Startups are often best at solving the personal problems of their founders. The more diverse the founders, the more types of problems can be solved — and the more people who will be positively impacted by technology.

As a result, we’re piloting a program called “Open Office Hours”. We are reaching out to underrepresented communities in the startup world and giving them direct access to YC. They can ask us questions, get advice, and grow their network.

Each company who participates will get 20 minute office hours with a YC partner. They can do them in person at our office in Mountain View, CA or remotely on Skype.

Our first Open Office Hours event will happen on 9/24-25. We will start with Black and Hispanic founders and if successful we hope to launch future Open Office Hours for Women, Veterans, and International founders.

We’ll start taking sign-ups on Wednesday 9/16. For this pilot we’ll be starting with 50 slots. Learn more and apply by following this link: http://www.ycopenofficehours.com/

The deadline to apply is Monday 9/21.