Moral Ambition
University Fellowship
We believe that talented university students should channel their ambition toward solving the defining challenges of our time.
The Moral Ambition University Fellowship is a program for Stanford juniors to choose a different kind of internship, and spend their summer working on high-impact causes.
Let’s redefine success
The Moral Ambition University 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 will receive a $15,000 stipend for the summer.
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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.
Application due
Applications for the program open on October 6th and are due on October 27th. Sign up to 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 Stanford 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
Why Stanford?
For decades, universities like Stanford have funneled their talented alumni into careers that optimize profit margins. We hope that by redirecting even a small number of students toward problems like climate change, wealth inequality, or global health, that it will have a ripple effect across campuses nationwide.
What criteria are used to select candidates for the Fellowships?
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 learn more about you and your motivations.
What if I have questions about University Fellowships that weren’t answered here?
Please email our US Executive Director and Universities Lead at laura@moralambition.org.
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Meet Our Fellows
They quit their jobs, joined the fellowship, and didn't look back. See where they are now.
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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.
