Summer 2027 Fellowship
Get paid to break into a career in investing.
The iDAC Foundation connects promising students with paid summer fellowship placements at , and leading investment firms, building the next generation of diverse finance professionals.
Applications open
Nov 2, 2026
$6,000+Summer stipend
At least 6Weeks with a hosting organization
2Expenses-paid in-person activations with the iDAC team and other Fellows
Up to 8Virtual professional development sessions
Who should apply
- Sophomores through grad students
- Studying finance, economics, public policy, business or a related field
- 3.3 GPA or higher
- and students strongly encouraged
No connections to the investment or finance industries? Great! You're exactly who we're looking for.
Key dates
Nov 2, 2026Applications open
Nov 23, 2026Applications close
Jan 29, 2027Fellows selected
May 2027In-person fellowship kickoff
"The iDAC fellowship connected me with people who genuinely want to see me succeed."
60-second check
Is the fellowship for you?
Four quick questions. No sign-up, nothing saved. Just an honest read on whether you should put your name in.
New to finance? Tap any word with an orange dotted underline to see what it means.
Why iDAC?
Because most people get in through who they know, and we change that.
1
Paid. Real. Yours.
At least six weeks with a host organization in investing, a $6,000+ stipend and two expenses-paid activations. No unpaid "exposure" here.
2
No network? No problem!
Priority consideration goes to first-gen and Pell-eligible students with no family or industry ties to finance. That's the point.
3
You're not on your own.
Two dedicated mentors, Recalc Academy technical training and biweekly professional development sessions keep you supported the entire way through.
4
This is just the beginning.
Fellows return summer after summer and step into the iDAC alumni network.
Follow the Fellows · Pilot class, Summer 2026
Follow their story
Meet the Fellows who started it all.
Global Summit 2026
Leo Lake
MERS of MichiganUniversity of Michigan
Marcus Gabor
MERS of MichiganGrand Valley State University
Santiago Trevizo
NM State Investment CouncilNew Mexico State University2026 Fellows came from the University of Michigan, Grand Valley State University, New Mexico State University and the University of New Mexico, and were hosted by MERS, the New Mexico State Investment Council and the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board.
Next up: Brandon Turner and Kefa Ubwenge of Texas Southern University join the next iDAC cohort.
In their words
Hear from the Fellows.
The 2026 pilot class and the Texas Southern University students joining the next cohort, on access, mentorship and what it took to get a foot in the door.
Brandon Turner · TSUKefa Ubwenge · TSULeo Lake · MichiganMarcus Gabor · Grand Valley StateChloe Sullivan · New MexicoSantiago Trevizo · New Mexico State
What our first cohort told us
Strong satisfaction. Strong mentor fit. Hosts ready to go again.
10/10Overall satisfaction
10/10Mentor match
9/10Connection to host organization
9/10Selection process prep
I really enjoyed the speaker series... It has been a great opportunity to learn from talented individuals in the industry.
The program met our expectations and provided a valuable experience for both our organization and the fellow. We would be happy to participate in future cohorts.
Tips and tools
Maximize your application.
1
Be yourself
Not what you think we want to hear. Tell us your real story, even if it doesn't start in finance.
2
Go easy on the AI
Your voice, your specificity, your words get remembered.
3
Do your homework
You don't need years of experience, but you do need curiosity. Look up what a pension fund does. Know what and mean.
4
Connect your "why"
iDAC exists to open doors for people who weren't handed a key. Tell us why that matters to you.
5
Apply before you feel ready
Imposter syndrome is real, and we know it. Don't wait until you feel "qualified enough."
Questions
Before you apply.
Still wondering about something? Email fellowship@idacfinance.org and the team will get back to you.
Do I need experience in finance?
No. You don't need years of experience or connections in the industry. You do need curiosity, so learn what a pension fund does and what and mean before you apply.
Is the fellowship paid?
Yes. Fellows receive a $6,000+ stipend for at least six weeks with a host organization, plus two expenses-paid in-person activations with the iDAC team and other Fellows.
Who can apply?
Sophomores through graduate students studying finance, economics, public policy, business or a related field, with a 3.3 GPA or higher. First-generation and Pell-eligible students are strongly encouraged, and priority goes to students with no family or industry ties to finance.
Where would I be placed?
With host organizations in investing, such as pension funds, state investment councils and investment firms. 2026 Fellows were hosted by MERS of Michigan, the New Mexico State Investment Council and the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board.
What support do Fellows get?
Two dedicated mentors, Recalc Academy technical training, and up to eight virtual professional development sessions across the summer.
What are the key dates?
Applications open Nov 2, 2026 and close Nov 23, 2026. Fellows are selected by Jan 29, 2027, and the in-person fellowship kickoff is in May 2027.
My organization wants to get involved. How?
Host a Fellow for at least six weeks, sponsor one Fellow's full summer for $15,000, or mentor and speak. Tell us how you'd like to get involved.
Summer 2027 Fellowship
Applications are open.
Paid summer placements, mentors, training and a cohort that has your back. No investing experience or connections needed. First-gen and Pell-eligible students strongly encouraged. Apply by November 23.
LP Track (rising sophomores and juniors): pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and endowments.
GP Track (rising seniors and grad students): asset management firms, from traditional managers to private equity, private credit, real assets and infrastructure.
Applications open in
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Scan to apply by Nov 23
For investment organizations
Talent is the industry's essential capital. Invest in the ones who lead it next.
iDAC sources, screens and prepares every Fellow before they reach your desk. Three ways to be part of 2027:
Host
Bring one or more Fellows onto your team for at least six weeks, from a vetted, prepared candidate slate.
Sponsor
$15,000 sponsors one Fellow's full summer, with recognition across the Summit and iDAC channels.
Mentor or speak
A low-lift way to give back: mentor a Fellow or lead an Open Floor™ session.
Backed by industry leaders
Scan to partner
Host, sponsor, mentor or speak.