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FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

Join the TOM Fellowship, a 9-month International Leadership Program built to support students who seek to apply technology and innovation to solve unmet challenges faced by people with disabilities, the elderly, and vulnerable groups in their communities.​

Fellowship by the Numbers

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129

Fellows

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68

Campuses

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16

Countries

Participated in the TOM Fellowship since 2019

FAQs
  • What can a TOM Fellow expect?
    All TOM Fellows... Learn. Enhance their leadership skills and learn about the intersection of design, engineering, and social impact through hands on workshops and curated programming. Lead. Establish and grow a TOM community on campus by leading TOM activities and creating solutions for people with unmet needs in your community. Check out examples of past TOM activities and projects in the "Explore Past TOM Activities" section below! Connect. Collaborate and network with a cohort of Fellows from all over the world who share a passion and commitment to societal change through innovation and technology.
  • What's the curriculum like?
    The program consists of workshops and seminars covering a range of theoretical concepts and practical know-how on three-pillars: Community Organizing How to share your community's story. How to manage and fund your community. Accessibility How to build empathy in your community. How to work with people with disabilities. Inclusive Product Design How to build affordable products for local manufacturing by anyone, anywhere.
  • How long is the Fellowship?
    The TOM Fellowship is a 9-month program, running from September to May.
  • Who should apply to be TOM Fellow?
    Anyone who is... A self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit and a knack for positive social impact A natural leader that likes to work with people and get them excited about big ideas Committed to setting goals and achieving results with a ‘can do’ attitude Excited about using tech for good and solving complex challenges Proficient in English and comfortable speaking in front of others Keep in mind that Felllowship applicants must be proficient in English and currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate or PhD program at an accredited institution. Past TOM Fellows occupy a diverse array of academic backgrounds including, but not limited to: Architecture, Biology, Cognitive Science, Engineering, Design, Occupational and Physical Therapy, Medicine, Management, Mathematics, Nursing and Urban Planning.
  • Does the TOM Fellowship program cost money?
    No! There is no fee to participate in the program.
  • Are TOM Fellows funded?
    TOM Fellows in qualifying locations receive community seed funding and a personal stipend for their participation in the program.
  • What are the responsibilities of a TOM Fellow?
    TOM Fellows responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Creating and/or growing a TOM community of makers and social entrepreneurs on their campus. Leading TOM activities to design, build, and distribute innovative solutions for people with unmet needs. Participating in the 9-month Leadership Program along with other TOM Fellows.
  • Which schools currently have TOM Fellows?
    United States Georgia Tech University Vanderbilt Florida International University University of Michigan University of Pennsylvania University of Maryland Cal State San Marcos New York University Cooper Union Yeshiva University Duke University Pennsylvania State University University of Virginia University of Southern California Carnegie Mellon University Gallaudet University Cornell University New Jersey Institute of Technology Emory University University of Pittsburgh Thomas Jefferson University-East Falls University of Texas-Austin Chatham University Tulane University Cal State-Los Angeles Harvey Mudd Widener University Israel Afeka College Azrieli College Ben Gurion University Braude College Hadassah Academic College Holon Institute of Technology Sami Shamoon College Shankar College Technion Tel Aviv University Kibbutzim College Global Flinders University Swinburne University Bahir Dar Institute of Technology The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) Kyoto University Osaka Prefecture University Universidad Anahuac Mexico Norte Singapore University of Technology and Design Nanyang Technological University Sabancı University Dubai Institute for Design and Innovation Al Najah University

The Fellowship Experience

Explore Past TOM Fellowship Activities

TOM: Vanderbilt Makeathon

The TOM: Vanderbilt community had their annual Makeathon on November 5-7 2021, led by TOM 2022-23 Fellow Lauren Grohowski. The event featured 9 teams of Makers – totaling to more than 60 students – who worked with local children to solve their neglected challenges.​

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Student teams created prototypes including a 3-D printed seat-belt grip that makes buckling in easier, a flute attachment that allows a girl who only has one hand to play, a contraption to promote independent feeding through a feeding tube, and a walker-friendly rain poncho, just to name a few!

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