Lehigh operates entrepreneurial and experiential learning programs such as LehighSiliconValley, Startup Academy, Innovation Internship, and the Silicon Valley Social Impact Fellowship—designed to provide students with hands-on immersion in the Bay Area innovation ecosystem. These programs have served hundreds of students from more than 78 disciplines across Lehigh and have led to more than 1,300 students securing internships and full-time roles with startups and major tech/consulting firms such as Netflix, Salesforce, Google, Meta, and Accenture. By bridging Lehigh’s interdisciplinary excellence with the pace, ingenuity, and ethos of Silicon Valley and the Western U.S., these academic experiences cultivate globally minded leaders who innovate with purpose—and act with impact.
Startup Academy
Offered through Lehigh’s College of Business, Startup Academy offers a transformative summer experience in the heart of Silicon Valley. Students live and work together in the Bay Area while interning at pioneering startups. Surrounded by a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, students take on impactful projects, learn from industry leaders, and accelerate their entrepreneurial careers through practical, high-level engagement in startup environments.
Innovation Internship
The Innovation Internship provides high-impact, remote internships with startups and innovation-focused organizations across the United States. Designed for students eager to explore entrepreneurship, product innovation, or social impact ventures, the program integrates professional development with experiential learning. Participants gain valuable insights and contribute meaningfully to forward-thinking teams, regardless of location.
Silicon Valley Social Impact Fellowship
Offered through Lehigh’s Office of Creative Inquiry, the Silicon Valley Social Impact Fellowship brings together undergraduate and graduate students to tackle complex social and economic issues facing the Bay Area. Through a blend of courses, workshops, community partnerships, and immersive experiences, students develop and implement innovative solutions that drive positive change—combining research, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement in one powerful program. Learn more about the 2025 Silicon Valley Social Impact Projects here.
LehighSiliconValley
Powered by the Baker Institute for Entrepreneurship, Creativity & Innovation, LehighSiliconValley (LSV) offers elite Lehigh students direct access to founders, CEOs, investors, and tech leaders at the forefront of innovation. This immersive program bridges classroom learning with real-world entrepreneurial experience in California's tech hub. The program's success lies in its dual approach: inspiring participants to dream bigger while facilitating meaningful connections with accomplished entrepreneurs in intimate settings.