I am Francis Oledibe, an Adobe + HBCU 20x20 Fellow from Philander Smith College.
what is A Fellowship
The Bridge Between the Classroom and the Company/ Industry
A fellowship is a paid opportunity that is sponsored by a specific organization and obtained through a competitive application process. Organizations sponsor fellowships for multiple reasons. Most often they are seeking to expand their field by funding research, curating talent for the future workforce, and developing leaders. In our case, we aim to provide professional development skills to be successful in the workforce. Learn more about our fellowship programs by clicking below.
Our FellowshipsThe Fellowship Programs would not exist if it was not for the generosity and will of our partnered employers to diversify their talent and make diversity, equity and inclusion a reality. Join the ranks of Amgen, Adobe, DreamWorks Animation, U.S. Bank, Yahoo, Microsoft, and many more.
Employer SignupFellowship Programs
Every fellowship program is paid and connects students to companies in their field. Check out the fellowships below.
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We're thrilled to announce that applications are now open for Cohort III of the Stryker + HBCU 20x20 Marketing & Finance Fellowship! This prestigious fellowship is designed to open doors for ambitious students from HBCUs who are passionate about launching successful careers in marketing and finance.
As a member of Cohort III, you’ll embark on a transformative 4-week journey, working directly with Stryker's top professionals through immersive workshops, real-world projects, and invaluable networking opportunities. This experience will equip you with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to step confidently into a promising career at Stryker.
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape your future with the support of Stryker + HBCU 20x20!
As one of the world's leading medical technology companies, Stryker, in collaboration with our customers, is dedicated to advancing healthcare. Our innovative products and services in Medical and Surgical, Neurotechnology, Orthopaedics, and Spine contribute to improving patient outcomes and healthcare overall.
For inquiries or additional information about the Fellowship, please contact us at info@hbcu20x20.org.
Interested in joining Cohort III of the Stryker + HBCU 20x20 Marketing & Finance Fellowship? Here’s what we’re looking for in our future fellows:
- Must be an undergraduate or graduate student graduating between December 2026 - May 2027 from an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and University).
- Students majoring and interested in working in the field of marketing, finance and accounting are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen (Does not require sponsorship now or in the future)
- Must be willing to accept a paid Stryker in-person position located in Mahwah, New Jersey or Kalamazoo, Michigan during summer 2026. (Reimbursement relocation packages are available)
- Familiarity with the Stryker brand
- 3.0 GPA Requirement
Apply Now: https://forms.gle/KcjEPpuUZHzJ4Kdc9
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Join the exclusive Cohort IV of the Adobe + HBCU 20x20 Professional Development Fellowship! Adobe and HBCU 20x20 are thrilled to present this fully paid, 4-week fellowship designed to prepare and empower 40 driven rising juniors for impactful careers at Adobe.
This isn’t just another program—it’s your launchpad to building real skills, expanding your network, and gaining hands-on experience with one of the world’s leading creative companies! Over the course of this transformative month, you’ll engage in immersive workshops, mentorship opportunities, and career-building sessions, all geared toward setting you up for long-term success at Adobe and beyond.
Fellow Criteria/ Requirements:
- Rising Junior graduating December 2026 or June 2027
- Identify as a Black/African American
- Current student at a Historically Black Colleges and Universities
- Students passionate about entering a career in tech. Computer Science encouraged to apply.
Deadline to Apply: April 20, 2025
Application Link: https://forms.gle/vFt8uT7PymHbia6D8
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HBCU 20x20 Finance Fellowship (Cohort III) is here, and this competitive opportunity is designed to fast-track ambitious finance students toward success in the finance industry—leading to a potential career at U.S. Bank!
This prestigious fellowship unites high-achieving finance students from HBCUs across the country who are passionate about enhancing their finance skills and making an impact. Over an intensive 4-week journey, Fellows will dive into a dynamic curriculum of expert-led workshops, hands-on courses, and inspiring speaker series, all crafted to unlock exciting career pathways in finance for Black students.
Are you ready to stand out and take your place in this national community of value-driven finance professionals? This is your chance to elevate your skills, expand your network, and get one step closer to a rewarding career at U.S. Bank!
Fellow Criteria/ Requirements:
- Sophomores currently enrolled at an HBCU (Historically Black College and University).
