Thank you for your interest in Jumpstart Wilmington!
Our 2026 application round is now open, and will close on July 24, 2026, 11:59pm EDT for placement consideration in our next 2 to 3 cohorts.
Note: For placement consideration in our next 2 to 3 cohorts. Due to high demand, we are limiting the number of applications we accept during this round to 25 applicants.
In the meantime, please engage with us through our Jumpstart Wilmington complementary programming events.
- Attend our Developer Networking Events
- Attend our Kickstart Sessions
- Join our Jumpstart Wilmington Facebook Page
- Follow our Jumpstart Wilmington LinkedIn Page
To be added to our distribution list, please provide your contact information HERE.
APPLICATION ROUND - Now Open
Application Opens: Monday, July 13, 2026 - now open!
Application Closes: Friday, July 24, 2026 - 11:59pm EDT
Applicants Notified By: Friday, August 14, 2026.
Your notification email will indicate if your application has been:
- Approved – You have met the review criteria and will be assigned to a cohort once the 2026 Jumpstart Wilmington schedule is finalized; or
- Denied – You have not met our review criteria and are welcome to reapply during the next application round.
→ Be sure to check your junk/spam folder in case notifications are sent there.
→ Due to demand, we are limiting the number of applications we accept during this round to 25 applicants. Each cohort will consist of no more than 30 people.
Review Criteria
Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria:
- Whether or not the applicant lives in Wilmington. Candidates who reside in Wilmington are preferred but not necessarily required.
- Applicant’s commitment to developing in Wilmington. Candidates must have a strong commitment to developing in Wilmington. Candidates interested in developing outside of Wilmington will not be considered. Candidates must also demonstrate their development goals and how they will apply what they have learned to development properties in Wilmington.
- Applicant’s overall development experience. This is an aspiring developer training program and, therefore, candidates with little to no experience are encouraged to apply. Candidates who have some level of development experience are also welcomed to apply as they have valuable perspectives to contribute to the program.
Important Note: You must be a Delaware resident to apply. Candidates who reside outside of Delaware will not be considered.
Expectations
If approved, program participants will be expected to:
- Attend (1) 3-hour orientation session,
- Attend (4) 3-hour weekly training sessions,
- Complete program evaluations
Please Note: In order to be eligible for a mentor, attendance at the orientation session, all four training sessions, and 100% completion of program evaluations are required.
2024 Cohorts
We plan to have 1 cohorts in 2026. The below dates are subject to slightly change; final dates will be made available Friday, October 2, 2026.
Evening Cohort (5:30p – 8:30p):
- November 2, 2026 - Orientation
- November 5, 2026 – Session 1
- November 12, 2026 – Session 2
- November 19, 2026 – Session 3
- December 3, 2026 – Session 4
→ Each cohort will consist of no more than 20 people
→ Cohort dates for 2027 – TBD
Program Auditors
We allow a limited amount of people per cohort to participate in the program without requiring a commitment to individually develop properties in Wilmington (i.e. audit) if they demonstrate a strong interest in (1) implementing a Jumpstart program in another city or state, or (2) are a leader of a Wilmington community organization interested in/currently engaged in developing properties in Wilmington. Please be advised, as an auditor of the program, you are not eligible for a mentor. To confirm eligibility to audit the program and receive further instructions for this process, please contact us at connect@thedestinycdc.org.