The University of Maryland Do Good Accelerator Fellows Program is an opportunity for current University of Maryland, College Park students who are developing projects, social ventures, or initiatives designed to create meaningful change in society, the environment, or the future.
Organized by the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland, the Accelerator Fellows Program is designed to give students the practical support, mentorship, resources, workspace, and time they need to move promising ideas forward and increase their social impact.
For students who are already implementing a project and want to strengthen, test, develop, or scale their work, the program provides an opportunity to spend a semester working within a supportive environment alongside coaches and other students pursuing social impact.
The Fall 2026 Accelerator Fellows Program will run for eight weeks, from September 28 through November 20, 2026. Selected fellows are required to dedicate 8 hours per week to the Do Good Accelerator and will receive a $2,000 stipend upon successful completion of the fellowship.
Applications open on August 3, 2026, and close on September 14, 2026.
About the University of Maryland Do Good Accelerator Fellows Program
The Do Good Accelerator Fellows Program is a student-focused initiative created to help University of Maryland students turn ideas and social impact projects into stronger, more sustainable initiatives.
The program recognizes that having a good idea is only the beginning. Students working on social ventures often need access to experienced guidance, resources, a dedicated workspace, development opportunities, and a community of people who understand the challenges involved in creating impact.
The Accelerator provides these forms of support through an intensive eight-week program.
Participants can use the fellowship to:
- Explore and develop an existing project.
- Test an idea or approach.
- Improve a project that is already operating.
- Strengthen the impact of a social venture.
- Develop strategies for scaling an initiative.
- Receive individualized coaching.
- Learn practical skills through workshops and webinars.
- Connect with other students working on meaningful projects.
- Access resources and workspace.
- Dedicate structured time to advancing their initiative.
The program is particularly suited to students who have moved beyond the initial idea stage and are already implementing their projects.
Fall 2026 Accelerator Fellows Program
The Fall 2026 cohort is an eight-week fellowship program designed for current University of Maryland, College Park students.
Unlike opportunities that focus primarily on developing an idea from scratch, the Accelerator specifically identifies the ideal fellow as someone who is already in the implementation phase and is currently making an impact within the community.
This means applicants should ideally have more than just an idea. They should be able to demonstrate that they are actively working on a project, initiative, organization, social venture, or other form of impact-driven work.
The program can then provide the support needed to help the student take that work to the next level.
Fall 2026 Program Dates and Timeline
Applicants should keep the following dates in mind:
- Application Opens: August 3, 2026
- Application Closes: September 14, 2026
- Fall Fellows Notified: September 24, 2026
- Program Begins: September 28, 2026
- Program Ends: November 20, 2026
- Program Duration: 8 weeks
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the University of Maryland Do Good Accelerator Fellows Program Fall 2026 cohort is September 14, 2026.
Students interested in the opportunity should complete their applications and submit all required information before the deadline.
Applicants are encouraged not to wait until the final day to apply, particularly if additional information or preparation is required for the application.
What Does the Do Good Accelerator Fellows Program Offer?
The University of Maryland Do Good Accelerator provides several forms of support intended to help fellows strengthen their projects and increase their impact.
1. One-on-One Coaching and Advising
One of the central features of the fellowship is individualized coaching.
Each week, fellows participate in one-on-one coaching sessions designed to address the specific needs of their projects.
This is particularly valuable because social impact initiatives can face very different challenges depending on their stage of development.
Through coaching, students can receive guidance as they work through issues related to developing, testing, improving, or scaling their projects.
The individualized nature of the coaching also allows fellows to focus on the areas where their particular initiative needs the most attention.
2. Workshops and Webinars
Fellows will participate in developmental activities designed to expose them to useful tools, knowledge, and resources.
The program includes:
- Workshops
- Webinars
- Panel discussions
- Community events
- Other developmental programming
These activities are intended to help students develop diverse skills that can contribute to the success of their projects.
Rather than simply receiving theoretical information, fellows can use what they learn to address practical challenges within their initiatives.
3. Dedicated Workspace and Resources
The program provides fellows with access to workspace and resources through the Do Good Accelerator.