- Students passionate about entering a career in finance.
- Fellows will be encouraged to apply for paid Spring and Summer 2026 internships, so an interest in interning is highly recommended.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
Deadline to Apply: January 2, 2025
Application Link: https://forms.gle/Hf1RqkqW4HUrNupS7
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The Application and Autodesk are back, and we’re launching our most exciting cohort of software engineers yet! This third cohort brings together the brightest graduate students from top institutions across the globe, all united by one ambition: to join the ranks of Autodesk’s elite. Over the next 8 weeks, these talented engineers will undergo intensive training, elevate their technical skills, and prepare to thrive at one of the world’s most innovative software companies. This isn’t just a fellowship—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of trailblazers in tech!
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The purpose of the Autodesk Software Engineering Fellowship hosted by The Application is to pipeline six HBCU juniors into Autodesk’s paid software engineering internships and to increase their knowledge in the field of software engineering.
Autodesk is changing how the world is designed and made. Our technology spans architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, media, and entertainment, empowering innovators everywhere to solve challenges big and small. From greener buildings to smarter products to mesmerizing blockbusters, Autodesk software empowers innovators to design and make a better world for all.
Autodesk Software Engineering Fellowship:
APPLY TODAYAbout Autodesk
Autodesk is changing how the world is designed and made. Our technology spans architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, media, and entertainment, empowering innovators everywhere to solve challenges big and small. From greener buildings to smarter products to more mesmerizing blockbusters, Autodesk software helps our customers to design and make a better world for all.
We provide exceptional compensation/benefit packages and we’d love for you to join us. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, gender, disability, veteran status or other protected category. To see our culture in action, check out #AutodeskLife.
Learn more about Autodesk by visiting autodesk.com.
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HBCU 20x20 is thrilled to announce our continued partnership with U.S. Bank for the highly anticipated U.S. Bank + HBCU 20x20 Technology Fellowship Cohort III! This dynamic group of standout college sophomores, majoring in fields like computer science and cybersecurity, will embark on an incredible journey of growth and innovation. With cutting-edge technology workshops and unmatched mentorship, we’re shaping the future of tech talent and creating direct pathways into careers at U.S. Bank, one of the top financial institutions in the nation. The future starts here, and we’re excited to help these rising stars shine!
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U.S. Bank and HBCU 20x20 are back again to present this paid, 4-week professional development fellowship program that will prepare and empower 15 HBCU sophomores for careers in tech and at U.S. Bank.
Fellows will have the opportunity to take courses such as developing a tech resume & cover letter, the business behind technology and diversity at U.S. Bank just to name a few.
Fellows will build the soft and hard skills needed to be successful in professional tech careers.
Apply By: Aug 27, 2023
Application Link: https://usbankhbcutechnologyfellowship.splashthat.com/
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U.S. Bank and HBCU 20x20 are proud to present this paid, 4-week professional development fellowship program that will prepare and empower 15 HBCU sophomores for careers in tech and at U.S. Bank.
Fellows will have the opportunity to take courses such as developing a tech resume & cover letter, the business behind technology and diversity at U.S. Bank just to name a few.
Fellows will build the soft and hard skills needed to be successful in professional tech careers.
U.S. Bank + HBCU 20x20 Technology Fellowship Fellows:
THANK YOU U.S. BANK
ABOUT U.S. BANK
U.S. Bancorp, with nearly 70,000 employees and $554 billion in assets as of December 31, 2020, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States.
The Minneapolis-based bank blends its relationship teams, branches and ATM network with digital tools that allow customers to bank when, where and how they prefer. U.S. Bank is committed to serving its millions of retail, business, wealth management, payment, commercial, corporate, and investment customers across the country and around the world as a trusted and responsible financial partner.
This commitment continues to earn a spot on the Ethisphere Institute’s World’s Most Ethical Companies list and puts U.S. Bank in the top 5% of global companies assessed on the CDP A List for climate change action.
Learn more about U.S. Bank by visiting usbank.com.
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The U.S. Bank + HBCU 20x20 Finance Fellows (Cohort II) represent the national community of value based HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) finance students who are looking to improve their finance skills.
This fellowship is a talent development program that identifies driven and passionate students across multiple HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) to participate in a 4-week curriculum of various workshops, courses and speaker series that aim to open up pathways for Black students to a career in finance.
