The application for the 2025-2026 cohort is now closed.
Get notified when the application opens for the 2026 – 2027 cohort and information sessions are posted!
Founded in 1996, the Mayfield Fellows Program transforms 12 exceptional Stanford students annually into the entrepreneurs and leaders who shape the world. Our alumni have founded and built billion-dollar businesses, such as Instagram and Gusto, claimed seats on Fortune 500 boards at Starbucks and Disney, and even captured Olympic gold for Team USA in women’s soccer. Through exclusive mentorship from top venture capitalists, immersive startup internships, and expert-guided leadership development, you’ll earn academic credit while forging the relationships and skills that launch extraordinary careers. Join a lifelong network of 360+ accomplished leaders who’ve proven that ambition, properly channeled, knows no limits.
Current Cohort
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Mathematics (BS) and Computer Science (MS) -
Biomedical Computation (BS) & Computer Science (MS) -
M.S./B.S. in Mechanical Engineering -
Mathematics (BS), Computer Science (MS) -
Computer Science and Earth Systems -
Major: Computer Science (AI); Minor: Biology -
Computer Science + Creative Writing -
Environmental Systems Engineering & Sustainability Science and Practice (MS) -
Data Science and Social Systems (BA), Management Science and Engineering (MS) -
Data Science -
International Relations (Energy + Security) -
Economics (BS)
Year-at-a-glance
ENGR 140B: Leadership of Technology Ventures + Paid Internship
Complete a startup internship with executive mentorship, write about and analyze your experience, share experiences across the cohort, and visit other startups to compound learnings.
PLEASE NOTE: MFP class days and times are subject to change depending on the needs of the selected cohort.
Teaching Team
Program Information
The Mayfield Fellows Program represents Stanford’s premier entrepreneurial leadership opportunity, selecting just 12 exceptional undergraduates and co-terminal students annually to join an intensive nine-month journey in technology venture creation. Regardless of academic background or major, Fellows engage in rigorous coursework designed to develop the strategic thinking, innovation capabilities, and leadership acumen essential for building transformative companies.
The program’s distinctive three-course sequence provides comprehensive training in understanding the underpinnings of inflecting venture startups, while a paid summer internship at a leading startup offers invaluable real-world application of theoretical frameworks. Fellows will create a cohesive community especially through the summer where many choose to live together in a house in San Francisco. Fellows benefit from direct mentorship by distinguished industry leaders, including startup founders, venture capitalists, and accomplished faculty members. The program’s academic rigor is exemplified through instruction by seed stage venture firm Floodgate co-founding partner Ann Miura-Ko and renowned entrepreneurship professor Tom Byers, who bring both scholarly expertise and practical industry insight to the classroom.
Upon completion, Fellows emerge equipped with the knowledge, networks, and mindset necessary to establish and lead principled technology ventures that address society’s most pressing challenges.
Eligibility
- Must be an active undergraduate and co-terminal Stanford student during the program
- Must secure a paid internship and reside in the San Francisco Bay Area for the Summer.
- If you are already committed to working somewhere in the Summer of 2026 upon applying, please ensure the company meets the criteria for our Mayfield Summer Employers.
Who Should Apply?
- Students from any discipline or major are encouraged to apply
- Note: This is not an incubator or accelerator. Students are expected to work at a early stage venture backed startup and not on their own idea
Curriculum Highlights
- Culture in Startups (Josh Reeves, Founder and CEO of Gusto, MFP ’05)
- Importance of Teamwork (Naomi Girma, US National Women’s Soccer Team, Gold Medalist, MFP ’21)
- Decision-Making at the Top (Condoleezza Rice – US Secretary of State and Jonathan Levin – President of Stanford University)
- Live Seed Stage Startup Pitches
Testimonials
Summer Employer Info & Application
Why host a Mayfield Fellow?
Mayfield Fellows are 12 of Stanford’s most exceptional undergraduates—deeply entrepreneurial, highly selective, and trained to operate in ambiguity. They’ve been rigorously chosen for initiative, leadership, and the ability to deliver real impact inside fast-moving organizations.
What we ask (and why it’s worth it) We know that this is a meaningful commitment. In return, you’re effectively recruiting not only the intern you host but you’re recruiting from a curated cohort of 12 extraordinary connected Stanford students.
- Paid summer internship (minimum 8 weeks) working on high-impact, real business problems
- Senior-level sponsorship (CEO, founder, or VP)who meets 1:1 with the Fellow periodically to discuss progress and growth
- Hosting one in-person (for SF Bay Area-based companies) cohort visit during the summer
While another team member may manage day-to-day work, the senior sponsor role is essential: Fellows thrive when they have visibility into leadership thinking and decision-making.
To host a Mayfield Fellow, your company should be:
- Series B or earlier (preferred)
- Bay Area–based or remote-friendly
- Offering a paid internship of at least 8 weeks
- Able to provide direct mentorship or reporting line to C-suite or VP-level leaders
Companies that fill out the following will have company information directly sent to the Mayfield Fellows – Thank you for your interest!
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
"Last summer, we had the pleasure of hosting Mayfield Fellow Nahome Hagos. Nahome joined us as a Data Scientist and we could not imagine a better representative for demonstrating the value of hosting a fellow. The professionalism, independence and integrity that Nahome brought to our organization coupled with access to the broader Mayfield Fellows network provided Pendulum with both tangible and intangible benefits at the team and organization level. We would absolutely recommend the program to other organizations looking for early access to some of the best and brightest students as they begin to enter the workforce."
Jim Bullard
Pendulum Therapeutics
Alumni
View over 360+ Mayfield Fellows Program alumni.
2025 Cohort
Acknowledgements
STVP offers sincere appreciation to the Mayfield Fund for supporting this opportunity for Stanford students. Special thanks goes to Navin Chaddha.