First Year Living Learning Community

Ready to launch your college experience with purpose? This new Living Learning Community is designed for first-year students across all majors who are interested in entrepreneurship. It offers a supportive, immersive environment where students can live together, learn together, and begin building the skills and mindset needed to bring ideas to life.

;picture of Living Learning Community at Campus Rec center

COMING FALL 2026: UC’s New Founders Residential Experience for First-Year Students — Apply Now!

The Bearcats Founders Hub at the University of Cincinnati is an immersive residential experience for students who are eager to think creatively, build meaningful solutions, and gain a competitive edge in their future careers. Grounded in UC’s Next Mindset innovation philosophy and powered by the Center for Entrepreneurship, this Living Learning Community fosters a supportive environment where ideas move from concept to action. Open to students of all majors, the Bearcats Founders Hub offers participants access to:

  • Monthly Community Dinners with student founders and Center for Entrepreneurship staff to explore topics related to launching ventures and developing an entrepreneurial mindset.
  • Dedicated bi-monthly office hours with an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) for one-on-one guidance, feedback on venture ideas, and help identifying next steps and key resources.
  • Priority access to Center for Entrepreneurship and 1819 Innovation Hub programming, including workshops, events, competitions, and student organizations — with early notification and registration opportunities.

Through participation in the Bearcats Founders Hub LLC, students will:

  • Gain hands-on experience working on real-world startup ideas and innovation projects.
  • Become part of a collaborative community of creators, builders, and problem-solvers from diverse academic backgrounds.
  • Develop a professional portfolio and entrepreneurial skillset that strengthens internship, co-op, and career opportunities.

Requirements:

  • Reside on the designated Bearcats Founders Hub floor in CRC Hall for the full academic year.
  • Actively participate in community programming, events, and engagement opportunities.
  • Live with roommates who are also first-year students admitted into the Bearcats Founders Hub LLC.

Application Essay Questions:

  • What excites you most about entrepreneurship, and why are you interested in living in an entrepreneurship-focused community?
  • What strengths, experiences, or perspectives would you bring to a community of student innovators?
  • What industries, challenges, or ideas are you most interested in exploring?
Apply Now