The Hennessy Fellows Program 2026 (Cohort 8), offered by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund in partnership with Hennessy, is a prestigious fully funded leadership fellowship for graduate students. Selected fellows receive up to $50,000 in financial support, corporate training, and exclusive leadership development opportunities.
Background & Job Description
The Hennessy Fellows Program is a high-impact leadership development initiative designed to support outstanding graduate students—particularly those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
This programme aims to prepare the next generation of global corporate leaders by combining financial support with immersive professional training. It focuses on building leadership capacity, strengthening career readiness, and exposing participants to real-world corporate systems.
Participants are selected into a competitive cohort (Cohort 8 for 2026) and undergo a structured experience that includes leadership boot camps, mentorship, and networking with industry leaders.
Tasks
Selected Hennessy Fellows are expected to:
- Participate in immersive leadership training sessions and workshops
- Attend a structured leadership boot camp experience
- Engage in networking events with corporate executives and peers
- Contribute to collaborative discussions on business, social, and economic issues
- Complete all assigned programme activities and development modules
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- Must be admitted into or enrolled in an MBA or relevant graduate programme
- Must study at a participating HBCU institution
- Minimum GPA typically around 3.0–3.25
Experience
- Demonstrated leadership potential and academic excellence
- Strong interest in corporate leadership or business careers
- Commitment to community impact and professional growth
- Must be at least 21 years old at the time of application
Additional Information
Financial Benefits
- Up to $40,000 scholarship ($20,000 per year for two years)
- Additional $10,000 stipend ($5,000 per year)
- Possible travel, accommodation, and programme costs covered for training activities
Programme Features
- Corporate leadership training and mentorship
- Exposure to real-world business environments
- Networking with global professionals
- Access to exclusive leadership development resources
Duration
- Typically aligned with a 2-year graduate programme
Who Should Apply
This opportunity is ideal for:
- MBA students seeking leadership careers
- High-performing graduates from HBCUs
- Individuals aiming for executive or corporate roles
Important Notes
- The programme is highly competitive with limited cohort selection
- Applicants must meet all academic and participation requirements
- Being selected does not guarantee employment but significantly boosts career prospects
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