I-Stem Fellowship Program
A six-week employment readiness fellowship for high-potential students and young professionals with disabilities who want to build skills, mentorship networks, and pathways into meaningful corporate careers.
About the fellowship program
People with disabilities continue to face challenges in accessing equal academic and professional opportunities, especially in high-growth industries. There is also a lack of support community and mentorship opportunities. With a view to highlight the abilities of people with disabilities and change the discourse around disability, I-Stem has launched the I-Stem Employment Readiness Fellowship Program. The program identifies and supports exceptional students and professionals with disabilities interested in working in the corporate world across diverse fields. The six-week program provides resources, opportunities, and support to help participants develop their skills and find meaningful employment. Open to all students and young professionals with disabilities, visible or invisible, the program provides 1:1 mentoring with an I-Stem core team member, 1:1 mentoring with an industry professional, access to exclusive opportunities, and a community of other exceptional fellows.
What fellows receive
A structured mix of coaching, mentorship, training, interview preparation, community, and partner access designed around each fellow’s goals.
Career coaching and consulting
Every fellow receives individualized coaching to identify the skills they need to achieve their goals. An individualized plan is then developed, with an I-Stem core team member guiding the fellow for a year. Fellows are also paired with an industry mentor for additional support and guidance.
Training
Based on each fellow’s goals, I-Stem recommends relevant training and certification programs. In some cases, fellows are financially supported to complete these programs.
Community mentorship
I-Stem fellows join the broader I-Stem community, where they can network with other members, including successful professionals in industry. Fellows also join a dedicated fellows community that receives exclusive invitations to special events and opportunities.
Interview preparation
I-Stem provides an interview preparation package to help fellows prepare for technical interviews and conducts mock interviews to give them a feel for actual interview settings.
Invitation to I-Stem partner events
Fellows receive a fully paid trip to a partner event in Bangalore, including learning and networking opportunities with corporate partners and successful professionals with and without disabilities across industries.
Connections with company partners
I-Stem works closely with several corporate partners, some of whom are actively engaged in the fellowship program. While placement cannot be guaranteed, the team works with each fellow to help them find suitable roles and make connections as required. Corporate mentors may also help advocate for fellows within their organisations when there is a match.