Question 1

What is the Ivory Bridges Fellowship?

Accepted Answer

Ivory Bridges Foundation provides a pathway to an equitable future for first-generation college students by supporting them with financial support and personalized success coaching.

Question 2

Interested in applying?

Accepted Answer

Join our IBF Interest Form to receive our special edition newsletter offering helpful information and alumni guidance related to our fellowship application.

Question 3

What are the benefits of being an Ivory Bridges Fellow?

Accepted Answer

• $5,000 minimum scholarship (current year scholarship dependent on market conditions)
• 1-on-1 career coaching sessions to outline career goals 
• 1-on-1 financial coaching sessions to build healthy financial habits
• 1-on-1 wellness coaching sessions to nourish a strong sense of self
• Access to an encouraging and supportive professional community and network

Question 4

Who is eligible?

Accepted Answer

For this 2026-2027 cycle, our application is currently open to first gen students who will be incoming juniors or seniors in Fall 2026 that are attending four-year universities in the continental United States. If you want to know your eligibility, please email info@ivorybridges.org.

Question 5

How do I know if I’m a first-generation college student?

Accepted Answer

• Neither parent completed a 4-year college or university degree in the United States. 
• You are still first-generation if your siblings attend or graduated from a college or university.

Question 6

Are students who are undocumented eligible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we encourage undocumented students to apply to our fellowship.

Question 7

Are transfer students eligible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we encourage all students to apply to our fellowship.

Question 8

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

We’re glad you’re interested in becoming an Ivory Bridges Foundation Fellow. Please navigate to our application tab to begin applying.

Question 9

What is a career coach?

Accepted Answer

Our fellows have access to a career coach in addition to a financial coach and a wellness coach. A career coach provides expert advice and guidance in outlining career goals, resume and cover letter writing, and job searching. We ask that our fellows meet with their career coach four times throughout their fellowship year.

Question 10

What is a financial coach?

Accepted Answer

A financial coach empowers their clients to reach their financial goals and learn how to handle their finances responsibly. They teach their clients the basics of personal finance and assist them in developing and maintaining healthy financial habits. We ask that our fellows meet with their financial coach four times throughout their fellowship year.

Question 11

What is a wellness coach?

Accepted Answer

Our wellness coach will facilitate sessions at our fall and spring conferences regarding self-care, overcoming challenges, and cultivating resilience. We ask that our fellows meet with their wellness coach four times throughout their fellowship year.

Question 12

Don't see your question above?

Accepted Answer

Send us an email at info@ivorybridges.org

Frequently asked questions