UNLOCK OPPORTUNITY
Scholarships for Fellows,
funded by Fellows.
Fellows give to the Access Initiative so high potential leaders are not locked out of the opportunity to build and grow with the On Deck community.
Unlocking Access. Increasing Opportunity.
The On Deck Access Initiative ensures that top talent can access On Deck programs and that ability to pay is not a barrier to entry.
We’ve created programs that bundle rigorous content, inspiring and supportive communities, and valuable credentials.
We are constantly driven by the desire to take our mission one step further.
Talent and potential is spread far and wide around the world.
On Deck was created to bring together the power of the internet with the power of education to support founders and builders who want to solve the world’s biggest problems.
The On Deck Access Initiative ensures that talented and ambitious builders have every opportunity to become On Deck Fellows.
The idea for the Access Initiative was sparked as more and more On Deck Fellows came to us asking how they could help more people join our fellowship programs, especially people who don’t yet have the resources or networks to start companies or launch their careers.
The Access Initiative has become the On Deck community’s way to channel its desire to pay it forward.
To build on what our Fellows have started, On Deck to pledged our commitment to match dollar-for-dollar up to $1,000,000 in Fellow donations across 2021.
in Fellow donations across 2021.
How it works
Fellow or Former Fellow makes a donation to the Access Initiative.
Incoming Fellows receives a scholarship award from the Access Initiative.
Launches a company, finds a cofounder, or joins a team. Starts something.
Makes a donation to the Access Initiative to create more scholarships.
FAQ
The Access Initiative is managed through a partnership with Impact Investing Charitable Foundation, Inc. a United States 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN: 47-3574130). All donations go to the Foundation.
Additionally, On Deck has a partnership with Overflow to process online donations. This allows for contributions to go directly to the Impact Foundation. Overflow was founded by On Deck Founder Fellowship alumni Vance Roush (ODF2) and Kyle Woumn (ODF3).
The Access Initiative is dedicated to supporting people who have the talent and drive to build great startups and progress their careers in technology, but lack the typical background or resources to do so.
This is how it works:
1. A Fellow applies and is accepted to participate in an On Deck program.
2. Once accepted, the Fellow can work with the On Deck team to determine need and potentially a scholarship award.
3. Once Fellows are “off deck” again — having either found a job or started a company — we encourage them to contribute back to the Access Initiative to provide support for future Fellows.
Yes. Donations are made to the Impact Investing Charitable Foundation, Inc. The Impact Foundation is a U.S. 501(c)(3) charitable entity (IRS EIN: 47-3574130).
Additionally, you can choose to donate via stock which provides further tax benefits, such as reducing capital gains tax exposure.
Fellows apply for a scholarship after being selected to join an On Deck program. Scholarship applications are reviewed by an independent team following a procedure with standards based on financial need.