start a conversation with orbo
Whether you are a prospective Fellow, educator, educational institution, nonprofit organization, business, donor, mentor, or community partner, we welcome the opportunity to connect and explore how you can become part of The ORBO Foundation’s mission. We value relationships with individuals and organizations that share our commitment to education, leadership development, practical experience, and creating lasting positive impact in the communities we serve.
Use the form below or contact The ORBO Foundation directly to learn more about Fellowship opportunities, educational and community partnerships, mentorship, student engagement, volunteer involvement, or ways to support our mission. Whether you are interested in participating in a program, providing professional guidance, creating meaningful experiential opportunities, supporting our work financially, or collaborating with us in another capacity, we would be glad to hear from you and discuss how we can work together.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ORBO
Find answers to common questions about the ORBO Scholars Fellowship Program, eligibility, educational pathways, Fellowship awards, employment, and community partnerships.
Application windows, eligibility details, required materials, deadlines, and submission instructions will be published when Fellowship opportunities are open. Prospective applicants may also contact ORBO for current information.
Eligibility will depend on the specific Fellowship opportunity. ORBO considers educational or training pathway, financial need, readiness, effort, improvement, circumstances, and trajectory as part of a whole-person review.
Potential qualifying pathways may include four-year colleges and universities, community colleges, associate-degree programs, recognized trade and technical schools, career-technical and vocational programs, qualifying certificate or diploma programs, and eligible transfer students.
ORBO Academy is the developmental component of the Fellowship, providing opportunities for professional development, financial capability, mentorship, leadership, career readiness, practical skills, and personal growth.
ORBO Giving combines meaningful service with experiential learning, allowing Fellows to develop practical capabilities while helping approved nonprofit and community organizations advance their missions.
Awards may potentially be renewable, subject to continued eligibility, good standing, annual review, available Foundation funding, and Foundation approval.
Other scholarships, grants, institutional aid, and educational assistance may have their own requirements. Fellows should follow applicable institutional and funding-source rules, and ORBO will provide program-specific guidance when awards are offered.
Paid employment is separate from the ORBO educational Fellowship award. Fellows may pursue legitimate employment opportunities subject to applicable Fellowship and educational-institution requirements.
Potentially. Eligible Fellows attending participating institutions may separately participate in Federal Work-Study where available. Work-Study wages are separate from the ORBO educational award.
Potentially. Participating colleges may place eligible students in paid community-service roles with nonprofit organizations or public agencies through Community Service Federal Work-Study. Availability, eligibility, wages, and placement requirements are determined by the participating educational institution. ORBO may help community partners understand and explore these opportunities but does not provide or guarantee Federal Work-Study funding.
ORBO’s selection philosophy considers the whole person. Effort, improvement, circumstances, readiness, trajectory, financial need, accountability, growth, resilience, and subsequent conduct may all be relevant. Specific criteria will be provided for each Fellowship opportunity.