The IVCA Scholar Program

IVCA Scholar Program 2025 Now Accepting Applications: Help Us Share This Opportunity with Your Undergraduate Students!

The IVCA Scholar Program aims to foster an inclusive industry by promoting gender, racial, and ethnic diversity in venture capital and private equity. Undergraduate students are placed with a venture capital or private equity firm for 10 weeks. During this time, they participate in informational and networking sessions at various investment firms and professional services providers (accounting, investment banking, etc.). The program offers a deep dive into the industry, providing significant exposure to private equity or venture capital. Upon completion, students receive a $10,000 scholarship.

2025 applications are now open! We invite rising 3rd and 4th-year students of any major to apply. Applicants must attend an Illinois college or university or be permanent residents of Illinois. Strong Excel skills are required. We especially encourage students of color to apply, as they are underrepresented in our industry.

Program details and instructions are here and attached for refence.

There is a two-step application process:

Google Form: Fill out the online application form to collect your contact details and general information.

PDF Submission: Email ivca.scholar@illinoisvc.org your application as one document that includes all required five elements:

Student’s contact information (home and school); preferred email, phone numbers.

Resume or CV.

Unofficial transcript or a list of classes (through the current term) and grades in each completed class.

Description of student’s general Excel skills and experiences with financial modeling, market analysis using specific examples.

Essay (500 words or fewer) describing the applicant’s interest in venture capital and/or private equity and how it ties into their career plans.

Note: the steps listed above must be followed and completed or the application will not be considered.

Applications are due by October 31, 2024.

For more details, please see the attached information. If you have any questions, please reach out to at ivca.scholar@illinois.org or contact me directly.