Designing Your Entrepreneurial Roadmap
The DYER Fellowship at Lafayette College is a unique four-year program that nurtures the next generation of innovative leaders.
Designed for a select group of 10 students each year, the Fellowship provides a comprehensive pathway to develop entrepreneurial thinking, practical skills, and the connections needed to excel in today’s fast-evolving organizations.
At the DYER Center, entrepreneurship goes beyond starting a business: it’s about creating sustainable value in any area you’re passionate about. Whether your goal is to launch a startup, address pressing social issues, be self-employed, or apply innovative thinking to any field, this Fellowship offers the resources, support, and experiences to help you succeed. Through personalized mentorship, hands-on projects, and a strong community of like-minded peers, Fellows are equipped to make a lasting impact both during their time at Lafayette and in their future endeavors. The Fellowship’s structure is designed to foster growth and resilience. With opportunities for real-world application of ideas, Fellows are encouraged to explore diverse paths and push the boundaries of what’s possible.
If you’re motivated to make a difference and open to exploring new ways of thinking, the DYER Fellowship will challenge and inspire you to create the future you envision.
Who is eligible to be a Dyer Fellow?
All students, regardless of intended major, are eligible for the Dyer Fellowship. All students (both domestic and international) who are motivated by innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship are encouraged to apply.
How do I apply to the Fellowship?
Interested students can apply for the Fellowship in the Lafayette application portal following submission of your Lafayette College application materials. The Fellowship application will be available on the portal by October 15, 2025.
When is the deadline for applications?
Applications for the Dyer Fellowship are accepted on the Lafayette application portal until February 1, 2026.
Can I use my college admission material for the fellowship application?
The Fellowship application includes two short video submissions and a brief statement of interest. The Dyer staff will also be able to review your essay from your Common Application, but a majority of our evaluation process is focused on the materials from the Fellowship application on its own.
What types of qualities are you looking for in a typical Dyer Fellow?
When evaluating applications, our team looks for students who display:
- Passion and Intrinsic Motivation
- Creativity
- Risk-Taking Capacity
- Resilience
- Emotional Intelligence
- Ability to Work in Teams and in a Collaborative Environment
- Critical Thinking Skills
What happens after my application is submitted?
Dyer staff will review all application materials following the February 1st deadline. Students who are accepted to Lafayette College and whose applications rise to the top of Fellowship applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual Dynamic Assessment, where we will get to see your communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills in action. This year, the Dynamic Assessment will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 9 am EST. (Alternate dates available for extenuating circumstances)
When will I know if I get accepted into the fellowship?
Applicants will be notified via email within a week of the Dynamic Assessment.
Is this a separate program, distinct from the Major I chose while applying to Lafayette?
Yes, Dyer Fellowship experiences, including cohort meetings, mentorship, and networking opportunities, take place outside of formal classroom settings. You will have the opportunity to work with a group of intellectually diverse students with majors and interests from all across campus.
Do I receive a diploma or official qualification for completing the Fellowship?
While the Dyer Fellowship does not offer academic credit or a formal degree, Fellows who complete the program receive a certificate of completion, valuable hands-on experience, a growing network of peers and mentors, and access to unique opportunities that can strengthen résumés and shape future paths.
Who are the mentors for the Fellows?
Recent graduates, community and corporate leaders, faculty, staff, and upperclassman Fellows look forward to supporting your personal and professional aspirations.