Responsible Business Center Fellowship 2026/2027
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 2027 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, resulting in a final deliverable that advances the causes in which they are most interested. Fellows will present their research findings to the Responsible Business Center team in the Spring of 2027.
Fellowship Structure:
The 2026-2027 fellowship will run for 5 months from January to May 2027. Applications will open in September and close in October 2026. 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.
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 will 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, social justice issues, human rights, climate solutions, waste management, impact investing, etc.
Fellows will design an independent research project that is focused on investigating responsible business issues using data, policy or academic frameworks. Deliverables could include, but are not limited to white papers, impact investing analysis, comparative case studies, financial models, etc. that reflect their interests and advance the principles of responsible business.
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.
- Produce a Final Research Project and Presentation: Complete a research project and a final presentation to the Responsible Business Center team in late April/May 2027.
- 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 10 hours per week, during the semester for project research and check-in meetings with Responsible Business Center faculty and staff.
Application Requirements (Due October 15, 2026)
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?
Selection Criteria
Each submitted proposal will be evaluated based on adherence to the project proposal criteria, originality, overall commitment to responsible business practices, and feasibility of the project within the time period. Proposals will be reviewed for plagiarism and the overuse of AI.
Your resume must be in the Fordham format. The use of AI for your personal statement is strongly discouraged. A personal heartfelt statement that is proofread for grammar and usage goes a long way with our committee.
Selected fellows are expected to abide by the rules set forth in Fordham University’s policy on academic integrity. Please read the university’s policy on academic integrity here.
Applications Open September 8th and Close on October 15th.