e5 Program
e5 Program
Transform Your Ideas into Impact
The University of Rochester defines entrepreneurship as “transforming an idea into an enterprise that generates value,” meaning the impact of the venture extends far beyond its creator and positively influences others. The e5 (Experiential-Five) Program, formerly the Kauffman Entrepreneurial Year (KEY) program, offers a unique opportunity for select students—a fifth, tuition-free year to turn their ideas into action. This is your chance to launch a startup, intern with a cutting-edge company, dive into special projects, develop a business plan, or explore the intersection of culture, policy, and entrepreneurship.
As a University of Rochester undergraduate, you can apply for this transformative year from the time you’re accepted into your major through the first semester of your senior year. The program invites you to take bold steps in your entrepreneurial journey—whether it’s creating a social or economic impact.
Contact information for the e5 Program can be sent via email to: e5program@rochester.edu as well as via this link to schedule a meeting – please select the “e5” meeting option.
The below sections contain an overview of the e5 Program, however most information is contained within the e5 Blackboard organization. This includes the link to the application submission form as well as the letter of recommendation submission form.
Eligibility
Participation is open to all undergraduate students with the following exceptions listed below.
- Transfer students may not apply during their first semester at the University
- Current Take Five Scholars may not apply for the e5 program.
- Seniors may only apply during their first term as a senior.
Application Process
Qualified students may apply online. Applications are due no later than Sunday, October 18th @ 11:59pm in the Fall semester. The Spring 2027 deadline has yet to be determined.
Applications require:
- Proposed e5 Course Schedule
- e5 Advisor
- One-Page Action Plan
- Essay
- Resume
- Two Letters of Recommendation:
- Academic Recommendation
- This must be a full-time faculty member at URochester
- Program Recommendation (also known as an e5 Advisor’s Recommendation).
- This can be any qualified individual able to advise a student during their program and write a letter recommending the student’s proposed e5 Program.
- Academic Recommendation
Students should consult with the faculty whom they plan to study with and/or departmental administrators to ensure the courses they wish to take will be offered and verify that they are adequately prepared for those they intend to take.
Each applicant must have two letters of recommendation sent to the e5 Review Board on their behalf. One letter should focus on academic preparedness, while the other recommendts on the proposed e5 program specifically.
Criteria of the e5 Review Board
The e5 Review Board assumes that the following criteria will be met:
- The intent of the proposed program is to create a new enterprise that generates value or to analytically examine such an enterprise, the value it created, and the processes involved.
- The proposed e5 courses and University activities will relate to one another; most if not all of them will be above the introductory level.
- The proposed program will not be used to obtain an additional major or degree.
- Study Abroad programs must be completed by the end of the fourth year.
- The proposed courses cannot be used to complete Rochester Curriculum requirements, major requirements, or to obtain a graduate or additional undergraduate degree.
- Credits earned during the tuition-free semester(s) cannot be applied toward the 128-credit hour degree requirement.
Applications will be judged on:
- The coherence of the applicant’s program of study:
- How do the proposed courses fit together?
- How do they demonstrate progress toward the achievement of the student’s proposed enterprise?
- What value can be expected to be gained by the success of the venture?
- Is the enterprise undertaken or studied in keeping with the University’s definition of entrepreneurship?
- The added value of creating or studying the enterprise at the University of Rochester.
- The quality of the writing.
Important Information
e5 applicants should be aware of the following:
- Fifth year students are now eligible for On-Campus housing in Valentine and should contact ResLife for more information. Students are responsible for all costs, other than tuition, associated with their fifth year of study (this includes any start-up costs). Students should contact the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible to determine what sort of aid, if any, they are eligible for in their fifth year.
- Students entering the e5 Program will have their degree(s) conferred prior to the start of their tuition free terms along with the rest of their graduating class.
- A student’s Latin Honors are calculated based on their GPA at the end of their senior year.
- As their degree(s) will be conferred prior to the start of their e5 Program, e5 classes will also not affect their undergraduate GPA despite students continuing to receive grades in their e5 Courses.
- e5 courses cannot be audited or used to repeat previous coursework. However, one course per semester may be taken on the S/F option.
- All e5 Students will, in their tuition free term(s), be required to participate in a once-per-month 1 credit P/F Practicum course.