Join an Information Session

At these joyful and reflective gatherings, you will hear from Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa and other Mentora Scholars leaders about the program and its mission, gain insights from past participants about their experience, and connect with fellow prospective applicants. You’ll also learn about the program structure, what to expect, and how to apply. Virtual and in-person options are available.

Register for the VIRTUAL session on October 20th at 4 pm ET here.

Register for an IN-PERSON session here.

Dates and locations for in-person sessions are listed below. Details and exact locations will be emailed to registrants closer to the event dates.

• September 29, 2026 @ 5:00 pm at Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business
• October 21, 2026 @ 12:00 pm at NYU
• October 27, 2026 @ 12:00 pm at Penn
• October 29, 2026 @ 12:00 pm at Barnard
• October 29, 2026 @ 3:00 pm at Columbia

Background on Mentora Scholars

Mentora Scholars is a selective, fully-funded* fellowship that prepares exceptional college students to become exemplary changemakers in their careers and communities. Modeled on Dr. Hitendra Wadhwa’s award-winning Columbia Business School course, Personal Leadership & Success, Mentora Scholars offers college students the chance to reflect deeply, strengthen character, build relationships with fellow changemakers, and clarify their beliefs about life, career, leadership, and the world.

Launched in 2025 as the Transformative Leadership Academy, the program has brought together three cohorts of inspiring participants from Columbia, UPenn, NYU, Howard, McGill, WashU, and more. The 2027 program will include a two-part leadership journey featuring a guided virtual Core Curriculum (February-April 2027) and a 12-day Residential Immersion (May 17–28, 2027), where Scholars put leadership principles into action, engage in reflective practice and experiential learning, and benefit from cohort-based development.

Applications for Mentora Scholars open on September 14, 2026 (early priority deadline, 11/8; final deadline, 1/17).

*Successful applicants receive a full scholarship from the Mentora Foundation covering program costs, room, and board. Scholars are responsible for travel and incidental expenses.