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U.S. Bank and HBCU 20x20 are proud of the 13 HBCU sophomores who completed the 4-week professional development fellowship to prepare and empower them for careers in Finance and the U.S. Bank.
THANK YOU U.S. BANK
ABOUT U.S. BANK
U.S. Bancorp, with nearly 70,000 employees and $554 billion in assets as of December 31, 2020, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States.
The Minneapolis-based bank blends its relationship teams, branches and ATM network with digital tools that allow customers to bank when, where and how they prefer. U.S. Bank is committed to serving its millions of retail, business, wealth management, payment, commercial, corporate, and investment customers across the country and around the world as a trusted and responsible financial partner.
This commitment continues to earn a spot on the Ethisphere Institute’s World’s Most Ethical Companies list and puts U.S. Bank in the top 5% of global companies assessed on the CDP A List for climate change action.
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Gartner and HBCU 20x20 are proud to present this paid, 8-week professional development fellowship program that will prepare and empower 15 Black college students for careers at Gartner.
At Gartner, Fellows will deliver actionable, objective insight to executives and their teams. Their expert guidance and tools enable faster, smarter decisions and stronger performance on an organization's mission-critical priorities.
Fellows will learn about an unrivaled combination of expert-led, practitioner-sourced and data-driven research that steers clients toward the right decisions on the issues that matter most. As a $5 billion company, with over 19,500 associates, and a member of the S&P 500, Garnter is an objective partner with 15,000+ client enterprises in more than 100 countries — across all major functions, in every industry and enterprise size — and boast 40+ years of experience providing insights and expert guidance to client enterprises worldwide.
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Stryker stands as one of the most successful companies in the world, with its innovative products and technologies deeply embedded in the healthcare industry. We are thrilled to announce the Stryker + HBCU 20x20 Business Fellows, where students will have the unique opportunity to learn from a true powerhouse about what it takes to build and lead an empire. Throughout this fellowship, participants will gain cutting-edge skills and insights into what it takes to thrive at a company like Stryker while being prepared to be the next generation of business leaders in healthcare and beyond.
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Stryker and HBCU 20x20 are proud to present this paid, professional development fellowship program that will prepare, empower and attract students from historically underrepresented groups into Stryker’s paid marketing opportunities while increasing their knowledge in the field of communications.
Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in professional development workshops focused on the hard and soft skills needed to be successful in the field of marketing.
Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies and, together with our customers, we are driven to make healthcare better. We offer innovative products and services in Medical and Surgical, Neurotechnology, Orthopaedics and Spine that help improve patient and healthcare outcomes.
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Introducing the leaders of the new era! Advertising and marketing are the forces that shape the world's consumers, driving one of the most influential industries today. We are thrilled to announce the second cohort of the Advertising For Change + The Application Creativity Fellowship. This diverse group of students, representing over 10 universities and an impressive range of professional backgrounds, will embark on a transformative 7-week journey. Together, they will hone their skills, ignite their creativity, and prepare to make a powerful impact in the world of advertising and marketing.
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The Application is proud to partner with Advertising for Change (AFC) to host The AFC + The Application Creativity Fellowship.
The Fellowship aims to pipeline 15+ Fellows into the advertising industry and increase their creative skills and knowledge in advertising.
Advertising For Change is a coalition of Atlanta advertising and marketing agencies committed to Diversity & Inclusion as a means for better business for their agencies, and their clients and the city of Atlanta. They will attract, mentor and retain talent from all over the world, not only to cement Atlanta as the city for diverse advertising and marketing professionals but to also set a new standard that crosses industry lines.
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The Martian Blueberry Virtual Writing Fellowship will offer students the opportunity to experience virtual writers workshops and professional development resources that will increase their script writing and creativity skills.
Martian Blueberry is another way of saying “Strange Fruit” like the popular song by Billie Holiday.
Historically, this term has been associated with negative connotations. But, we choose to turn this concept on its head and redefine it as a positive representation of diverse stories and characters. Our mission is to change the paradigm of animation to be more inclusive and representative of diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences. To create content that reflects our world and empowers individuals to be proud of their differences.
