Students
Gain real board experience. Make a meaningful impact.
The Golub Capital Board Fellows Program presents a significant opportunity for students to gain experience with board governance while contributing to the advancement of nonprofit partners. Unlike internships that focus on day-to-day operations in a nonprofit, this program exposes students to the dynamics of board governance in nonprofit organizations. Fellows serve as ex-officio board members for a nonprofit partner while completing courses in board governance at Kellogg. Each Fellow also completes a strategic project designed to leverage their skills and advance the work of their nonprofit partner.
Program components
Academics
These two courses are required components of the fellowship:
- Board Governance of Nonprofit Organizations (SSIM 453-5)
- Advanced Board Governance (SSIM 471)
Board service
Board governance cannot be taught in a classroom alone. Experiential learning is the cornerstone of this experience and includes the following commitments:
- Attend board meetings and participate as an ex-officio nonprofit board member
- Attend board-related committee meetings and events
- Complete a strategic project that addresses an organizational need
- Engage in regular communication with board mentor and Executive Director/CEO
- Adhere to the norms and confidentiality of board proceedings with utmost professionalism
Community
You will learn alongside a cohort of like-minded peers by participating together in academic, social and service events. In addition to this cohort of students, you will expand your network to include nonprofit leaders, board members and program alumni.
Program Structure
Board Fellows
Founded in 2003, the core Board Fellows program includes 15 months of board service. This opportunity to available to students enrolled in the Full-Time MBA Program (2Y Program), MMM Program, JD-MBA Program and MD-MBA Program.
Board Scholars
Launched in 2022, the Board Scholars program expands access to the fellowship and includes 9 months of board service. This opportunity is designed for students enrolled in the Evening & Weekend MBA Program, 1Y Program and MBAi Program.
Take the first steps
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To apply for the Board Fellows program, you must:
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Be enrolled in one of the following degree programs: 2Y, MMM, JD-MBA or MD-MBA
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Plan to graduate no sooner then two years from the time you apply
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Be willing and able to attend in-person events and meetings related to this program
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Attend a mandatory info session in Fall quarter
To apply for the Board Scholars program, you must:
Be enrolled in one of the following degree programs: E&W, 1Y or MBAi
Plan to graduate no sooner than May of the academic year you apply
Be willing and able to attend events and meetings related to this program
Attend a mandatory info session in Summer quarter
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The Board Fellows application has two parts:
- Written application (due early in Fall quarter)
- Group case interview (by invitation only)
The Board Scholars application is a one-round process that takes place in the Summer quarter.
Nonprofit experience is not required for admission to either program; however, applicants must demonstrate passion for social impact and civic leadership.
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Applications are reviewed by the student leadership team, program staff and faculty. Applicants are screened for the following qualities: committed, mission driven, community oriented and effective program ambassadors.
Admission to the program is competitive. Each year, 50 students are selected for the Board Fellows program. Fellows are notified of their acceptance to the program by mid-October and are matched to their nonprofit partners in Winter quarter. The Board Scholars program is growing and this year will include up to 15 students. Scholars are notified of their acceptance to the program in August and are matched to their nonprofit partners in Fall quarter.
Once admitted, Fellows and Scholars will receive information on participating nonprofit organizations and rank their preferences. The program uses an algorithm, which accounts for these preferences, to match each student to a nonprofit partner.
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In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, participants agree to the following guidelines:
Fully commit to the program. Fellows begin the program in October of their first year and serve on their respective boards through May of their second year. Scholars begin the program in September and serve on their respective board through the following May.
Waive opportunities for other programs. When joining a Golub Capital Board Fellows program, students enter a partnership with their nonprofit. To avoid conflicts with board responsibilities, Fellows and Scholars cannot engage in other programs that conflict with participation in Board Fellows or Board Scholars. This includes study abroad as well as joint-degree programs with other universities.
Designate time for the program. The program’s time commitment can range from approximately two to eight hours per week, depending on the student, project and time of year. This time is distributed across the three components of the program.
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The program is led in partnership between Kellogg faculty, staff and the student leadership team.
First-year Board Fellows may apply for second-year leadership positions at the end of Winter quarter. These elected leaders will serve in a leadership capacity until graduation. There are five student leadership positions: President, Academics Chair, Prospective Fellows Chair, Fellowship Chair and Alumni Relations Chair.
The Board Scholars program has alumni opportunities for continued leadership.
Through Golub Capital Board Fellows, I have learned what it truly takes to join, contribute and lead a nonprofit board. Through this experience, I look forward to a life-long commitment to nonprofit board leadership.