Joey Zwicker, 2009 Kessler Fellow, interned at Anybots in California.

Cornell engineering students are full of great ideas! Commercializing them into successful solutions, however, requires more than technical expertise. The Kessler Fellows Program gives selected students the business savvy they need to make the connection.

Established in 2008, this unique opportunity is designed for junior Engineering students interested in entrepreneurism and start-up environments. It is a year long work-study program that combines special educational and employment components. Fellows learn first-hand what it takes to make technological innovations marketable and scalable through a spring course, summer internship and fall symposium series.

Eligibility and Selection

Engineering students are eligible to apply during the fall semester of their Junior year. Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted before winter break. Fellows are selected by the Program Advisory Board comprised of faculty, academic staff and entrepreneurs.

Financial Support

Through the generosity of Andrew J. Kessler '80 EE, Fellows will receive a $2,000 cash prize at the conclusion of the spring course "Essentials of Entrepreneurism" and be paid $1,000 per week for their 10-12 week summer internship. In addition, if they are financial aid recipients, their loans will be substantially reduced during their senior year.

Next Steps

If you are eligible and interested in applying, see:  program details and the application process.