So to us Martian Blueberry is a name and a brand that speaks to people who feel alien, like they don't fit in, and we strive to create a community that celebrates diversity and encourages people to embrace their unique perspectives.
We believe that everyone has a story worth telling, and we are committed to providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the animation industry.
The Fellowship will be hosted by the CEO of Martian Blueberry, Carl Jones. Carl Jones is an esteemed producer, writer, and director in the animation industry, known for his work on acclaimed projects such as the Peabody Award-winning The Boondocks and Black Dynamite. His versatile portfolio includes co-creating Adult Swim's Freaknik: The Musical, writing for Comedy Central's Legends of Chamberlain Heights and Adult Swim's The Jellies!, as well as executive producing the animated reboot of Good Times on Netflix and HBO Max's Young Love. Carl also served as the showrunner for Season 3 of TBS's The Last OG and notably directed the 2023 Webby Award-winning animated series Undeniable for Major League Baseball. His impressive track record showcases his ability to produce innovative and compelling content, solidifying his impact on the world of entertainment.
To learn more about Martian Blueberry visit: https://martianblueberry.com/
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SAGSAW and HBCU 20x20 burst back onto the scene, hungry for the next wave of dynamic HBCU leaders! We scoured the ranks for first-year students brimming with ambition, ready to turbocharge their professional skills, unearth thrilling job opportunities and internships, and dive headfirst into the kaleidoscope of industries waiting to be explored.
The Power of Dreams Fellowship became a rocket booster for participants' future careers! With turbocharged workshops, electrifying panels, and pulse-pounding presentations, we ignited a wildfire of inspiration, forging unbreakable bonds with fellow students and industry titans present at the event.
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Save a Girl, Save a World (SAGSAW) & HBCU 20x20 are committed to providing opportunities for Black students to learn and apply the hard and soft skills needed to excel, and this is held true in our 2023 partnership with Honda.
The Power of Dreams Fellowship powered by Honda will take incoming HBCU first year students and provide them with the opportunity to learn more about interviewing, resume development, dressing for success and five different industries.
The program prepares students for their future careers through crash course workshops, panels, and presentations, while providing an opportunity to develop a network with students and professionals in attendance.
Thank you to our partners!
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We're excited you're interested in the Adobe + HBCU 20x20 Fellowship (Cohort III)!
Our Adobe Fellows from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are 40 talented students excelling in the realms of creativity, technology, and digital innovation. These fellows are recognized for their outstanding academic performance and visionary projects. With support from Adobe, they gain access to professional development, mentorship from industry leaders, and unique opportunities to showcase their work. Committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, our Adobe Fellows are at the forefront of digital transformation, paving the way for the next wave of creative leaders and innovators.
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We’re excited to announce that Adobe and HBCU 20x20 | The Application are partnering again for the Adobe HBCU Fellowship: Cohort II. This 8-week professional development fellowship program that will prepare and empower 40 Black college students for careers at Adobe. Fellows will have the opportunity to take courses such as developing a tech resume & cover letter and diversity at Adobe just to name a few. Fellows will also build the soft and hard skills needed to be successful in professional tech careers.
Adobe’s groundbreaking innovations empower everyone, everywhere to imagine, create, and bring any digital experience to life.
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Adobe and HBCU 20x20 are proud to present our paid, 8-week professional development fellowship program that will prepare and empower 41 Juniors for careers at Adobe.
Adobe is the global leader in digital media and digital marketing solutions. Our creative, marketing and document solutions empower everyone – from emerging artists to global brands – to bring digital creations to life and deliver immersive, compelling experiences to the right person at the right moment for the best results. In short, Adobe is everywhere, and we’re changing the world through digital experiences.
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This one of a kind opportunity provided students with a chance to learn more about the business behind the entertainment industry, be paired with a mentor and be referred for internship and career opportunities with UTA in NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles and Nashville.
UTA is one of the most influential companies in global entertainment, spanning across talent representation and content production, as well as strategic advisory and marketing work with some of the world’s biggest brands. UTA is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, New York and London. UTA represents some of the biggest talents in the world including Ms. Lauryn Hill, Burna Boy, Lil Nas X, 21 Savage, Latto and so many more people.
Congratulations to the Fellows below:
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Please welcome the future!
