Orr Fellowship opens applications for 2026 cohort

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Orr Fellowship, a premier early career development program in Indiana, is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort, offering opportunities for college seniors to connect with high-growth companies across the state.

Founded in 2001, the Orr Fellowship is named after former Indiana Governor Robert Orr, who was in office from 1981 to 1989.

Since its founding, the Orr Fellowship has matched nearly 700 Fellows with more than 70 Indiana-based partner companies, providing immersive professional experiences, mentorship, and leadership opportunities to strengthen Indiana’s workforce pipeline.

“In addition to setting Fellows up for a successful post-graduate career, the program creates an invaluable sense of community,” Steven Emch, president of Orr Fellowship, said in a release.

With chapters in Indianapolis and Evansville, Orr Fellowship aims to retain talent and fuel Indiana’s future workforce. The program is a two-year commitment, and many Fellows continue with their partner companies beyond this period or pursue graduate school.

In 2024 alone, 13 new Indiana-based companies joined as partners, expanding opportunities for Fellows to gain full-time employment in various job functions such as marketing, engineering, consulting, and sales.

Orr Fellowship has grown exponentially, particularly with its expansion to southwest Indiana last year, adding more than a dozen Evansville-based companies to its program.

How to Qualify

Qualified candidates for the upcoming cohort must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher and demonstrate leadership and impactful experiences. They must also have authorization to work in the United States.

Through a partnership with IU Kelley School of Business Indianapolis, Orr Fellowship alumni have an expedited pathway into the Kelley Evening MBA program, which includes a scholarship for Orr Fellows and acceptance of credit hours towards the degree.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 26, 2025.

Click here to learn more about about the application process and submit an application.

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