Having a dedicated environment can be particularly useful for students balancing academic responsibilities with project development.
The fellowship creates structured time for students to focus on their initiatives and work alongside other students who are also pursuing social impact.
4. Community of Like-Minded Students
Another important component of the program is the opportunity to become part of a community of students working on projects intended to create positive change.
Fellows participate in group activities and community programming where they can interact with peers who are also developing their own initiatives.
This environment can encourage:
- Collaboration
- Knowledge sharing
- Peer learning
- Networking
- Exposure to different approaches to social impact
- New ideas and perspectives
Being surrounded by other students who are actively working on meaningful projects can also help participants remain motivated throughout the fellowship.
$2,000 Stipend for Successful Fellows
Selected Fall 2026 fellows will receive a $2,000 stipend upon successful completion of the fellowship.
This is an important financial benefit for students because the program requires fellows to dedicate 8 hours each week to the Do Good Accelerator.
The stipend is therefore tied to successful completion of the fellowship rather than simply being an upfront award.
Applicants should understand the program’s participation requirements before applying and be prepared to commit the required time throughout the eight-week program.
Weekly Time Commitment
Fall 2026 fellows are required to work 8 hours per week at the Do Good Accelerator.
During those weekly hours, students will participate in activities including:
- One-on-one coaching sessions.
- Independent work on their projects.
- Workshops and webinars.
- Panel discussions.
- Community activities.
- Other developmental programming.
This structure is intended to balance focused independent project work with mentorship and collaborative learning.
Students considering applying should evaluate their academic schedules and other commitments to make sure they can consistently dedicate eight hours each week to the program.
Who Should Apply?
The Accelerator Fellows Program is particularly relevant for students who are already actively working on an initiative.
The University of Maryland identifies the ideal student as someone who is in the implementation phase and is currently impacting the community.
A strong prospective applicant could therefore be someone who:
- Has an established social impact project.
- Is actively implementing an initiative.
- Has already begun creating community impact.
- Is developing a social venture.
- Wants to test or improve an existing approach.
- Wants to scale an existing project.
- Needs professional coaching and guidance.
- Would benefit from structured development time.
- Wants access to workshops and useful resources.
- Is interested in learning alongside other student changemakers.
Simply having an idea may not make someone the strongest candidate because the program specifically emphasizes students who are already implementing their work.
What Types of Projects Can Benefit From the Program?
The information provided does not restrict the Accelerator to one particular social impact sector.
The program broadly refers to ideas and projects that could change:
- Someone’s life
- The environment
- The future
This creates room for students working on different types of social impact initiatives.
Potential examples could include projects addressing:
- Community development
- Education
- Environmental sustainability
- Social entrepreneurship
- Public service
- Nonprofit initiatives
- Community empowerment
- Other social or environmental challenges
However, applicants should focus on accurately describing their actual project rather than attempting to reshape their initiative simply to fit a perceived category.
The strongest applications are likely to clearly explain the problem being addressed, what the project is doing, the impact already achieved, and what additional support is needed to move the initiative forward.
Eligibility Requirements
The Fall 2026 Accelerator Fellows Program is open to all current University of Maryland, College Park students.
This is the primary eligibility requirement explicitly stated in the program information.
Applicants should be:
- Current students at the University of Maryland, College Park.
- Working on a project, initiative, or social venture that can benefit from the Accelerator’s support.
- Ideally, in the implementation phase of their project and already creating community impact.
- Able to commit 8 hours per week during the fellowship.
- Able to participate in the program from September 28 to November 20, 2026.
Academic Major Requirements
The announcement does not state that applicants must study a particular subject.
Therefore, no specific major or field of study should be assumed to be required based on the available program information.
GPA Requirement
No minimum GPA requirement is stated in the provided announcement.
Students should nevertheless carefully review the official application portal for any additional requirements or questions that may apply during the application process.
Age Requirement
No specific age requirement is stated in the program information provided.
Nationality and Geographic Eligibility
The announcement does not identify a nationality requirement or restriction.
However, the program is specifically open to current University of Maryland, College Park students.
Consequently, this should not be treated as a general fellowship open to anyone around the world.