Our Amgen Biotech Fellows are a distinguished group of scholars from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are pioneering advancements in biotechnology. These fellows, chosen for their exceptional academic achievements and innovative research, are dedicated to driving scientific progress and fostering diversity within the field. Through virtual experiences, mentorship, and access to cutting-edge resources, they are shaping the future of biotechnology and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Fellow Criteria/ Requirements:
- Must be a HBCU Juniors, seniors and recent graduates with at least a 3.2 GPA
- Students studying STEM, business, life sciences, engineering, supply chain or data science and other relevant disciplines.
- Interest in Amgen opportunities and the Biotech Industry
Applications are pending review.
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As the biotech industry continues to grow, diversity should be at the forefront. The HBCU BioTech Fellows are the future of the industry, and we are proud to partner with Amgen to prepare them for their careers for this highly selective program.
Over the course of 12 weeks, the fellows will participate in professional development programming, be paired with professionals at Amgen for mentorship and will have the opportunity to interview for internship and full time opportunities upon completion of the program.
The HBCU BioTech Fellows are juniors, seniors and recent graduates that attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities and are passionate about the field of BioTech. The 14 fellows attend 9 HBCUs, majoring in subjects including Biology, Computer Science, Pharmacy and were selected out of more than 75 applicants.
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Amgen + HBCU 20x20 is proud to present the inaugural HBCU BioTech Fellowship program cohort. This paid 8-week professional development program will prepare and empower 30 HBCU students (and soon-to-be graduates) for careers at Amgen.
These fellows are Juniors, Seniors, Graduate, PharmD and Medical School students that attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities and are passionate about the field of BioTech and are the future of the industry.
THANK YOU AMGEN
About Amgen
Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.
Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people’s lives. A biotechnology innovator since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world’s leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.
Amgen has a presence in approximately 100 countries and regions worldwide and their innovative medicines have reached millions of people in the fight against serious illnesses. Amgen focuses on six therapeutic areas: cardiovascular disease, oncology, bone health, neuroscience, nephrology and inflammation. Their medicines typically address diseases for which there are limited treatment options, or they are medicines that provide a viable option to what is otherwise available.
Learn more about AMGEN by visiting Amgen.com.
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DreamWorks Animation + HBCU 20x20 are proud to present the LAUNCH: HBCU Fellows.
This paid, 8-week professional development program will prepare and empower 15 HBCU students (and soon-to-be graduates) for careers at DreamWorks Animation. Fellows will have the opportunity to take courses such as How to Build Your Brand, Finding Your Identity in the Workplace, Achieving Diversity On Screen, just to name a few. Fellows will build the soft and hard skills needed to be successful in LAUNCHing their professional careers.
THANK YOU DREAMWORKS ANIMATION
About Dreamworks
DreamWorks Animation is looking for more adventurous dreamers who shoot for the moon. We tell stories about the journeys our unconventional heroes take to make dreams come true. As a growth-minded studio, we pride ourselves on being one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality, award-winning, animated films and series, reaching consumers around the globe. We push to feel more, laugh more, and build immersive new worlds.
DreamWorks creates a diverse array of original content in a varietyof formats, delivering compelling stories with unique characters. We place tremendous value on the experiences our talent brings to the table from their own non-traditional paths to success. We believe in frequent communication and that transparency and trust yield the best work. We are a community of artists, technologists, innovators, and creators, who are passionate about animation and also happen to love eating lunch together. If you are part of the fandom and believe teamwork makes the dream work, join us in #livingthedream and #doingyourdreamwork!
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Our 8-week paid program provides Black college students with the opportunity to explore the hard and soft skills needed to succeed in tech, while providing them with an opportunity to interview for Summer internships and full-time opportunities.
It’s imperative for Black college students to use the knowledge gained inside and outside of the classroom to secure careers in the field of tech, and Tech FORWARD// is dedicated to moving you one step closer.
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Our 8-week paid program provides Black college students with the opportunity to explore the hard and soft skills needed to succeed in tech, while providing them with an opportunity to interview for Summer internships and full-time opportunities.
It’s imperative for Black college students to use the knowledge gained inside and outside of the classroom to secure careers in the field of tech, and Tech FORWARD// is dedicated to moving you one step closer.
Congratulations! TECH FORWARD// Cohort II
HBCU 20x20 Tech FORWARD// Partners