The Program
The Paganucci Fellows Program is a unique opportunity for Dartmouth undergraduates to take part in an intensive experiential learning program offered at Tuck.
The program supports Tuck’s efforts to study complex social issues and the ways businesses can create positive social and financial value: in effect, the “double bottom line.” It is targeted at students with an interest in social entrepreneurship, an aptitude for working collaboratively as part of a consulting-like team, and an appetite for making a difference in the world.
We are currently planning for an eight-week program in 2025 (early June through early August) that will include fully sponsored enrollment in the Tuck Business Bridge Program.
Previously, fellows have engaged in projects such as:
- partnering with Ukrainian Catholic University to design a gateway program in London,
- working with the Potential Energy Coalition on marketing and strategy initiatives,
- developing sustainable growth strategies within Intercorp to support Perú Champs,
- designing resources for MEDLIFE chapters and their work to address global health inequity,
- working on a digital platform and global strategy for Positive Tracks in the US and South Africa, and
- advising on short- and medium-term strategies for Instiglio in Colombia.
Application Information for 2025 Program
We will accept applications from Monday, March 31, through Monday, April 14 at midnight. Interviews will be conducted virtually in mid to late April and offers will be made on a rolling basis.
To apply for the program, Dartmouth students must be in active status and in good academic and disciplinary standing. Applications should include the following items:
- Cover letter specifying why you are interested in the program
- Résumé and list of relevant coursework with grades received
- Name of a faculty member who can be contacted as a reference
- Essay on a topic related to economic development or social entrepreneurship (500-1,000 words; optional, but highly recommended)
When applying, please send all materials in one email with PDF or Word attachments, with your name on all documents and in the title of the attached files.
- Subject line: Paganucci Fellows application
- Submit to: Tuck.Leadership.Development@tuck.dartmouth.edu
FAQs
What is the time frame for applying?
We will accept applications from Monday, March 31, through Monday, April 14 at midnight. Interviews will be conducted virtually in mid to late April and offers will be made on a rolling basis.
Is the program open to all Dartmouth students?
To apply for the program, Dartmouth students must be in active status and in good academic and disciplinary standing. We will not be able to consider any student required to be on campus for their sophomore summer, except for international students and varsity athletes who are already exempted from that program.
Can a student be enrolled in classes while a Paganucci fellow?
No, as classes will prevent full participation in the program.
Is the summer internship a full-time opportunity?
Yes, fellows typically work together all summer (early June through early August), Monday-Friday, but the times and days may vary.
Is there a stipend?
Yes. Each fellow will receive a $6,000 stipend for the summer.
Is housing provided?
No, fellows must secure their own housing for the summer.
Are there any opportunities connected to the Paganucci Fellows Program beyond the summer?
There are occasional opportunities for fellows to continue their work in some capacity.
Read more about the program: Endowment Ensures Future of Tuck Leadership Program
2024 Program Overview and Fellows
In 2024, Paganucci fellows successfully completed the Tuck Business Bridge Program as well as a consulting project for the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU). During Bridge, fellows were introduced to core business disciplines, such as marketing, strategy, and accounting, culminating in a final capstone presentation to industry executives and faculty. Fellows then worked with UCU—Ukraine’s leading private university to assess opportunities for the school to create a gateway program in London. The team also participated in numerous networking, leadership, and team-building sessions to further their professional and personal development.
Please feel free to contact one of the fellows from last summer to ask about the program:
Abida Ahmadi D’26
Email
Abida Ahmadi, from Ghazni, Afghanistan, is an economics major with a minor in international studies. She joined the Paganucci Fellows Program to deepen her understanding of how business strategies can be applied to drive positive social change, especially in contexts that resonate with her background. Through the program, Abida has developed a keen interest in leveraging consulting skills to address economic and social challenges. At Dartmouth, she works as a research assistant in the Economics Department, where she studies how economic ideas work in practice. Outside of academics, