Do Good Accelerator 2026 ($2,000 Stipend for Student Social Innovators)

Applications are now open for the Do Good Accelerator 2026, an eight-week fellowship programme designed to help student changemakers strengthen, test, and scale projects that create positive social and environmental impact. Organized by the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland, the accelerator provides participants with expert coaching, professional development opportunities, collaborative learning experiences, and a $2,000 stipend upon successful completion of the programme.

The accelerator is intended for students who have moved beyond the idea stage and are already implementing projects or social ventures that benefit their communities. Through structured coaching sessions, workshops, and dedicated project time, fellows receive the guidance and resources needed to transform promising initiatives into sustainable solutions with greater impact.

Whether participants are addressing challenges related to education, climate action, public health, community development, social justice, or another area of public good, the programme provides an environment where innovative ideas can grow through mentorship, collaboration, and practical experience.

About the Programme

The Do Good Accelerator was established to support students who are passionate about using innovation and entrepreneurship to solve real-world problems. Recognizing that many impactful projects require more than just funding, the programme combines financial support with coaching, networking, and skill development.

During the eight-week fellowship, participants dedicate approximately eight hours each week to advancing their projects. This time includes one-on-one coaching sessions, independent project work, participation in workshops, and engagement with a community of fellow student innovators.

The accelerator emphasizes practical learning. Instead of focusing only on classroom instruction, fellows work directly on their own initiatives while receiving feedback from experienced mentors. Participants also attend panel discussions, professional development sessions, and community events that introduce useful tools, strategies, and resources for scaling social ventures.

By the end of the programme, fellows are expected to have strengthened their projects, expanded their leadership skills, and increased the overall impact of their initiatives within their communities.

Programme Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• A $2,000 stipend upon successful completion of the fellowship.
• Individual coaching and mentoring from experienced advisors.
• Access to an eight-week accelerator programme.
• Professional development workshops.
• Practical training in social entrepreneurship.
• Dedicated workspace and project support.
• Networking opportunities with fellow student innovators.
• Access to community events and panel discussions.
• Resources to strengthen and expand existing projects.
• A supportive environment focused on increasing social impact.

Programme Activities

Throughout the fellowship, participants will engage in activities such as:

• Weekly one-on-one coaching sessions.
• Independent project development.
• Interactive workshops.
• Skills development programmes.
• Community networking events.
• Panel discussions with experienced professionals.
• Peer collaboration and feedback sessions.
• Strategic planning for project growth.
• Impact measurement and evaluation.

These activities are designed to help fellows strengthen both their projects and their leadership capacity.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be current students at the University of Maryland, College Park.
• Be actively working on a project or social venture.
• Be in the implementation phase of their initiative rather than the idea stage.
• Be committed to participating throughout the eight-week programme.
• Be available to dedicate approximately eight hours per week during the fellowship

Required Application Materials

Applicants should complete the online application and provide any information requested by the Do Good Institute. This generally includes:

• Completed application form.
• Information about the applicant's social impact project.
• Details of the project's current stage of implementation.
• Responses to programme questions.
• Any additional materials requested during the application process.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Stage of project implementation.
• Potential for community impact.
• Commitment to social innovation.
• Willingness to engage fully in the programme.
• Overall quality and feasibility of the project.
• Applicant's motivation and leadership potential.

How to Apply

To apply:

1. Visit the official Do Good Accelerator application page.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Provide detailed information about your project or social venture.
4. Review your application carefully before submission.
5. Submit your application before September 14, 2026.