FELLOWSHIP
About Fellowship Program
Our Fellowship serves as the launching pad for those looking to enter the venture capital, tech, and entrepreneurship industries. The selection process for prospective Fellows focuses on placing top-tier talent in comprehensive and fulfilling experiences within the VC ecosystem through paid summer internships hosted by HBCUvc partner firms. Ahead of their 10 week internship, Fellows will gain foundational knowledge around venture capital, learn through real-world examples and formalized training, and have opportunities to participate in our mentoring program, networking events, professional development sessions, and more.
Summer fellowship placements are offered through two separate cohorts based on HBCU affiliation (HBCU cohort — various internship sites across the U.S.) and geographic location of our partner firms (50 South in Chicago, IL).
HBCU Cohort
Includes a 10-week full-time, paid, in-person program (firm locations throughout the U.S)
Our HBCU cohort is specifically for students—both undergraduate and graduate— and recent alumni of historically Black colleges and universities. Candidates for this program who are currently enrolled at an HBCU should have a minimum of 24 credit hours. Applicants who are recent alumni should be graduates of the Class of 2020 or later.
Fellows will receive virtual investment and entrepreneurship training during the spring, a 3-day in-person retreat, followed by ten weeks of hands-on, paid experience during their summer internship at an HBCUvc partner venture capital firm. Undergraduate and recent alumni will receive a $10,000 stipend during their summer internship; graduate-level fellows will receive a $14,000 stipend.
HBCU Applications
Applications for the 2023 HBCU Cohort are now closed! Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on the next application period!
50 South Cohort
Includes 10-weeks full-time, paid, in-person program in Chicago
Our 50 South cohort is designed for students currently enrolled or have graduated from an accredited university/college within the last 3 years who are interested in building a career in venture capital against the Windy City backdrop. Candidates who identify as Black, Latinx, Indigenous, or a Person of Color regardless of affiliation with an HBCU are invited to apply for this cohort fellowship.
Fellows will receive virtual investment and entrepreneurship training during the spring, a 3-day in-person retreat, followed by ten weeks of hands-on, paid experience during their summer internship at a 50 South partner venture capital firm in Chicago. Undergraduate and recent alumni fellows will receive a $10,000 stipend during their summer internship; graduate-level fellows will receive a $14,000 stipend.
50 South Applications
Applications for the 2023 50 South Cohort are now closed! Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on the next application period!
PledgeLA Program
PledgeLA is designed for high-performing students and recent alumni interested in venture capital with a strong connection to the Los Angeles ecosystem (e.g. familiarity with the area, interest in launching or building a career in the Los Angeles area.). This internship is for sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduate students, and recent alumni (graduated within the past two years). Fellows who are accepted will receive foundational investment and entrepreneurship training followed by hands-on experience during their summer internship at a venture capital firm.
More information on the PledgeLA cohort can be found here.
PledgeLA Applications
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Fellowship Benefits and Outcomes
Paid internship experience
Direct entry-point and connections in venture capital industry
An introduction to Venture Capital and fundamentals training including:
★ VC Foundations
★ VC Technicals
★ Career Pathways
★ Relationship and Career Building
★ Equity-Based Investing As a Lens
Vast networking opportunities amongst cohort, program alumni, and VC professionals
Mentoring
Increased awareness of the identity and expertise of Black, Indigenous, and Latinx investors and entrepreneurs
Heightened understanding of stakeholders within their host cities’ startup ecosystem
Access to opportunities, resources, and support within the VC industry
Inspired by HBCUs’ commitment to maintaining connections to its community members, HBCUvc prides itself on being a lifelong champion of our Fellows by offering resources and support throughout their careers and professional trajectories.
Fellowship FAQs
Can Part-Time Students Apply?
Applicants must be:
Full-time undergraduate students with at least 24 credit hours, or
Full-time graduate students, or
Accepted into a full-time graduate program that starts Fall 2023, or
Recent university graduates with a commencement date of 2020 or later
Are The Cohorts Open To Non-HBCU Students?
Yes - Non HBCU applicants may apply to the 50 South cohort as long as they meet the remaining eligibility requirements.
Can I Apply To More Than One Cohort?
Yes - Applicants may apply to more than one cohort but will only be accepted into one based on eligibility.
What Is The Internship Stipend?
Undergraduates & Recent Alumni (within the past 3 years) receive a stipend of $10,000
Graduate-level students & those with a graduate degree (within the past 3 years) receive a stipend of $14,000
Is The Program In-Person or Remote?
Fellows are required to attend five virtual online training sessions (that include panel discussions) and complete an online self-paced curriculum. Three full days of in-person training with their cohort kicks off the internship experience. The internships are in-person and placements are made at locations throughout the country (including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Baltimore, and others).
Is Housing Provided During The Internship?
No - Fellows must secure housing and cover travel expenses to their host cities.