Board Fellows Program: Agency Information

Each year at least ten MBA students in the Michael G. Foster School of Business Board Fellows program contribute to building strong nonprofit agencies by serving as ex officio board members. BEDC looks for agencies focused on education, small business development, and housing assistance. Agencies in the program serve low-income individuals in inner city and multi-ethnic communities in Seattle.

Agency Orientation Process

1. Students learn more about the organization by reading various materials. Organizations may provide a packet of printed materials, which could include brochures, minutes from previous Board meetings, and/or work plans.
2. Students and organizations draft a memo of agreement. This document should reflect what each hopes to get out of the Board Fellows program during the coming year (learning goals, levels of attendance at meetings, etc.).
3. Organizations identify a Board “mentor” for the student. This person should be available during the course of the year as a resource for the student when they have questions.
4. Organizations conduct an orientation session. This session may follow an existing format for new Board member orientation. It may include conversations and site or facility tours. Students should plan to do reading beforehand to prepare for the orientation.
   

Program Highlights

• Board Fellows contribute to the agency in the same way as full board members do with two exceptions: They don’t vote on formal board actions and they are not expected to make a personal financial contribution to the agency.
• Most agencies commit to having a Board Fellow for several consecutive years to maximize the benefits they receive from having successive MBA students.
• Each agency appoints a member of their board to serve as a mentor to help integrate the Board Fellow into the work of the agency.