Hampton University Launches Tyrod Taylor Strive Academy for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

The program offers hands-on skills, makerspaces, and mentorships to help students bring their business ideas to life.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Hampton University has launched the Tyrod Taylor Strive Academy, a new program backed by the NFL quarterback and Hampton High School graduate. The academy offers hands-on skills instruction, makerspaces, panel discussions, and mentorships to help students, like 23-year-old junior Evan Jones, bring their entrepreneurial ideas to life. The initiative is part of HU's Workforce Development Enterprise and aims to create opportunities for students to "dream boldly, gain real world experience and build ventures that leave a lasting impact."

Why it matters

The Strive Academy is part of Hampton University's efforts to provide more resources and support for aspiring student entrepreneurs. In an era where many young people are interested in starting their own businesses, the program gives HU students access to networking, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities to help turn their ideas into reality.

The details

The Strive Academy is based at HU's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and offers certificate programs in high-growth industries like culinary arts, technology, beauty, fashion, and entertainment that students can pursue alongside their degrees. It also includes makerspaces with 3D printers, AI technology, podcast/music studios, and a fashion center. The program features a speaker series that has brought in successful HU alumni and leaders from companies like LVMH and JPMorgan Chase.

  • The Strive Academy launched in March 2026.

The players

Tyrod Taylor

An NFL quarterback and Hampton High School graduate who is the program's first entrepreneur-in-residence.

Evan Jones

A 23-year-old junior at Hampton University who is majoring in entrepreneurship and interning at the Strive Academy.

Hampton University

The university that has launched the Tyrod Taylor Strive Academy as part of its Workforce Development Enterprise.

Glenda Evans

The Workforce Development Enterprise executive director and entrepreneurial studies department chair at Hampton University.

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What they’re saying

“My goal is to create opportunities for students to dream boldly, gain real world experience and build ventures that leave a lasting impact.”

— Tyrod Taylor (dailypress.com)

“We're creating a space where innovation feels attainable, and we're opening more doors for our students. They get the resources and perspectives to feel they, too, can make it.”

— Glenda Evans, Workforce Development Enterprise executive director and entrepreneurial studies department chair, Hampton University (dailypress.com)

What’s next

Hampton University plans to continue the Tyrod Taylor Strive Academy partnership next year and beyond.

The takeaway

The Strive Academy is part of Hampton University's efforts to provide more resources and support for aspiring student entrepreneurs, giving them access to networking, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities to help turn their business ideas into reality.