Student-built impact beyond the weekend
Summer Youth Program 2026
This summer, something powerful unfolds when student leadership, real-world learning, and technology come together.
In partnership with Global Kids and Microsoft Volunteers, Divergent Teams is bringing together 30 student leaders (ages 14–15) for a transformative journey that goes far beyond a traditional program. This is a project-based leadership experience where students do not just participate - they take ownership.
From day one, students step into roles that challenge them to lead, collaborate, and grow. Through immersive soft skills training, they learn how to run effective meetings, manage time, give and receive constructive feedback, and operate as a team with a shared purpose.
Alongside leadership development, students step into technology and innovation guided by Microsoft professionals. Inside Microsoft's Times Square office, they are introduced to AI fundamentals, STEM pathways, and hands-on labs that bring technology to life.
Students identify real-world problems, design meaningful solutions, build working prototypes, and begin to think like entrepreneurs and changemakers.
At the heart of this model is Srini Ambati's vision: when students are given the right platform, mentorship, and trust, they can lead meaningful change. Through a paired coaching model, student leaders collaborate with industry professionals and learn not just technical skills, but how to think, adapt, and innovate.
Over six weeks of training split between classroom sessions at Bryant High School and technology sessions at Microsoft, students evolve into confident leaders ready to take on something bigger than themselves.
In August, these 30 student leaders will design, plan, and execute a full-scale Divergent Hackathon for 100+ students - leading every aspect from organizing teams and facilitating sessions to guiding participants through problem-solving, prototyping, and pitching. For the 100 participants, it is unforgettable. For the 30 student leaders, it is defining.
This is more than a summer program. It is a pipeline for future innovators, founders, and leaders.
By combining leadership development, technical learning, and real-world application, we are shaping a generation that does not wait for opportunities - they build, lead, and create them.
Students do not just run an event. They create a platform for innovation, collaboration, and impact.
Rolling admissions open now!
A project-based leadership internship for high schoolers — plan and run a real hackathon for 100+ students at your city's Microsoft office, sponsored by Microsoft and NEKK Seva Mandara. The program runs 8 weeks with one hour of virtual coaching per week, culminating at the National Hackathon on July 18, 2026.
Ready to lead? Send a letter of interest + resume. Shortlisted students get a 15-min interview. Limited spots per city.
