University Fellowship
at Princeton
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We believe the most talented university students should channel their ambition toward solving the defining challenges of our time.
The Moral Ambition University Fellowship is an exclusive program for Princeton juniors to choose a different kind of internship and to spend their summer working on high-impact causes.
Info SessioN
Some short text about the event similar to the Career Fair next to it here.
Tuesday, September 8th
6:00 - 7:30pm
Location available at registration
Career Fair
Speak with our campus recruiter at the Fall 2026 Hire Tigers Career Fair.
Friday, September 11th
11:00 am - 2:30 pm
Location available at registration
Let’s redefine success
The Fellowship is built for students who believe ambition should be measured not only by personal success, but by the positive difference they make in the world. Over 10 weeks, fellows will work full-time with a high-impact nonprofit, tackling problems that matter and building connections, both at their host organizations and at group events, with people who have dedicated their careers to doing good. Past fellows have worked on global health, legal aid, EdTech, reducing recidivism, and more.
Fellows receive $15,000 for the summer.
Meet us on campus
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The Program
Junior year is the biggest funnel into consulting and banking — two paths that capture the talent we most need elsewhere. The program is designed to break that pattern and expand how we define ambition at a community like Princeton.
Application due
Applications for the program open in September. Sign up and be notified as soon as applications open.
PLacement exploration
Each accepted fellow will work one-on-one with our University Fellowship Director to find a summer placement that is fit to their experience and interests.
Ramp up
During the spring, fellows will engage with bi-weekly speakers, participate in upskilling workshops, and take part in team-building and bonding activities designed to prepare them for the summer internship.
Internship
Fellows will complete placements at an exceptional host nonprofit. They will develop pivotal skills in modeling, policy research, and philanthropic innovation, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them to make meaningful impact.
Beyond
After the internship, fellows will gain lifelong access to the SMA network, contribute to recruiting and supporting the next cohort, and receive guidance for career placement post-graduation.
We offer
We're looking for
We’re seeking twelve exceptional Princeton juniors who refuse to accept that the only way to be “successful” is to sell out. You should be:
- Curious about neglected problems
- Ready to take bold, thoughtful action to solve those problems
- Eager to spend your summer doing urgent work
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The fellowship began last year as a one-campus trial at Harvard, but The School for Moral Ambition is already expanding the fellowship to a handful of other major universities across the U.S. and hopes to continue growing in the future.
The School for Moral Ambition will execute a matching process between host organizations and selected students starting in May 2026 to ensure tight alignment. We anticipate that host organizations will be high-impact nonprofits with potentially disruptive approaches — for example, one host organization leads the largest no-strings-attached giving program in the world.
Selection is based on the full application rather than any single component. Your academic and extracurricular background are relevant, but we are also interested in learning about how you have and will continue to use your talents to create meaningful impact. Your essay responses will help us start to build that picture, and the interview portion of the process will help us to learn more about you and your motivations.
Please email laura@moralambition.org.
Applicants will submit a resume and respond to two short essays questions and may be invited to on campus interviews with our recruiter.
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They Went Before You
Meet our EU fellows: a group of professionals from different backgrounds who are currently fighting Big Tobacco and helping transform the food system in the EU.
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From the Field shares personal insights and stories from people working on some of the world's most pressing challenges. It is run by our Moral Ambition Fellows: professionals who left successful careers to work on challenges that are sizable, solvable, and sorely overlooked.
Discover More
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Support Us
Start contributing to our mission today — whether it’s by giving your time, your resources, or your expertise. Explore the ways you can get involved and start driving meaningful change with us.
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Our Community
The Moral Ambition Community already connects 25,000+ ambitious idealists from 150+ countries. Create your account to join events, expand your network and form a Moral Ambition Circle.
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Join a Circle
Embark on a structured, peer-led program that uncovers your personalized path to greater impact. Alongside 6-8 peers, you will explore what moral ambition means to you.
