The Tananbaum Fellowship, also known as the Tananbaum Family Leadership Program for Work and Development, is a merit-based fellowship opportunity designed to provide internship support, mentoring, and enriching educational opportunities for Vassar sophomores and juniors who demonstrate a commitment to professional and personal growth, achievement, and success. This fellowship is intended to support students across a wide range of industries, including the for-profit sector.

Fill out the Tananbaum application

Deadline:

April 15

Eligibility Criteria:

• Current Vassar sophomore or junior with a secured internship in any industry or sector, including for-profit.
• All majors welcome.
• Internships may be paid or unpaid.

Awards:

• Thirty (30) awards total: Twenty (20) awards of $5000 (domestic) or $6000 (international) for juniors; ten (10) awards of $5000 (domestic) or $6000 (international) for sophomores.
• Additional summer earnings relief credit for recipients with unpaid or low-pay internships who have an expected summer earnings contribution.
• Funds will be distributed as follows: $4500 in May/June; $500 in September.

Application Process:

• Application components include the following: information about your confirmed internship, employer confirmation, resume, cover letter, transcript, one letter of recommendation, and a series of short-answer questions.
• Applicants will be notified in early May.

Evaluation Criteria:

Candidates will be evaluated on the basis of four primary criteria:

• Establishment of a clear connection between their immediate career goals and future professional goals.
• Demonstration of a record of constructive endeavors, both on campus and during previous summers and other extended breaks.
• Evidence of motivation, resourcefulness, maturity, and the ability to take initiative.
• Demonstrated academic commitment and accomplishment.

As this is a merit-based fellowship, financial need is not a consideration in the selection process. Additionally, proposed internships should be full-time in nature (eg, 30–40 hours/week for at least 6 weeks).

Expectations:

Recipients will be expected to:

1. Provide employer confirmation and communicate with the CCE regarding any status changes.
2. Attend 2–3 cohort meetings.
3. Complete a Learning Contract.
4. Complete a brief mid-summer check-in.
5. Write a thank you letter to the donor at the end of the summer (recommended: include a photo of you and/or your internship).
6. Attend an in-person or Zoom gathering with the donor in the fall.

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.

The Tananbaum Family Leadership Program for Work and Development is made possible through the generosity of Steven Tananbaum ’87 and Lisa Tananbaum.

View a list of past Tananbaum Fellowship recipients.