Apply for the NIC Ambassador Program

The National Innovation Council (NIC) is for college students (any age, undergraduate or graduate) with a passion for global impact and genuine curiosity to level up and learn..

Let’s Begin: Understand the Role

Becoming a National Innovation Ambassador is just like being the founder of something new on your campus.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Take on a leadership role and help introduce NIC on your campus.
  • Support a recruitment effort using the materials we provide.
  • Create content such as posts or flyers to help students learn about NIC.
  • Share updates on social media using strategies that fit your campus.
  • Work with a small group of students on outreach and communication.
  • Participate in chapter activities as they develop.
  • Learn the NIC program well enough to answer common questions and represent it on campus.

 

Our National Innovation Ambassadors are responsible for publishing content and posting weekly on the NIC campus social account(s) that they create.

How Can Becoming a National Innovation Ambassador Help Me?

Becoming a National Innovation Ambassador is a great way to build practical experience in leadership, communication, campus engagement, marketing, innovation, entrepreneurship, and event planning. Employers pay close attention to this kind of experience.

National Ambassadors get to meet people from all over the country with plenty of networking opportunities. You’ll develop new skills working alongside a team of eager doers.

You’ll also become a NIC Fellow for FREE which comes with all the perks and benefits. In addition, you can earn an stipend of $200 for completing program milestones.

The Application Process

What is the Time Commitment?

Onboarding
(1 hour)

 • Join a virtual onboarding call covering program goals and your next steps
• Get access to NIC Connect and our shared Ambassador resource folder
• Complete your onboarding form

Training and Support
(1-3 hours per week)

 • Learn the basics of NIC so you can answer questions from interested students
• Join weekly check-ins and training calls with the NIC team
• Connect with other Ambassadors and share what you are trying on your campus

Activation
(2-3 hours per week)

• Share NIC updates or opportunities with students who may be interested
• Help introduce NIC to your campus through outreach
• Support early chapter activities as they develop
• Participate in Ambassador calls and ask for help when needed

Frequently Asked Questions

During the application process, we focus on four key traits:

  • Curiosity: You love learning about innovation, career development, leadership, and generally how the world works. You don’t need to know everything, but you’re excited to ask questions and explore new ideas.
  • Drive for Impact: You want to solve big challenges and make the world better. You’re excited about the future and ready to explore unconventional paths.
  • Team Mindset: You work well with others, communicate openly, and you’re comfortable collaborating to move things forward.
  • Willingness to Work Hard: NIC isn’t passive learning—it’s about doing. You’re ready to put in the effort, build things, break things, and try again until you make progress.

 

If this sounds like you, NIC could be the place to start your journey.

We want you to get into NIC Connect. Our community and our process is simple and transparent. There are three steps:


1. Written Questions (20 minutes)
Teach us something: Share a topic you’re excited about—it doesn’t have to be tech-related.
What are you proud of? Tell us about an accomplishment, a challenge you overcame, or a project you built.
2. Interview #1 (10 minutes)
Record a short video response.
3. Interview #2 (15 minutes)
If selected, you will schedule and join an interview with our Ambassador Program Director. ‍


This process helps us understand your curiosity, ambition, initiative, and motivation.
We’re excited to hear your story.

How to Prepare

These tips aren’t requirements—they’re just suggestions to help you get ready and feel confident about your application:

  • Dive into what excites you: Explore a topic that sparks your curiosity. At NIC, it’s all about learning what you’re passionate about—not what someone else tells you to study.
  • Learn from others: Look at examples of people who think creatively or lead in interesting ways. This could be a book, a podcast, a blog, or someone you follow online. Use it to spark ideas about how you learn and solve problems.
  • Share something You’ve Built: Whether it’s a DIY experiment, a personal project, or teaching yourself to code, get hands-on. NIC is about learning by doing.

 

Your application is a chance to show your curiosity, motivation, and creativity. Use these tips to help you bring your best.

We’re expanding fast across more than 50 campuses and have earned trust from universities and employers alike.

The National Innovation Council Fellowship is:

  • 12-month program (rolling throughout the year)
  • Asynchronous with a lot of synchronous experiences
  • Led by industry experts
  • No experience required
  • $299 / fellow / year

What the Role Is
This is a leadership internship where you help introduce NIC to your campus and support early chapter activities. You’ll work with NIC staff, faculty, and students to build interest and momentum.

What You’ll Do

  • Share NIC updates with interested students
  • Help with recruitment using NIC’s provided materials
  • Post content weekly through your chapter’s social channels
  • Support early chapter events and outreach
  • Learn the NIC program well enough to answer basic questions
  • Help shape how NIC shows up on your campus


Why It Matters

You’ll build practical experience in leadership, communication, campus engagement, and project management while contributing to something meaningful on your campus.

What You Get:

  • Free NIC Fellowship membership for the year
  • $200 stipend for completing key milestones
  • A recognized leadership title
  • Access to NIC programming, mentorship, and community

 

Skills You’ll Gain:

  • Professional Growth:  Stand out to graduate admissions and future employers by demonstrating proven leadership experience
  • Skill Development: Develop project management, budgeting, public speaking, and organizational skills
  • Networking & Mentorship: Access a curated network of industry professionals, academic mentors, and fellow student leaders across the country.  Build relationships that can accelerate your career in innovation, AI, entrepreneurship, and leadership
  • Real-World Impact: Spearhead events and initiatives that drive tangible change in your campus community and beyond
  • Build a legacy that endures after you graduate
  • Paid Internship & Resume-Boosting Credentials:  Earn while you learn—add a prestigious leadership title to your portfolio and receive compensation for your contributions

We’re looking for outstanding student leaders who:

  • Are driven, proactive, and passionate about innovation, leadership, and emerging technologies
  • Possess excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Thrive in team environments and are comfortable with delegation and mentorship
  • Want to make an immediate difference on campus while honing professional skills

Take the Next Step

The National Innovation Council is Proudly Accredited by: 

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