University System of Maryland (USM) Venture Fellowship

The USM Venture Fellowship provides students currently enrolled at University System of Maryland member institutions with real-world experience in the venture capital industry. The program is designed to help students learn the fundamentals of early-stage finance, build professional venture networks, work on actual venture deals, and develop connections and toolkit for careers in startup financing. The fellowship offers hands-on exposure to VC investment processes, deal evaluation, and portfolio company management. Students gain practical understanding of how venture capital firms operate while contributing to actual investment decisions. This program prepares students for potential VC careers by providing substantive, practical experience with venture deal flow.

The USM Venture Fellowship aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical experience in venture capital, preparing students for careers in the industry by providing them with hands-on experience in investment processes and deal evaluations.

Students interested in applying should demonstrate a strong interest in venture capital and be prepared to engage actively in the program.

Open to current, full-time enrolled undergraduate students, sophomore and above, and graduate students at any of the 12 University System of Maryland institutions; any degree program or undeclared status is eligible, with finance/business background recommended but not required.

Students currently enrolled at USM member institutions can apply. The program is open to all interested students.

Participants gain real-world VC deal exposure, early-stage finance fundamentals training, professional venture networking, deal work experience, and career preparation for VC roles.

The program runs throughout the academic year, aligning with the university calendar, with spring programming from February 9 to May 15, 2026, followed by summer internships.

Alumni of the program have successfully transitioned into careers in venture finance, leveraging their experience and networks gained during the fellowship.