Bish Fellows Program
The Bish Fellows is a program that brings together a select cohort of student leaders dedicated to strengthening their Mortar Board chapters and advancing the Society as a whole. Fellows serve as catalysts for pride, connection, and engagement—sharing their experiences and insights to create a lasting impact that extends well beyond their participation year. Each year, the program centers on a key theme designed to enhance both chapter and national initiatives. The 2026–2027 theme is visibility and tradition. Bish Fellows will collaborate to elevate Mortar Board’s presence on campus, within communities, and across the nation.
Bish Fellows Applications Are Open!
Ready to take your Mortar Board leadership beyond your chapter this year? Apply for the Bish Fellows Program by October 15 to connect with student leaders across the country, grow your leadership skills, and help shape the future of Mortar Board.
Program Benefits
- National mentoring and networking: Be paired with a Mortar Board alumni mentor for individualized mentoring sessions.
- Peer connections: Network with student leaders from across the country to share ideas and experiences.
- Professional development: Participate in skill-building, leadership growth opportunities, and engaging discussions.
- Exclusive Mortar Board merchandise: Receive recognition and special perks as part of the Mortar Board Ambassador Program.
- $150 stipend: Awarded to students upon successful completion of the program.
Program Requirements
- Monthly meetings: Attend one virtual meeting per month. Meetings focus on program updates, connections, and professional development.
- Content creation: Contribute written and video content to support the work of the Mortar Board Ambassador program and promote engagement and opportunities across the Society.
- Collaborative grant project: Work as a team to design and review a Chapter Grant Program that provides financial support for chapter visibility initiatives nationwide
- Active participation: Engage fully in the cohort by sharing your ideas, energy, and perspective to help shape and strengthen the future of Mortar Board.
What to Expect in the Application
Applicant Information
Including name, contact information, college/university name, expected graduation date, current role in Mortar Board Chapter, current resume, and social media handles (optional)
Short Answer Questions
Answers for the questions in 200 words or less.
- Why is Mortar Board meaningful to you? How have the organization’s ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service influenced your collegiate experience? What motivates you to take on a larger role through the Bish Fellows Program?
- This year’s theme is visibility. In 200 words or less, share your ideas for how Mortar Board can increase its visibility—both on your campus and nationally. You might consider communications, partnerships, events, social media, or other creative approaches.
Mentorship Matching Information
Be prepared to answer the following questions:
What you current area of study, do you plan to attend graduate school? What career paths or industries are you interested in? What are your interests and hobbies, skillsets you’d like to develop? What do you hope for in a mentor?
The Bish Fellows Legacy
Applications are due October 15
Don't miss this opportunity to honor a legacy, while building the future of Mortar Board. Click the button below to start your applications!
25-26 Bish Fellows
Laila Doyle (The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2025)
Mortar Board is meaningful to me because I have always looked up to the people who came before me. I get to join a national organization where I can connect with other university students and alumni. This is why I want to join the Bish Fellows program: I want to build relationships with alumni who can help me grow into a better leader. As a Bish Fellow, I hope to inspire generations of Mortar Boards. (Major: Nutrition and Health Sciences)
Chubing Fang (University of Maryland, 2025)
Mortar Board is meaningful to me because it is a recognition of my scholarship and leadership. I want to take on a larger role through the Bish Fellows Program because, during my research on Mortar Board, numerous members have expressed how much they enjoyed their involvement in the society, and it really made the college experience special. I want to have and share that experience. (Major: Finance)
Joey Fiore (Longwood University, 2025)
Mortar Board is meaningful to me because it connects me with individuals who share the same core values, people who genuinely want to make the world better. What motivates me to take on a larger role through the Bish Fellows Program is the chance to give back to an organization that has supported me, and to help shape its future by serving others, encouraging growth, and building stronger connections across chapters. (Major: Business Administration)
Anusha Sharma (University of Arizona, 2025)
Mortar Board has been a cornerstone of my college experience, influencing how I interact with my community and peers. The Society has taught me the value of teamwork and deliberate action, enabling me to combine my passions with practical results. Taking on a wider role through the Bish Fellows Program excites me because it allows me to expand Mortar Board's goal beyond my chapter, share insights from my experiences, and learn from student leaders around the country. (Major: Global Studies/Global Health)