The Rock Summer Fellows program, funded by gifts from Arthur Rock and the John F. Lebor Family, provides a chance for students during the summer between their RC (first-year) and EC (second-year) year to focus on their new venture, working for a startup or learning about venture capital.

The programming will primarily focus on the “How to” of starting a venture and work to translate theory into practice. We will review best practices, common mistakes and tools and approaches to determining if you and your startup or the startup you are working for are moving in the right direction. Each week, there will be anywhere from 4-6 hours of meeting time for workshops or your RSF circle (see below). The rest of the time is yours to work on your startup, meet customers, develop tactics, and meet with experts. We expect students to arrange their work around the RSF programming. Meetings with customers or investors or other personal activities should not interfere with the workshops and founder circle timing.

Through a 10-12 week summer fellowship that provides substantial financial support as well as a peer network and community, RC students can work on their venture idea or work at an early-stage startup. Fellowships are limited in number and awarded based on the order in which your application is received.

Learn more about the 2022 Rock Summer Fellows Programming.

Key Steps

  1. Plan early

    This is a competitive program and those interested in applying, should begin working on their startup idea or meet with potential early-stage startups as early as possible.

  2. Attend the Info Session on Summer Fellowships

    Learn all about the Rock Summer Fellows program, HBS and the key information needed to submit a strong application. Keep an eye out for the info session date in the Rock student newsletter.

  3. Review our selection preferences

    We set these guidelines so that you may know how we are reviewing applicants but acknowledge that there may be some limits that are flexible depending on the total application.

    We are excited about the energy around entrepreneurship. However, only those applicants committed to an entrepreneurial endeavor - whether as a Founder or Joiner - with well-defined plans and goals for the summer will be selected. As such, we would like all applicants to thoughtfully consider these selection preferences.

  4. FOUNDERS ONLY

    Please fill out this template (.pptx) and submit it along with your Summer Fellows application. We are assessing based on content, not on the aesthetics of your slides. We do NOT want you to submit a pitch deck. Rather you should use this template and fill out each slides based on your particular business. Contact rock@hbs.edu with any questions.


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