TiE Boston has proudly announced that its TiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) Academy has been awarded a substantial three-year grant worth $105,000 by the Cummings Foundation. The grant, distributed at $35,000 annually, is expected to provide a significant boost to TYE’s mission of equipping high school students across Greater Boston with practical entrepreneurship skills, valuable mentorship, and startup experience.
Launched in 2005, the TYE program spans an entire academic year and targets students in grades 9 through 12. It aims to familiarize them with the core principles of business and innovation. Students collaborate in teams to create real startup ventures, receiving guidance and support from experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals. The program encourages leadership, builds creativity, and enhances confidence, all of which culminate in a final pitch competition where student teams present their startups to a panel of judges.
The grant is seen as a powerful endorsement of TYE’s efforts. Purnanand Sarma, President of TiE Boston, expressed deep appreciation for the support, stating, “This grant from the Cummings Foundation is a tremendous validation of our work to inspire the next generation of innovators.” He also highlighted the broader impact the funding will have, adding, “With this support, we can expand access to entrepreneurial education for students from diverse backgrounds and communities.”
The Cummings Foundation, known for its support of nonprofit organizations throughout Massachusetts, allocated the funding through its $30 Million Grant Program. This program focuses on nonprofits operating in Massachusetts counties where the foundation owns commercial properties and where a large portion of its staff and clients reside. In 2025, a total of 150 local nonprofits benefited from this initiative, with 125 of them receiving multi-year grants of up to $300,000.
Chris Sauer, Executive Director of TiE Boston, also voiced his gratitude, noting the far-reaching potential of the grant. “We are deeply grateful to the Cummings Foundation for investing in the future of young entrepreneurs,” Sauer said. “This funding will help us reach more students, provide robust mentorship, and cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation in our communities.”
The TYE Academy is an integral part of TiE Boston’s larger mission, which is focused on supporting entrepreneurs at every phase of their journey. From high school students taking their first steps into entrepreneurship to experienced founders scaling their ventures, TiE Boston offers resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities designed to nurture talent and foster growth. The support from the Cummings Foundation is expected to broaden TYE’s outreach and further enrich the educational experience of its participants.
Students interested in being part of the TYE program or learning more about its offerings are encouraged to visit the official website at www.tye-boston.org. The site provides details on how to apply for the next cohort and outlines the curriculum and benefits the program provides.
TiE Boston itself was founded in 1997 with the goal of linking aspiring entrepreneurs with established professionals, executives, and venture capitalists. Now in its 27th year, the organization boasts a vast network of successful serial entrepreneurs who are dedicated to giving back. These individuals play a critical role in mentoring young and emerging business minds by offering hands-on guidance, practical advice, and industry insights through TiE Boston’s signature programs.
TiE as a global organization traces its roots back to 1992 when it was established in Silicon Valley by a group of accomplished entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and senior professionals. Over the years, TiE has evolved into a dynamic global platform connecting entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals. Its various chapters worldwide serve as hubs for networking, learning, and relationship-building that often result in long-term collaborations and entrepreneurial growth.
With the Cummings Foundation’s support, TiE Boston’s TYE Academy is poised to grow its impact even further, bringing entrepreneurial education to more students and helping to build a stronger, more innovative future for the Greater Boston community.