Ellen Rudnick ’72 Student Entrepreneur Funds
The Ellen Rudnick ’72 Student Entrepreneur Funds, managed by the Center for Career Education at Vassar, empower students of all class years to design, launch, and advance their own entrepreneurial ventures during the summer. The fund supports bold, student-led initiatives across a wide range of disciplines—including social innovation, the arts, technology, environmental solutions, education, and beyond.
This fund is designed for students acting as creators, founders, and changemakers, rather than participants in internships (including those at start-ups). Whether you are developing a community arts program, launching a socially conscious product, building a public health initiative, or experimenting with new technology or an innovative business model, the fund supports ventures that reflect vision, initiative, and a commitment to impact.
Award Categories:
Ellen Rudnick ’72 Impact Fellowships—$6000
Awarded to students who will devote full-time effort over the summer (eg, 35–40 hours/week for at least 6 weeks) to developing and implementing well-developed entrepreneurial projects with significant social or community impact. These fellowships are designed for immersive, hands-on engagement that drives meaningful progress and deep community connection.
Ellen Rudnick ’72 Catalyst Awards—$2000
Awarded to students exploring early-stage or experimental ideas who may be balancing their entrepreneurial work alongside other summer commitments, such as internships, research, or coursework. Catalyst Awards support innovation through pilot projects, prototypes, or initial testing phases that can be pursued on a part-time basis.
Fill out the Rudnick application. (Application to open in winter 26/27)
Deadline:
April 15
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to current Vassar first-years, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
- Projects must be student-initiated and student-led.
- Internships of any kind, including start-ups, are not eligible.
Awards:
- Ellen Rudnick ’72 Impact Fellowships—$6000
- Ellen Rudnick ’72 Catalyst Awards—$2000
A total of $20,000 will be awarded annually across both award categories. For example, in a given year, we might support three Impact Fellowships and two Catalyst Awards, or two Impact Fellowships and four Catalyst Awards, etc. This allows the committee to be flexible and responsive to the applicant pool in a given cycle.
Application Components:
Applicants must submit the following materials to provide a comprehensive overview of their venture and plans:
- Current resume or CV
- Transcript and current schedule of classes
- A letter of recommendation from a faculty member or mentor familiar with your project and proposal
- Venture Snapshot / Business Model Summary (1 page)
A concise overview of your venture’s structure and strategy, following a simplified Lean Canvas or Business Model Canvas format. - Budget Proposal
A straightforward breakdown of how you plan to use the funds. - Milestone Timeline
A clear list of project goals, dates, and deliverables. - Optional Pitch Video (1–2 minutes)
- Optional Proof of Concept / Portfolio (if applicable)
For projects in the arts, design, tech, or other creative fields.
Expectations:
Recipients of the Ellen Rudnick ’72 Student Entrepreneur Funds will be expected to:
- Complete a Learning Contract.
- Complete a brief mid-summer check-in.
- Write a thank-you letter to the donor at the end of the summer (recommended: include a photo of you and/or your opportunity).
- Attend a Zoom gathering with the donor and past recipients.
Recipients may also be invited to serve on student panels to share more about their experiences.
Additional notes:
Awards are contingent upon the continued availability of the proposed experience and compliance with the College Policy on Student Travel.
This fund is made possible through the generous support of Ellen Rudnick ’72, Senior Advisor on Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.