Venture for America (VFA) is wrapping up a busy summer, sharing in a recent newsletter many of the changes and accomplishments of the organization over the past few months. Most noteworthy is the third VFA Accelerator, comprised of seven VFA fellows, which is being held in Detroit, Michigan for the first time, following New York City and Philadelphia.
Under the supporting eyes of mentors, the Accelerator fellows began their four month training in August as they set out to build their startups that will include the construction of Detroit’s first rock climbing gym, the building of a portable device to protect consumers from food-borne illness, the launching a mobile application for golfers, and other ideas.
Outside of the VFA Accelerator, the 2017 class of 182 fellows was selected from over 1400 applications vetted through eight selection days. Following five weeks of training at Brown University, these fellows receive paid two year assignments to companies in cities around the US.
VFA’s management also saw changes during this time, with founder Andrew Yang stepping down as CEO of VFA on August 31st. Taking his place as CEO of Venture for America is Amy Nelson, previously a managing director at VFA. The program also welcomes a new Chief Operating Officer, serial entrepreneur Jed Cohen, who is now in charge of finance, HR, operations, programs, and recruitment. This is all part of a new three year strategic plan recently published.
Applications are now open for graduated college students who can apply for the 2018 fellowship class, with the first deadline on October 2nd and the final third of three of three deadline on January 29th in 2018.
