The 12-Week MBA
The 12-Week MBA is a live, interactive business education program designed for working professionals who want practical MBA-level learning without the time or cost of a traditional MBA.
Developed by Abilitie in partnership with TED, the program helps participants build practical skills in strategy, finance, leadership, decision-making, communication, and business execution. Participants learn alongside accomplished professionals from around the world through live faculty-led sessions, collaborative discussions, and hands-on business simulations.
This program is especially valuable for Teach For America alumni looking to strengthen their business acumen, prepare for leadership roles, transition into new industries, launch entrepreneurial ventures, or increase their impact within education, nonprofit, government, or corporate organizations.
TFA Alumni Tuition Discount
Teach For America alumni are eligible to receive an exclusive $1,000 tuition discount for the 12-Week MBA. After being accepted into the program, eligible participants will receive enrollment instructions and a discount code from the 12-Week MBA Admissions Team. The discount code can be applied during checkout to reduce tuition by $1,000.
Program Details
- Cohort Schedule: Offered twice per year, with Spring and Fall cohorts.
- Format: Live Online via Zoom
- Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
- Session Length: 2 hours per session
- Weekly Commitment: 6 hours of live instruction plus 3–5 hours of preparation
- Program Length: 12 weeks
What Participants Will Gain
After completing the 12-Week MBA, participants will be able to:
- Strengthen business fluency across core MBA topics, including strategy, finance, leadership, operations, and decision-making.
- Read and interpret key business and financial information with greater confidence.
- Apply strategic thinking frameworks to complex organizational challenges.
- Communicate more effectively with senior leaders, cross-functional teams, and stakeholders.
- Understand how organizations create value, compete, and make strategic tradeoffs.
- Build leadership confidence through live practice, peer collaboration, and immersive business simulations.
- Expand their professional network by learning alongside a global cohort of experienced professionals.
Curriculum
The curriculum combines live instruction, collaborative learning, business simulations, and real-world application across four core learning modules:
Leadership and Team Effectiveness
Develop practical leadership skills for managing teams, influencing others, navigating change, and leading with confidence.
Finance and Business Acumen
Build confidence interpreting financial statements, understanding business metrics, and making financially informed decisions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Learn how organizations align people, strategy, and execution while strengthening communication, influence, and decision-making across functions.
Action Learning Projects
Action Learning Projects are the capstone module of the 12-Week MBA, in which participants apply the program’s people-management, business-acumen, and collaboration content to a real business problem.
Target Audience
The 12-Week MBA is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their business, leadership, and strategic decision-making skills. It is especially valuable for:
- Teach For America alumni transitioning into leadership roles
- Professionals moving from education into business, nonprofit, government, or corporate careers
- School and district leaders
- Nonprofit leaders
- Entrepreneurs and business owners
- Functional managers preparing for broader organizational responsibility
- Professionals considering a future MBA or graduate business degree
- Anyone seeking practical MBA-level learning in a live, highly interactive environment
Certificate & Continuing Education
Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a Professional Education Certificate from St. Edward’s University, validating successful completion of the 12-Week MBA. The program also includes learning equivalent to 80 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Apply or Learn More
To learn more about the program, admissions process, scholarship, and upcoming cohorts, visit the 12-Week MBA website or contact the Admissions Team at admissions@12weekmba.com.