Entrepreneurship Institute

Harold Frank Engineering

Entrepreneurship Institute

Where innovation is a way of life.

Mission Statement. The mission of the Institute is to identify junior level engineering and business students who are interested in technological entrepreneurship, and to give them the tools and experiences needed to pursue their entrepreneurial ideas. 

The Institute's history. A $3 million gift from Harold (BS EE 1948) and Diana Frank established the Harold Frank Engineering Entrepreneurship Institute in the College of Engineering and Architecture. Starting as a pilot program in the summer of 2004, the Institute has expanded to enable more students to achieve their entrepreneurial goals. To learn more about Harold Frank and his vision, click here.

Projects. Presently the Institute sponsors three projects:

1. The Frank Fellows program.
2. An annual elective course, "Technology Ventures" (view syllabus and course announcement). 
3. An annual faculty/graduate entrepreneurship workshop.

The Frank Fellows program. This program is designed to empower senior-level student innovators to take their ideas to the marketplace. In addition, it provides support for mentors and resources to help the students create innovative products within multidisciplinary teams. Each one-year program consists of:

1. An on-campus summer program (three weeks).
2. A San Francisco Bay area program (one week).
3. A summer internship in industry (eleven weeks).
4. An academic year set of courses and activities (nine months) that culminate in the WSU business plan competition.

Advisory Board. The Institute is overseen by an Advisory Board, whose members have excelled in society with their entrepreneurial skills. Their mission is to provide industry perspective and input to the continuous evaluation of the objectives and goals of the Institute, and to suggest changes for implementation, as needed.

Application process. Application to the Frank Fellows program for the class that begins each summer must be made by the end of the preceding January. The process is:

1. Written application. The prospective student should submit the following items to the address below:
   • A two page cover letter outlining why they believe they should be selected for this program.
   • An official transcript.
   • A copy of their resume.
   • A letter of endorsement from a faculty member.
   • An idea for a product or service they are interested in exploring further (optional).
2. Oral interview. Once the written application material has been received, an interview will be set up with the Director of the Institute. After that time, the prospective student will be notified by letter of their admission or denial.

Contact information. For further information about the Institute, please contact: