VC Fellowship & Internship Program

Applications for 2026 Cohort December 1, 2026

The HBCUvc VC Fellowship provides early-career professionals with meaningful exposure to venture capital through a paid summer internship, applied learning, and a trusted community of alumni and partner firms. Fellows gain hands-on experience inside a venture fund, sharpen their investment thinking through structured skill-building, and join a network of peers and mentors who support their growth well beyond the summer.

A highly selective cohort of 5–10 fellows will participate in the 2026 cycle.

Notify Me When Applications Open

Program Benefits

Paid Internship Opportunity

Program participants are placed in paid internships with top venture capital firms, where they gain firsthand experience in deal analysis, portfolio management, and market research. HBCUvc has negotiated a competitive summer salary of $14,000 for the 10-week internship with all partner firms. A small number of larger participating firms may offer slightly higher salaries to align with their internal policies. Generally, we do not recommend negotiating salaries, as HBCUvc has already secured an above-average rate for VC internships. This hands-on learning experience bridges the gap between academic knowledge and industry application.

Professional Development Workshops

Our program offers in-depth workshops on essential skills such as sourcing deals, conducting due diligence, and developing an investment thesis. These sessions are developed in collaboration with industry leaders, providing participants with a competitive edge.

Networking Events

Participants connect with a diverse network of founders, investors, and HBCUvc alumni through exclusive networking events. These gatherings foster long-term professional relationships and open doors to future partnerships within the VC ecosystem.

Impact-Driven Curriculum

Unique to HBCUvc, this program emphasizes investing with a focus on social impact, particularly within Black communities. The curriculum enables participants to apply their skills in ways that generate both financial and societal returns.

A Community for Life

As part of the HBCUvc family, participants gain access to a lifelong community of peers, mentors, and industry professionals dedicated to mutual growth and impact. This network provides ongoing support and opportunities, extending well beyond the program.

Eligibility

A demonstrated commitment to social impact, racial equity, and supporting historically excluded communities.
Graduate students enrolled in accredited programs, ideally with a background in business, finance, or related fields. This includes:
- Full-time graduate students enrolled at an HBCU
- Full-time graduate students enrolled in a non-HBCU institution who hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an HBCU
- *Full-time graduate students enrolled in a non-HBCU and hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from a non-HBCU
- Accepted into a full-time graduate program at an HBCU and will start in Fall 2026, and has 2 - 5 years of full-time professional work experience
- Accepted into a full-time graduate program at a non-HBCU, starting Fall 2026, and holds an undergraduate or graduate degree from an HBCU, and has 2 - 5 years of full-time professional work experience
- *Accepted into a full-time graduate program at a non-HBCU, starting Fall 2026, and holds an undergraduate or graduate degree from a non-HBCU, and has 2 - 5 years of full-time professional work experience
Availability for a full-time internship over the summer (June to August).
Prior experience in venture capital or finance is welcome but not required.

All applicants must be legally able to work in the U.S. and provide relevant documentation

*The VC Fellowship is open to applicants from all institutions and backgrounds. While we center HBCU students and alumni in our outreach, anyone who aligns with our mission and demonstrates strong interest in venture capital is welcome to apply.

Program Costs & Fees

To ensure that our program attracts dedicated applicants who are serious about gaining real experience in venture capital, we have introduced a $300 program commitment fee. This is not an application fee and will only be charged to applicants who are invited to second-round interviews. The fee helps confirm applicants’ commitment to the process and prevents last-minute withdrawals during interviews with partner VC firms, which can result in missed opportunities for other qualified candidates. If you complete the interview process but are not selected for an internship (and have not canceled or declined interviews with partner firms), your commitment fee will be refunded in full.

Other Participation Costs

Participants should also plan for certain expenses related to the internship, including:

Travel to 2026 Shift VC conference, hosted and held by partner, VC Unleashed: HBCUvc will cover hotel accommodations and admission for the conference, but participants are responsible for their travel expenses to attend.
Housing, Transportation, and Relocation: Participants are responsible for these costs during their 10-week internship placement with their host firm. While HBCUvc has negotiated a competitive base salary of $14,000 for the internship, most partner firms are unable to provide relocation assistance.

We strongly encourage participants to budget for these costs in advance. In specific cases, HBCUvc may be able to offer low-cost loans to support relocation expenses.

This commitment and planning are essential to making the HBCUvc VC Training and Internship Program a valuable stepping stone for serious candidates eager to build a career in venture capital.