Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz is introducing The Horowitz Andreessen Academy, a San Francisco-based education program designed for recent high school graduates who want to explore technology, entrepreneurship and product building before entering college.
The academy's first cohort will follow a tuition-free, one-year format for around 50 students. Selection will focus on demonstrated initiative, including projects applicants have built, launched or independently developed.
A Practical Route Into Technology
Its curriculum combines technical learning with broader personal-development themes. Students will study areas such as AI research and models, while also working on individual projects and approaches to long-term decision-making.
A central element of the program is access to mentors and speakers from the technology sector. Corporate partners include Anthropic, Google, Meta, NVIDIA, OpenAI, Replit, Stripe and other major companies, creating opportunities for participants to connect with builders, researchers and potential future employers.
The academy positions itself as an alternative between a conventional university degree and the fast-paced route of leaving formal education early to build a startup. Students will not receive a degree or transferable college credits, as the institution is not currently accredited.
Plans for a Longer Program
The organization has outlined plans to introduce a two-year program in 2028. This future model is expected to include tuition comparable with leading private universities, alongside an expanded network of mentors, speakers and industry connections.
By blending project-based education, direct industry access and entrepreneurial practice, the academy reflects a growing interest in more flexible pathways into the technology economy. Its model could help shape future education options around practical skills, portfolios and real-world collaboration.
