The Fellowship Application is Open.

The Camelback Fellowship supports early-stage entrepreneurs dedicated to addressing  inequities in the education and technology sectors. We prioritize founders who have a deep, personal connection to the issues they aim to solve and who are committed to serving under-resourced communities. Eligible applicants must:

• Be over the age of 18.
• Be able to commit approximately 10 hours per week for 16 weeks to Fellowship activities.
• Hold a leadership role (Founder, Co-founder, CEO, or Executive Director) in your venture.
• Reside in the United States or a U.S. Territory.
• Have proficiency in English.

Fellows are not required to relocate; we believe the greatest impact comes from staying and serving your community.

We are looking for ventures that aim to transform education and improve outcomes for communities that are under-resourced. This includes ventures that:

• Innovate in early childhood, K-12, higher education, adult learning, and alternative education pathways.
• Develop schools, programs, or products that address gaps in access, equity, and quality of education, especially those that directly benefit students and families in under-resourced communities.
• Implement solutions that empower educators, enhance learning experiences, and make education more accessible.
• 2026 Update: Fellows with school ventures MUST have obtained their charter authorization before their Fellowship cohort begins. We have found that we are able to most positively impact school founders who are ideally opening their school within one year of their completion of the Fellowship. This Fellowship cycle will conclude in May 2026.

We support tech-driven ventures that harness innovation to address inequities and promote social good. This includes ventures that:

• Utilize technology to enhance community well-being, such as improving access to healthcare, increasing economic opportunities, and fostering community development.
• Focus on areas like health & wellness, policy & advocacy, workforce readiness, and other sectors where technology can be a tool for equity and empowerment.
• Design tech solutions that prioritize ethical considerations and community impact, ensuring that technology serves as a force for positive change.

Ventures should have more than 50% of their customers or beneficiaries living in the United States. They should be the original idea of the founder and/or founding team. Ventures that operate under an umbrella organization or are associated with an established entity (e.g., starting a school within an existing network of schools) are not eligible for the Fellowship.

The Camelback Fellowship application process involves two key rounds designed to get to know you, your venture, and your potential for impact. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

Round 1: Written & Video Questions

• Submit the Written Application: This includes both short-answer questions to cover the basics about your venture and yourself as a founder, and longer, in-depth responses that dive deeper into your venture model and approach.
  • Video Submissions: You’ll be asked to submit 1-2 videos, including a 3-minute pitch that helps us understand your vision and what drives your work.

Evaluation:

• Our team of evaluators will carefully review and deliberate on all applications. About 7% of applicants will be selected as Finalists. Those who do not advance can receive personalized written feedback to support their growth and future applications.

Round 2: Virtual Interview

• 75-Minute Video Call: Finalists will participate in a virtual interview conducted by members of the Camelback team and network, including Fellowship alumni, stakeholders, and coaches. This conversation will explore:
  • Your leadership skills and mindset as a founder.
  • Your understanding of your venture’s target market and revenue model.
  • The social impact your venture aims to achieve.
• Camelback will provide preparation and support resources to help you put your best foot forward in this round.

Final Deliberation:

• Our team thoroughly evaluates every applicant and application to determine the final selection of Fellows. Up to 20 Fellows will be chosen for the program. Candidates who are not selected at this stage can also receive feedback, helping them refine their ventures and applications for future opportunities.

To stay informed about current or upcoming application windows, please subscribe to the interest form at the top of this page. The Fellowship application is open twice a year, typically in mid-winter and late summer. Applications are usually due within a few weeks of the launch.

After you submit your application, we will inform you of the next steps and when you can expect to hear from us. The entire process, from application submission through Finalist interviews and final decisions, can take up to three months.

The Camelback Fellowship is hosted twice a year over 16 weeks in a hybrid format. As a Fellow, you will gain access to a comprehensive support system designed to accelerate your venture and develop your leadership. Here’s what you can expect from the Fellowship:

• Coaching: Receive personalized one-on-one coaching from experienced leaders who will help you navigate the challenges of scaling your venture. Our coaches provide tailored guidance on refining your strategy, building your leadership skills, and achieving your goals.
• Capital: Fellows receive $50,000 in capital. For-profits and hybrids receive as a SAFE note or some other alternative funding vehicle; nonprofits and schools receive as unrestricted grants.
• Connections: Expand your network through meaningful connections with potential partners, funders, and supporters. Fellows engage with investors through dedicated office hours, participate in virtual workshops, and collaborate with industry experts and thought leaders. Fellows also receive fully comped tickets, flights, and accommodations to Camelback’s annual Guardian Summit, creating a powerful in-person opportunity to build relationships, share ideas, and deepen community.
• Community: Join a diverse cohort of changemakers who, like you, are committed to addressing inequities. Through cohort-based learning, you’ll share experiences, challenges, and insights, building a supportive network that extends beyond the Fellowship.
• Curriculum: Engage in a strategic curriculum designed to equip you with practical skills and knowledge across key areas such as hiring & managing teams, project & budget management, pitch readiness, and stakeholder management. The curriculum is tailored to the unique needs of early-stage social entrepreneurs, especially to achieve financial sustainability.

The Fellowship launches with an in-person kick-off, is supported by ongoing virtual programming, and concludes with a virtual closing week. Key dates will be announced for travel and programming prior to confirming Fellow selection.