Responsible Business Center Fellowship 2025-2026

The Responsible Business Center (RBC) brings together educators, executives, researchers, nonprofit organizations, and students to explore how responsible business practices can align with Jesuit values and the interests of all stakeholders. In pursuit of this mission, the Center annually awards financial fellowships to graduate students at the Gabelli School of Business whose career goals center around ethical and responsible decision-making in modern business, particularly at the intersection of profitability and social good. 

Who is eligible to apply?

The fellowship is open to graduate students at the Gabelli School of Business who are enrolled in at least 6 credits during the Spring 2026 semester. Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in ethical leadership and responsible business practices. All degree programs and concentrations are welcome.

Why should I apply to the Fellowship Program? 

Responsible Business fellows will have the opportunity to elevate their personal brand and thought leadership through published one-on-one interviews, speaking opportunities, and spotlights on the Center’s website. The fellows will individually select a research topic or project related to responsible business that will result in, but is not limited to, white papers, presentations, a business plan, and/or video documentary that serves to advance the causes in which they are most interested. There is an opportunity for fellows to present their research findings to the Responsible Business Center team in the Spring of 2026. 

Fellowship Structure:
The 2025-2026 fellowship will run for 5 months from January to May 2026. Applications will open in September and close in November 2025. Key elements of the fellowship will include learning and development sessions, networking, and a research project, where students will design and create their own responsible business project. Examples of projects include but are not limited to a white paper, video, business plan idea, podcast, etc.  

There are two fellowship categories available based on expected time commitment and scope of work:

• Emerging Fellow (Commitment to 5 hours/week, Tuition Benefit: $1,755.00)
• Impact Fellow (Commitment to 10 hours/week, Tuition Benefit: $3,510.00)

Participants will be expected to regularly document and report their hours in accordance with program guidelines.

Fellowship Requirements 

A successful research project would focus on a responsible business idea, problem, or solution. The project can be something you are already working on as part of your professional or academic work. Project themes must be related to responsible business such as but not limited to renewable energy, human rights, climate solutions, waste management, impact investing, etc. 

Fellows will design an independent project that reflects their interests and advances the principles of responsible business. To help guide this work, the Center offers three suggested pathways, each representing a different approach to creating impact through research, strategy, or innovation.

Fellows agree to:

• Produce a Blog Post: Complete an 800-word blog post to be published on the Responsible Business Center website, showcasing their insights and contributions.
• Participate in Regular Meetings: Attend regular meetings with the faculty advisor and fellow team members to ensure collaboration and progress.
• Acknowledge Responsible Business Center Support: Recognize Responsible Business Center support in all presentations and published works, ensuring proper credit is given.
• Serve as a Responsible Business Center Ambassador: Represent the Center at various events, including but not limited to conferences, recruiting events, research committee meetings, and student activities. Actively involve other students in conferences and serve as a spokesperson for the Center’s events, fostering a sense of community and engagement

Selected fellows are expected to commit approximately an average of 5 or 10 hours per week, depending on category, during the semester for project research and check-in meetings with Responsible Business Center faculty and staff.

Application Requirements (Due November 1, 2025)

Students must provide the following to be considered for the Responsible Business Center fellowship:

• Completed online application
• Personal statement (300 words max)
• Resume
• Project Proposal-In one page, please create a proposal that includes: 
  • Project Summary: A concise description of your research idea or question.
  • Connection to Responsible Business: Explain how your project advances the principles of responsible business. Be specific about its relevance and potential impact.
  • Actionability: Clarify how your project can lead to actionable outcomes, whether in research, policy, or practice.
  • Timeline and Feasibility: Provide a brief plan showing how the project can realistically be completed within the expected timeframe and justify the selection of the fellowship category (5 hours or 10 hours). 
  • Definition of Success: Describe what success looks like for your project. How will you know if you’ve achieved your goal?
  • Value Proposition: Explain why this project matters. What contribution does it make? Who benefits and how?
• Interview (by invitation only)

Selection Criteria

Each submitted proposal will be evaluated based on adherence to the outlined criteria, originality, overall commitment to responsible business practices, and feasibility of the project. Proposals will be reviewed for plagiarism and the overuse of AI. 

Your resume must be in the Fordham format. As a reminder, please remember that you may not use Chat GPT or other AI tools to write your statement. A personal heartfelt statement that is proofread for grammar and usage goes a long way with our committee so please be careful with your statement. 

Applications Open September 1st and Close on November 1st.