Alumni launch COVID-19 Business Fellowship Program
Responding to thousands of invaluable internships cancelled because of COVID-19, two recent University of Illinois alumni have created a way to simultaneously support their fellow Illini and the many small businesses impacted by the pandemic throughout Illinois.
College of Media graduate Walker Post (BS ’18, journalism) and Gies College of Business alumnus Alex Littleton (BS ’18) have launched the COVID-19 Business Fellowship Program. It matches talented students throughout Illinois with restaurants, salons, and other small businesses that need help reimagining how to engage customers in the “new normal.” This summer’s goal is to help at least 50 businesses create innovative, digital-first marketing, advertising, and communication projects (June 8-August 17).
Applications for student fellowships and businesses are open now through May 29. The program will prioritize rising sophomores through seniors and pro bono support for companies with fewer than 50 employees. Since its launch May 11, the program has received more than 150 applications for junior and senior mentors and fellows.
“What started as a way to solve a short-term problem is quickly growing into something that can be meaningful to both students and businesses beyond this summer,” Post said.