Thank you for your interest in becoming a Venture for America fellow and joining the movement to build businesses and create jobs throughout the country.
For our 2013 Fellowship, you must apply before one of the following deadlines: October 1, 2012, December 3, 2012 or February 18th, 2013.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
VFA Fellows will be selected through an application process that will include peer and faculty recommendations, multiple interviews, case studies, and behavioral exercises. The goal will be to screen candidates for qualities that distinguish successful entrepreneurs, including:
- Intellect and Independent Thinking
- Determination/Ability to Surmount Obstacles/Resourcefulness
- Leadership Ability/Initiative
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Purpose-Driven/Character
All VFA applicants, please read a message from Andrew Yang, founder of Venture for America, here!
HOW TO APPLY
All applicants must submit our online application by one of the deadlines below.
Application Deadlines: 1st Deadline on Monday, October 1, 2012; 2nd Deadline on Monday, December 3, 2012; 3rd Deadline on Monday, February 18, 2013.
Click here to apply.
ADMISSIONS POLICIES
Nondiscrimination Policy
Venture for America is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its relations with its applicants, fellows, and staff members, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood.
Falsification/Misrepresentation
Falsification or misrepresentation of any sort on the application or supporting materials is grounds for non-admission or dismissal.
Confidentiality
In order to ensure a fair admissions process for all, Venture for America requires all applicants to treat each phase of the application process as confidential and refrain from disclosing or sharing information or materials provided by Venture for America with others that are not otherwise publicly available. Any applicant that discloses confidential information regarding the application process is subject to having his or her application disqualified. Please note that we do not endorse and are not responsible for the accuracy of information that has been developed and provided by third-party non-Venture for America sources.
Reporting of Material Change
It is the responsibility of applicants to report any material change in the information provided in their applications as soon as a material change occurs even if such material change occurs after admissions into the fellowship. Candidates are required to notify Venture for America within 14 days of the change occurring, including but not limited to criminal records/proceedings or academic status. Failure to inform Venture for America of such material change is grounds for non-admission or rescission of the admission offer or dismissal from the program.
Additional Information
Venture for America may require additional information from applicants before determining whether to invite them to a phone and/or final interview. Venture for America reserves the right to collect information from applicants at a later date and use this information in admissions decisions.
SELECTION PROCESS
- Applicants complete an online application where they submit a resume, recommendations, as well as personal and academic information
- Selected applicants participate in a 30-minute phone interview with a Venture for America representative
- We invite the most promising applicants to a full-day, in-person interview, which includes completing a problem solving activity, participating in a group discussion, and interviewing one-on-one with a Venture for America representative
FELLOWSHIP SCHEDULE
The first Venture Fellow Summer Institute will be held at Brown University starting June 16, 2012 for five weeks.
APPLICATION PREREQUISITES
Bachelor’s Degree
You must have received your bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before the start of the fellowship orientation program. You also must have received a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate.
3.0 Minimum Cumulative GPA
You must have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.00 scale (as measured by the institution awarding your degree) at the time we receive your application, as well as at the time of graduation. Graduate school GPAs should not be used or averaged in with undergraduate GPAs. If you are accepted into Venture for America and your final GPA falls below a 3.0, you will forego your position with Venture for America. Applicants must also pass any coursework indicated on their transcript as “in progress” at the time of their interview.
US Citizenship or National/Permanent Resident Status
Due to the hiring restrictions of many of our partner companies, Venture for America may only accept US citizens, nationals, or legal permanent residents for admission into the program. Individuals who are in the United States under a student, work, or tourist visa are not eligible to become Venture for America fellows. Similarly, individuals who have refugee status but nothing indicating permanent resident alien status are not eligible to become Venture for America fellows.
APPLICANT DECLARATION
Venture for America is looking for individuals who embody our organization’s values and standards. Before submitting the application, all applicants should read and agree to the following statements:
- I see my professional pursuits and my career as a moral choice that indicates my values.
- I appreciate those who assume personal risks in order to build a company or pursue a common good.
- I believe that actions are the proper measure of one’s accomplishments.
- I believe that creating opportunities for myself and others is an important aspect of professional success.
- I believe that one’s professional conduct is a reflection of personal character, and will always strive to act accordingly.
Questions? Try reading over the FAQs. Still have questions? Feel free to contact us.

