Applications are being accepted on a rolling-basis
Shelley Steffey, 2025 Alumna
A place for aspiring and early-stage business owners to gain skills, connections, and support needed to turn their ideas into real businesses, creating lasting community impact!
The Fellowship Offers
The Halloran Fellowship, powered by Watson Institute, is a fully-funded entrepreneurial training program for Bradford, PA area community members and university students, offering hands-on training, mentorship, access to resources, an opportunity for a $1,000 venture development stipend, and up to 6 Life Experience credits for University of Pittsburgh at Bradford students.
Business & Leadership Workshops
Participate in hands-on sessions focused on entrepreneurship, business acumen, and financial literacy skills led by expert practitioners who are successful entrepreneurs and small business owners themselves.
Deep Community Roots
In partnership with Halloran Philanthropies
Halloran Fellows have gained rare, direct access to Bradford, PA area’s close-knit leadership community — sitting down with executives from the Bradford Area Alliance, connecting with the region’s top philanthropists, and engaging in roundtables with the decision-makers actively shaping the region’s future, all while building ventures and emerging as leaders themselves.
President Rick Esch, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and Titusville, and Julie Marasco, Halloran Philanthropies’ Bradford Regional Lead
Experts You Will Learn From
We recruit experts and entrepreneurs with the specific expertise needed to best serve you. They are brought on to share their insights, facilitate our workshops, and provide 1-on-1 guidance. Preceptors from past Halloran Fellowship cohorts have included:
Norm Strotman
SVP, Regional C&I Banking at Northwest Bank | Director at Zipcorp, Inc.
Heather Lawver
Dercum Society Founder
Jeremy Callinan
IT Management | E-Commerce | Data Science, | Blockchain | Crypto
Key Dates
- Program: September 6– December 17, 2026
- In-Person Immersive: Sunday, September 6, 2026 (10 AM – 2 PM ET) in Bradford, PA
- In-Person Gatherings: Networking and community events scheduled throughout the program (dates TBD)
- In-Person Summit: December 17, 2026, Bradford, PA
Schedule & Weekly Time Commitment
- Weekly Workshops: Thursday and Friday:
- 10:30 AM–12:30 PM ET
- Weekly Time Commitment: 6–8 hours per week, including workshops, community building events, optional mentorship sessions, Basecamp planning and implementation, and Summit preparations.
Eligibility: Is This Fellowship for Me?
Here is who we are looking for
Don’t take our word for it
Meet The Alumni
Marie Ober is an aspiring entrepreneur preparing to launch Irene’s Ice Cream in Bradford, specializing in homemade, organic frozen treats. A graduate of Penn State’s renowned Ice Cream Short Course, Marie plans to introduce novelty items while creating youth job opportunities that build teamwork, accountability, and communication skills. Marie is passionate about supporting youth in Bradford, with a history of volunteerism at the Era’s Less Fortunate (ELF) Fund, the March of Dimes, and the Special Olympics. Irene’s Ice Cream will not only bring new flavors to the community but also serve as a training ground for local students, equipping them with skills for future success.
Andrii Varlamov, a student at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, is an aspiring entrepreneur launching Bradford Enduro Park to bring motorcycle tourism to the region. With experience as Lead Student Assistant in the Engineering Lab at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, his plan includes a professionally designed off-road motorcycle course, complemented by local food vendors, maintenance services, and wash stations. By attracting over 1,000 annual visitors and creating partnerships with at least 10 local businesses, Andrii aims to demonstrate how specialized tourism can spark economic growth, provide new vendor opportunities, and showcase Bradford as a destination for adventure tourism.
Kristen Ellenberger, a student at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, is an aspiring entrepreneur launching the Kitty Café, a community space where people and animals connect. She piloted the idea as a student club that raised over $1,000, hosted over 100 students monthly, partnered with the SPCA, and supported local pet adoptions. Building on that success, Kristen envisions a permanent café that partners with shelters while offering a warm space for relaxation and connection. The Kitty Café will expand pet adoption opportunities while strengthening community well-being in Bradford and serving as a small business hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the in-person components entail?
There will be multiple in-person gatherings throughout the course of the Halloran Fellowship including a Fellow Networking & Learning Event, Fellow-led Basecamps, and an In-Person Summit in December.
What are the costs associated with this program (travel, fees, deposit, etc.)?
Fellows may be responsible for some travel expenses and meals during in-person programming. No fees are collected or directly associated with this Fellowship.
Can I apply if my country or state is not listed under the priority geographies?
Unfortunately, we are not able to consider applications outside the geographies listed above. However, we run numerous programs a year and are likely to have an opportunity for you in the future. We encourage you to check back regularly and reach out to Watson Institute’s team members for more information.
What is the community development stipend?
The community development stipend supports Fellows in organizing and facilitating Basecamps, a required outcome of the program. Basecamps are community events, fostering collaboration, and advancing initiatives that accelerate collective growth in the communities the Fellows are impacting. Whether hosting workshops, networking events, or collaborative projects, this stipend provides resources to engage your community, build connections, and drive meaningful impact.
What is the application review timeline?
We understand the substantial interest in the program and strive to provide prompt responses. Decisions will be communicated by August 20, 2026. We appreciate your patience throughout this process.
How does this program open doors to funding?
Watson Institute connects Fellows to a robust network of potential investors, grantmakers, and partners dedicated to supporting ventures with impact. Through mentorship, pitch opportunities, and relationship-building events, Fellows gain access to introductions and resources that can accelerate their growth and sustainability.
What is the long-term impact on Fellows and Alumni?
After completing the program, Fellows join a vibrant community of changemakers with ongoing access to resources, learning opportunities, and peer support beyond the program. Alumni often report increased revenue, expanded networks, stronger leadership skills, and greater community impact as a result of their Watson Institute experience.
Alumni of Watson Institute’s Fellowships have raised over $190 million, created over 2,300 paid jobs, and impacted over 11 million people around the world through initiatives they have helped lead. 93% of Watson Institute alums are employed, continuing their education, or building a venture. 85% of Watson Institute Alumni use a skill they learned while in a Watson Institute-powered program up to 12 years later. Watson Institute’s Alumni have been selected to Y Combinator, the Echoing Green Fellowship, and 11 have been named to Forbes’ 30 under 30 lists. Alums continue their education at Harvard University, New York University, and Princeton University, among others.
What if I’m not admitted?
If you are not admitted this cycle, we encourage you to stay engaged with Watson Institute through our newsletters, events, and future programs. Many Fellows apply multiple times and continue to develop their ventures with the resources and support we offer. We value your commitment and look forward to your future involvement. Explore other Fellowships.
I have another question and need assistance.
For all other questions, please reach out to Angelique Newhouse at angelique@watson.is.
Halloran Philanthropies is a family foundation based out of Pennsylvania with a mission to inspire, innovate, and accelerate sustainable social interventions that promote human wellbeing. Watson Institute has been fortunate to partner with Halloran Philanthropies since 2013.
This program is fully-funded through the generous support of Halloran Philanthropies.
