About Us
Horn Entrepreneurship
The Diamond Challenge was created through Horn Entrepreneurship, a cornerstone for entrepreneurial activity based at the University of Delaware. Because of the generous contributions made by Paul and Linda McConnell, we are able to provide high school students around the world with opportunities to experience entrepreneurship first hand. We empower students in high school and beyond through entrepreneurial education and enrichment opportunities in order for students to create, capture, and deliver value from new ideas, regardless of their future career path.
Why We Do What We Do
The Paul & Linda McConnell Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative
was launched in 2014 to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurial thinkers and includes the Diamond Challenge, our annual Diamond Challenge Summit, dual enrollment opportunities, and professional development programs.
Youth offerings are based on the emerging science of entrepreneurship – a combination of academic research as well as real-world and industry best practices – Since 2012, tens of thousands of young people have participated in our youth programs.
Unique Impact
Evidence-based entrepreneurship
Learning to be entrepreneurial
Real-world engagement
MORE than starting small businesses
Pathways to higher education
Connecting with like-minded peers
The team
Dan Freeman
Founding Director, Horn Entrepreneurship
Julie Frieswyk
Assistant Director, Horn Youth
Rachel Strauss
Program Coordinator, Horn Youth
Chuck Liddiard
West Coast Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinator, The Diamond Challenge