International students who are currently enrolled at the University of Maryland, College Park may potentially qualify because eligibility is based on current student status rather than a stated nationality or continental restriction.
Someone who is not currently enrolled at UMD College Park would not qualify based on the eligibility criteria provided.
Race and Ethnicity Requirements
The provided program information does not specify any race, ethnicity, or racial eligibility requirement.
The opportunity is described as being open to all current University of Maryland, College Park students.
Program Benefits at a Glance
Successful fellows can benefit from:
- $2,000 stipend upon successful completion.
- Eight-week structured fellowship experience.
- One-on-one coaching and advising.
- Workshops and webinars.
- Panel discussions and community events.
- Access to workspace.
- Dedicated time to work on a project.
- Developmental activities and resources.
- Networking with like-minded student innovators.
- Opportunities to strengthen an existing social impact initiative.
- Support for exploring, testing, or scaling a project or social venture.
How to Apply for the University of Maryland Accelerator Fellows Program
Students interested in the Fall 2026 Accelerator Fellows Program can submit their applications through the official University of Maryland Do Good Accelerator application portal.
Application Portal:
https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/acceleratorfellows
Official Do Good Institute Website: https://dogood.umd.edu/research-impact/projects/accelerator-fellows
More fellowship opportunities visit the OFY Website HERE
Applicants should review the application requirements carefully and provide information that clearly demonstrates their project’s current stage and impact.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Although the announcement does not provide a detailed scoring rubric, applicants can strengthen their applications by clearly communicating the substance and progress of their work.
1. Explain the Problem
Start by clearly explaining the problem your initiative is addressing.
A strong description should make it easy for someone unfamiliar with your project to understand:
- What problem exists?
- Who is affected?
- Why does the problem matter?
- Why does it need attention?
2. Demonstrate That You Are Already Taking Action
Because the ideal Accelerator Fellow is in the implementation phase, applicants should clearly distinguish between an idea and an active project.
If applicable, describe:
- What you have already done.
- Who has benefited.
- Where the project is being implemented.
- How long the initiative has been operating.
- What results you have achieved.
- Evidence of community engagement.
Concrete examples can make the project’s progress easier to understand.
3. Explain Your Impact
Don’t simply state that your project is creating impact.
Explain what that impact looks like.
For example, applicants might discuss measurable outcomes such as:
- Number of people reached.
- Number of beneficiaries served.
- Communities involved.
- Partnerships established.
- Services delivered.
- Environmental outcomes.
- Educational outcomes.
- Revenue or sustainability progress for a social venture.
The specific measurements will depend on the nature of the project.
4. Identify Your Biggest Challenges
The Accelerator exists to provide support, so applicants should be honest about the areas where their projects need development.
Consider explaining challenges involving:
- Strategy.
- Scaling.
- Sustainability.
- Operations.
- Community engagement.
- Partnerships.
- Measuring impact.
- Project development.
- Resource mobilization.
- Communication.
This can help demonstrate why participating in the Accelerator would be valuable to the project.
5. Explain How the Accelerator Can Help
Applicants should connect their project’s needs with the resources available through the program.
For example, you could explain how you would benefit from:
- One-on-one coaching.
- Workshops.
- Expert guidance.
- Peer learning.
- Workspace.
- Dedicated project-development time.
- Community connections.
- Developmental programming.
The goal is to show that you understand what the Accelerator provides and have a clear reason for wanting to participate.
Why the University of Maryland Accelerator Fellowship Stands Out
The Accelerator Fellows Program is different from a conventional scholarship because its primary purpose is not simply to provide financial assistance for education.
It is designed around project development and social impact.
The $2,000 stipend is one component of the program, but fellows also receive structured coaching, developmental programming, resources, workspace, and a community of peers.
For a student who already has a project making an impact, this combination can provide both the time and support needed to strengthen the initiative.
The program can also give students an opportunity to develop practical skills beyond what they may learn through their academic coursework.
What Happens During the Eight-Week Fellowship?
The program combines several activities rather than requiring students to spend all eight hours each week in workshops.
Fellows will spend time working independently on their projects, receiving coaching, participating in developmental activities, and engaging with other students.
