Hillhouse Fellows Application
HILLHOUSE FELLOWS is an independent nonprofit fellowship backed by
Yale Ventures and supported by leading venture capital firms including
Lux Capital, dedicated to helping exceptional Yale undergraduates develop into technical leaders. Fellows join a selective community focused on entrepreneurship, with
direct access to founders and investors.
Through weekly dinners and occasional trips to NYC, fellows build relationships in intimate in-person settings with accomplished mentors from places such as Google, Meta, Palantir, OpenAI,
and leading startups and venture firms. The program includes an Entrepreneurship Practicum with primary areas of focus selected by fellows.
All fellows will have access to exclusive paid summer internship opportunities with vetted technology startups, including portfolio companies of Hillhouse venture capital partners. Hillhouse is committed to helping fellows secure meaningful roles by providing dedicated support, resources, and direct introductions to high-growth startups. While placement isn't guaranteed, we work closely with our network to give fellows the best possible chance of landing impactful summer positions aligned with their interests.
Fellows also join a lasting network of Yale technology leaders who continue to support each other's professional growth and ventures long after graduation.
Applications close January 12th, 2025.
Tell us a bit about yourself
Hillhouse Fellows is open to students from all years at Yale College. If you are graduating off-cycle, round to the following summer (e.g. fall 2026 should put 2027).
What STEM classes have you taken while at Yale? We’re looking to see how you’ve engaged with STEM during your time here. List any classes you think are relevant, from computer science to biology, engineering, or beyond.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to date?
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Think about a moment you’re proud of—a milestone that reflects your values, skills, and aspirations. It doesn’t have to be something traditional or conventional; we want to know what feels meaningful to you. This could be a chance to discuss something you've built.
Think about a person whose life or work has made a meaningful impact on you. This could be a historical figure, someone in your personal life, or a leader in your field. What about them inspires you?
What’s something that you believe that few people would agree with you on?
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What do you believe is the most important technology that has emerged in the past two decades?
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What innovation do you think has had the most profound impact on the world? Why?
Why are you applying to be a Hillhouse Fellow?
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What draws you to this fellowship? Tell us why it resonates with your goals, values, and future aspirations. Make it personal—what excites you about this opportunity?
What impact do you want to have in the world and why?
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Really tell us who you are. Don’t fake the “impact you want to make in the world” essay just because you can make it sound impressive. Tie it in with your story. Make it genuine. Tell us not only why you want this fellowship but why you deserve to be in it. Show us how you’ll take this fellowship beyond the summer.
Please attach your resume as a PDF.
Provide the email of a teacher, mentor, or advisor who knows you well and can vouch for your skills, character, and potential. They may be contacted during the review process.
What is your availability in the Spring 2025 Semester? (Select all possible)
Hillhouse primarily meets through weekly dinners and events, typically requiring 2-4 hours per week. While the exact time commitment varies based on our guest speakers and special events, we expect fellows to actively participate in our community programming. Please share your (estimated) schedule availability to help us plan events that maximize fellow participation and engagement with our guests.
What is your working availability Summer 2025? (Select all possible)
Your schedule can be updated later. We want to see how fellows might engage with Hillhouse's opportunities, including participating in summer startup internships.
*By submitting this form, you consent to Hillhouse storing and sharing your data within our partner network only. Program details subject to change.
