bring The WELI Model To Your Campus

The Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at The University of Texas at Austin is expanding its proven model for women’s entrepreneurship and leadership to universities across the country.

The WELI Mission

To be a premier home for the founders, funders, and operators that will shape the future of our innovation ecosystem.

The Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute at The University of Texas at Austin aims to strengthen the next generation of leaders who will change the world, both in business and beyond.

Our Vision

We act as the support layer to level the playing field for our founders, funders, and operators in order to build the highest-impact ecosystem in the world.

Leveling the playing field beyond the 40 Acres

We’ve built something extraordinary at the WELI, a model that helps undergraduate students gain the confidence, skills, and community they need to launch real ventures and step boldly into leadership.

Now, we’re sharing that model with partner universities nationwide. By championing the WELI model on your campus, you join a growing movement towards parity in entrepreneurship and empower the next generation of student innovators.

Join the movement. Fill out the University Interest Form below!

University Interest Form

A WELI on your campus brings a blend of hands-on programs, mentorship, and community designed to meet students where they are, whether they’re exploring ideas, launching ventures, or growing as leaders.

What is the Founder Program

Our Founder Program is dedicated to empowering the next generation of early-stage founders. This semester-long, co-curricular program offers one-on-one mentorship from experienced business leaders, expert-led weekly workshops, and opportunities to connect and collaborate with like-minded founders.

Participants can benefit from founder spotlights to showcase their expertise and build brand awareness, potential funding to accelerate their growth, and access to networking opportunities, speaking engagements, and pitch competitions.

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Creating Community on Campus

We sponsor a registered student organization that we refer to as the Student Board (SB). SB is a group of entrepreneurial leaders who support the mission and values of the WELI. The members serve as the student voice on campus for the WELI through their programming and initiatives.

SB also hosts numerous student-led programming and events. Their student-run podcast, Founding Fearless, works to uplift the voices of women through conversations with fellow entrepreneurial students, innovative professors, and other leading pioneers

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Women in Entrepreneurship Specialization

The Women in Entrepreneurship (WiE) Specialization is a partnership between the McCombs Entrepreneurship Minor and the Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute.

To be a part of the WiE specialization, all undergraduate students are required to apply to the Entrepreneurship Minor, take a WELI-sponsored course, and complete all five requirements to graduate with the Entrepreneurship Minor credential.

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WELI Events

From our high-energy Open House to our annual Women’s Summit, we host powerful moments that connect students with industry leaders, founders, and change-makers. These events showcase what’s possible through community, innovation, and bold leadership.

Currently, we plan two major events to bookend the academic year. Our Open House welcomes new students on campus and encourages them to Find Their Fit with the WELI, and our Annual Summit provides a space for all levels of the entrepreneurship ecosystem to come together at the end of the year.

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