BSU Philanthropy Fellowship Program
Nicole Mack, MPA - Program Coordinator
nmack@bowiestate.edu
Dr. James B. Hyman - Chair & founder, BSU Philanthropy Initiative, BSU Philanthropy Fellowship Program
jbhym@outlook.com
The BSU Philanthropy Fellowship Program connects graduate students from BSU’s College of Business with C-suite executives for a paid, year-long, full-time, entry-level work experience in philanthropic and nonprofit organizations. The fellowship enhances management studies through hands-on experience and monthly seminars.
Key Features
- Professional Development: Receive mentorship from a C-suite executive, gaining insights and guidance directly from an experienced leader.
- Networking Opportunities: Build valuable industry connections by attending national conferences, seminars and training led by national nonprofit leaders.
- Financial Support: The fellowship pays an entry-level professional salary, covers the cost of 8 credits at BSU and provides health insurance.
- Recognition and Certification: Celebrate completion with a commencement ceremony, where fellows are awarded a certificate of achievement.
We’re proud to create opportunities for the next generation of Black leaders!
Dr. James B. Hyman, Chair and Founder, BSU Philanthropy Initiative, BSU Philanthropy Fellowship Program
Satonya Fair, President and CEO, Peak Grantmaking delivers an inspiring address at the commencement ceremony of the 2023-2024 BSU Philanthropy Fellowship Cohort at Bowie State, highlighting the importance of leadership, collaboration, and innovation in driving positive change
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Philanthropy Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Institutional Affiliation: Must be a current student or alumnus of Bowie State University, College of Business.
- Academic Performance: Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher (for current students).
- Academic Standing: Must be in good academic standing at the time of application (for current students).
- Program Advancement: Current students must have advanced to candidacy in their respective program (for current students).
These criteria ensure that candidates are well-prepared to excel in the program and represent Bowie State University as future leaders in philanthropy. If you meet these requirements, we encourage you to apply and take the next step toward a fulfilling career in the philanthropic sector!
Application Process
Ready to take the next step toward an impactful career in philanthropy? Follow the steps below to apply for the Philanthropy Fellowship Program:
1. Prepare Your Application Materials
- Completed Application Form: Ensure all sections of the application form are filled out accurately.
- CV/Resume: Highlight your academic, professional, and extracurricular achievements.
- Cover Letter: Include a compelling letter that explains your interest in the program, how you align with its mission, and how it will support your career goals.
2. Submit Your Application
- Combine your application form, CV/resume, and cover letter into a single submission.
- Submit your application materials via the program’s online application portal or email address (include the specific submission method here).
3. Deadline for Submission
- All application materials must be received by February 29, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next steps, including interviews and additional evaluations.
We look forward to receiving your application and supporting your journey into the field of philanthropy.
BSU Philanthropy Initiative Celebrates Third Cohort
Bowie State University is proud to join the BSU Philanthropy Initiative in honoring the achievements of six College of Business graduate students who successfully completed their year-long placements in foundations and other non-profit organizations
In the News
- July 21, 2025 - Philanthropy Initiative Welcomes a New Partner for 2025-26 (pdf)
- May , 2025 - Philanthropy Initiative Celebrates Third Class of Philanthropy Fellows (pdf)
- April 3, 2024 - Dr. James B. Hyman wins Board of Regents Award for Excellence in Public Service (pdf)
- Dec. 6, 2023 - Bowie State’s Philanthropy Fellows Program Grows Rapidly
- May 10, 2023 - Underfunding of HBCUs by Foundations Begins in the C-Suite
- August 17, 2022 - Celebrating Black Philanthropy Month: These Tides Philanthropy Fellows are the Future of Social Change (pdf)
Frequently-asked Questions
Philanthropy, as a field, is a form of altruism that consists of private initiatives for the public good focusing on quality-of-life issues. The BSU Philanthropy Fellowship is a 12-month. full-time, practicum and work experience, that places BSU College of Business graduate students in philanthropic foundations and other nonprofit organizations in preparation for careers in those sectors.
College of Business graduate students who will have completed at least 15 credit hours of coursework by the end of the 2024 Spring semester with a 3.25 GPA. (Students who have graduated since 2022 will also be considered for admission to the 2025-26 cohort.)- Fellows will be hired as BSU “Contingent I” employees.
- Fellows will receive a salary of $70,000 for the year with access to health care.
- Fellows will receive tuition remission for up to 8 credit hours during the Fellowship year.
- Fellows will function as BSU Contingent I employees with mentorship from Dr. James B. Hyman.
- Fellows will be supervised by a lead executive of the participating host organizations.
- The Fellowship will operate mostly as a virtual assignment, but the Program will provide funds for periodic travel to the host organization as stipulated by the host organization.
- Fellows will attend monthly Fellowship Seminar Meetings that offer opportunities for peer support, personal presentations and Fellowship reflections, guest lectures on Black perspectives. and group projects.
- Student Fellows will be required to keep a journal/diary, capturing their observations and reflections on the fellowship experience.
- Fellows will complete a Capstone Project – a paper based on their journal/diary notes – as a final report on the Fellowship experience.
- Student recruitment will begin effectively on December 4, 2024. Interested students should contact Nicole Mack at nmack@bowiestate.edu to request application instructions and materials.
- Applications will be accepted between December 4, 2024, and February 29, 2025.
- Students will be interviewed between March 1 and March 31, 2025.
- Placement decisions will be announced by May 2025.
- Fellows will be onboarded by July 1, 2025.