Independent Project Work
Students will dedicate structured time to advancing their individual projects.
This could involve developing strategies, testing ideas, improving operations, working with beneficiaries, measuring impact, building partnerships, or addressing other project-specific needs.
Coaching Sessions
Participants will engage in one-on-one sessions designed to provide personalized guidance based on the needs of their individual projects.
Developmental Programming
Workshops, webinars, panel discussions, and community events will expose fellows to tools and resources that can support their development.
Peer and Community Engagement
Group activities provide opportunities to interact with other students pursuing social impact and learn from their experiences.
This combination creates a structured environment in which students can both work on their projects and learn how to improve them.
Questions About the Program
Students who have questions about the Accelerator Fellows Program can contact Kisha McNeill, Do Good Accelerator Manager.
Email: kisham@umd.edu
Kisha McNeill serves as Manager of the Do Good Accelerator at the University of Maryland Do Good Institute.
Applicants with questions about eligibility, the application process, or the fellowship structure can contact the program manager for clarification.
Important Things Applicants Should Know
Before applying, prospective fellows should keep several points in mind.
The Opportunity Is University-Specific
This is not a fellowship that is open to the general public. Applicants must be current University of Maryland, College Park students.
The Program Prioritizes Implementation
The university specifically identifies students who are already in the implementation phase and impacting their communities as ideal candidates.
The Stipend Is Conditional
The $2,000 stipend is provided upon successful completion of the fellowship.
There Is a Weekly Time Commitment
Selected fellows must work 8 hours per week at the Do Good Accelerator.
The Program Is Eight Weeks
The Fall 2026 cohort begins on September 28, 2026, and concludes on November 20, 2026.
The Application Deadline Is September 14, 2026
Students interested in applying should submit their applications by September 14, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the University of Maryland Accelerator Fellows Program a scholarship?
No. It is a fellowship program focused on student projects, social impact, and venture development. Although fellows receive a $2,000 stipend upon successful completion, the program also provides coaching, workshops, resources, workspace, and developmental opportunities.
How much is the stipend?
Selected fellows receive a $2,000 stipend upon successful completion of the fellowship.
How long is the program?
The Fall 2026 program lasts eight weeks.
How many hours per week are required?
Fellows are required to work 8 hours per week at the Do Good Accelerator.
Who can apply?
The program is open to all current University of Maryland, College Park students.
Do I need to be in a particular major?
No particular academic major is specified in the provided announcement.
Is there a minimum GPA?
The announcement does not state a minimum GPA requirement.
Can international students apply?
The announcement does not impose a nationality restriction, but applicants must be current University of Maryland, College Park students. Therefore, international students who meet that student-status requirement may potentially apply.
Can someone who is not a UMD student apply?
Based on the stated eligibility criteria, no. The program is specifically open to current University of Maryland, College Park students.
Does my project have to be fully developed?
Not necessarily. The program supports students who are exploring, testing, or scaling projects. However, the university states that the ideal student is in the implementation phase and currently impacting the community.
When does the Fall 2026 program begin?
The program begins on September 28, 2026.
When does it end?
The Fall 2026 program ends on November 20, 2026.
When is the application deadline?
The application closes on September 14, 2026.
Conclusion
The University of Maryland Do Good Accelerator Fellows Program offers current University of Maryland, College Park students an opportunity to turn ongoing social impact work into stronger, more developed, and potentially more scalable initiatives.
With a $2,000 stipend, one-on-one coaching, workshops, webinars, panel discussions, community activities, workspace, and dedicated project-development time, the program provides more than financial assistance. It creates a structured environment in which students can work directly on their initiatives while learning from coaches, resources, and fellow student changemakers.
The opportunity is particularly relevant for students who have moved beyond the idea stage and are already implementing a project or social venture that is creating community impact.
For eligible students, the September 14, 2026 deadline is the key date to remember. Those selected will begin the eight-week Fall 2026 program on September 28, 2026, and complete it on November 20, 2026.
Students who are currently enrolled at UMD College Park and have a project they are actively developing should consider using this opportunity to gain structured support, strengthen their initiative, expand their skills, and increase their social impact.
