Get Involved
We believe that providing students with opportunities to develop entrepreneurial mindsets, skillsets, and experience is essential to preparing them for future success. Our students’ futures will likely be characterized by change, uncertainty, and disruption. Their ability to recognize opportunities, create new sources of value, and deliver results will impact their professional viability and impact. The World Economic Forum recently surveyed over 1,000 corporate leaders and their findings reinforce our beliefs. The findings show that skills provided by entrepreneurial education are the core skills employers are prioritizing in their quest for innovation and sustainable success.
Thus, we ask for your help preparing UCF students for careers where entrepreneurial talent is key to purpose-driven, impactful, fulfilling careers. Our programs attempt to offer intimacy at scale – respecting the unique talents and aspirations of each UCF student. We encourage you to consider how YOU might enrich their aspirations, skills, and opportunities. Our students can benefit from your time and talent as a mentor, speaker, or judge, and treasure that provides events, tournaments, and startup resources. We hope you will consider supporting our efforts to develop an entrepreneurial workforce and enrich our entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Make a Donation
Aside from academic classes, all Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership offerings are funded by generous philanthropic supporters and corporate sponsors. We invite you to elevate our students’ personal and professional potential by supporting entrepreneurial experiences that will expand their capabilities and opportunities.
I’d like to become a sponsor
Volunteer
Previous research shows that the most impactful influence on college students pursuing startup ideas is social modeling – meeting peers and predecessors who have “been there, and done that.” Thus, we invite dozens of entrepreneurs and community leaders each semester to meet our students as speakers, mentors, or tournament judges. If you’d like to be considered for volunteer opportunities, please fill out our brief profile page and we’ll reply to your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (“CEL”)?
The Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership is UCF’s campus-wide academic center for entrepreneurship. Its mission is to promote the entrepreneurial mindset and prepare students to create value as entrepreneurial leaders, serving as a nexus between academic disciplines and the broader startup community.
Why should I volunteer?
Volunteering with the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership offers a chance to make an impact on UCF’s entrepreneurial students. You’ll gain access to a network of students, faculty, community leaders, and develop skills in areas like event management, communication, and leadership. It’s a direct way to support the development of innovation at UCF and in the broader Central Florida area.
Who is eligible to volunteer at the CEL?
While specific programs may have requirements, like being a current UCF student or alum, general volunteer opportunities are often open to current UCF students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs, alumni, and sometimes community members with relevant professional experience in entrepreneurship or business.
Do I need to have majored in or studied entrepreneurship to volunteer?
No. The CEL aims to promote the entrepreneurial mindset across all academic disciplines. Volunteers from various majors and background are often encouraged as they bring diverse skills and perspectives to the center’s programs and events.
What kinds of volunteer opportunities are available?
Volunteer roles often revolve around support the CEL’s core activities, which may include:
- Events and Competitions. Assisting with major events like venture competitions, workshops, and speaker series (e.g., logistics, registration, and setup)
- Mentorship / Judging. Experienced professionals or alumni may volunteer as mentors, coaches, or judgets for student competitions.
- Outreach and Marketing. Helping to promote CEL partnerships in the community.
Become a Sponsor
For organizations looking to make a significant impact, reach out to our team today to discuss exciting sponsorship opportunities and align your brand with cutting-edge entrepreneurship education.