How to Get Into the Network School Fellowship: The Four-Stage Process

The Network School Fellowship is a funding program that provides up to $100,000 to promising projects emerging from the NS community. It is designed to support members who are building startups, tools, or initiatives that align with the Network School ecosystem. The fellowship is not a grant with no strings attached. It is structured as an investment in your project, with terms that are disclosed during the application process. Fellows receive not just capital but also mentorship, community support, and access to the broader NS network. The fellowship is one of the strongest incentives for entrepreneurially minded members.

To be eligible for the fellowship, you must be an active Network School member. This means you need to have completed at least one month of membership and be in good standing with the community. You need a clearly defined project or startup idea, ideally one that you have already begun building during your time at NS. Projects in the AI, crypto, health tech, and education spaces tend to be well-received, though the fellowship is not limited to these domains. Team applications are accepted, and having a co-founder who is also an NS member can strengthen your proposal.

The fellowship application proceeds through four stages. First, you submit a written application describing your project, team, traction, and funding needs. Second, you present your idea to a panel that includes NS leadership and potentially external advisors. Third, selected candidates enter a due diligence phase where your project is evaluated more thoroughly. Fourth, final decisions are made and funding terms are presented. The entire process can take several weeks, and not every stage has a fixed timeline. The number of fellowships awarded per cycle varies based on the quality of applications.

Start building before you apply. The fellowship favors projects that have demonstrated some traction, even if minimal. Having users, a working prototype, or early revenue dramatically improves your chances. Participate actively in NS hackathons, as these are natural proving grounds for fellowship-worthy ideas. Get feedback from other members on your concept. Build relationships with the NS team so they are already familiar with your work when you apply. If you are not yet a member, the first step is to join Network School by applying at ns.com, then build toward a fellowship application during your membership.