Reaching Out MBA Fellowship: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply

The Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Fellowship is a prestigious initiative dedicated to developing the next generation of out LGBTQ+ business leaders. The fellowship is offered by Reaching Out, a non-profit organization, in partnership with over 70 top business schools worldwide, including Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. If you are a passionate professional who wants to make an impact in the business world and advance LGBTQ+ equality, this fellowship provides the financial support, network, and professional development to accelerate your journey.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, applications are managed through the individual participating business schools. The timeline typically aligns with standard MBA admission rounds, with deadlines often in the winter and early spring. This guide will walk you through the details of the fellowship at Johns Hopkins Carey, including eligibility, the application process, and the immense benefits beyond the financial award.

The fellowship is applicable to specific MBA programs at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School that have partnered with Reaching Out. It is designed for students in these particular courses.

Reaching Out MBA Fellowship Awards

The Reaching Out MBA Fellowship is a significant financial and professional award for LGBTQ+ students and allies pursuing an MBA. It provides a substantial scholarship to reduce the cost of your degree while integrating you into an influential global network.

The fellowship offers a comprehensive support system designed to empower your leadership:

• A substantial scholarship to offset tuition costs
• Exclusive invitation to the annual ROMBA Conference
• Lifelong membership to the Reaching Out MBA alumni network
• Access to exclusive mentorship programs and career treks
• Leadership development programming tailored for LGBTQ+ leaders

Reaching Out MBA Fellowship Amount

The Reaching Out MBA Fellowship at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School is a scholarship of $20,000. This amount is distributed over the course of your program to support your educational expenses. The financial support is a cornerstone of the award.

Reaching Out MBA Fellowship Benefits

Beyond the financial award, the ROMBA Fellowship offers unparalleled professional and community advantages. You join a curated cohort of peers committed to inclusivity and leadership. The experience is career-defining.

You must be an applicant to one of the eligible Johns Hopkins Carey MBA programs. The fellowship seeks individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to leadership and the LGBTQ+ community.

Countries Eligible Under Reaching Out MBA Fellowship

The fellowship at Johns Hopkins Carey is open to all applicants who gain admission to one of the eligible programs. Citizenship is not a barrier; the focus is on leadership and potential impact.

The application process is streamlined within your MBA application to Carey. There is no separate application for the fellowship itself. The admissions committee identifies potential fellows from the pool of applicants.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before you begin, ensure you are applying to one of the three eligible MBA programs at Johns Hopkins Carey and that you can demonstrate the leadership qualities the fellowship seeks.

Step 2: Complete the MBA Application
Submit your full application for admission to your chosen Carey MBA program through the official portal. This includes your resume, essays, recommendations, and all academic documents.

Step 3: Indicate Interest
Within the application for the Carey MBA program, you will have the opportunity to indicate your interest in being considered for the Reaching Out MBA Fellowship.

Step 4: Await Admission Decision
The admissions committee will review your application for both admission and fellowship eligibility. This is a holistic review of your academic merits, professional experience, and leadership potential.

Step 5: Receive Fellowship Notification
If you are selected, you will be notified of your ROMBA Fellowship award along with your official offer of admission from Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.

*Please note: Application deadlines for the 2025-2026 academic year are typically in the spring. Check the official Carey admissions page for the most accurate dates.*

Application Timeline for Reaching Out MBA Fellowship

The timeline follows the standard MBA admission cycle for the programs at Johns Hopkins Carey.

Reaching Out MBA Fellowship Interview

There is no separate interview specifically for the ROMBA Fellowship. Your candidacy is evaluated based on the strength of your written MBA application. The standard admissions interview for the Carey MBA program serves as the primary point of personal assessment.

The interview for the MBA program itself is a critical component. It is your chance to articulate your goals, your leadership experience, and your passion for contributing to an inclusive business community.

All applicants in the following programs are eligible for the fellowship, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression:

• Full-time Johns Hopkins MBA
  
• Part-time Online Flexible MBA
  
• Design Leadership MA/MBA

The application is integrated into your MBA application to Johns Hopkins Carey. You will need to provide your standard admission materials, and the fellowship consideration is part of that process.

• A completed application for an eligible Johns Hopkins Carey MBA program.
• All academic transcripts and test scores required for admission.
• A strong resume showcasing leadership and professional experience.
• Essays that reflect your story, goals, and alignment with the ROMBA mission.

FAQs about Reaching Out MBA Fellowship

Who is eligible for the Reaching Out MBA Fellowship?

All applicants to the Full-Time MBA, Online Flexible MBA, or MA/MBA in Design Leadership at Johns Hopkins Carey are eligible. You must demonstrate leadership and a willingness to support the ROMBA mission.

What does the Reaching Out MBA Fellowship cover?

It provides a $20,000 scholarship toward your tuition fees. It also includes access to the annual ROMBA conference and a lifelong professional network.

Do I need a separate application for the fellowship?

No. You are automatically considered for the fellowship when you apply for admission to an eligible Carey MBA program and indicate your interest.

Is the fellowship only for LGBTQ+ identifying students?

No. The fellowship is open to all applicants, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to advancing the mission of LGBTQ+ equality in business.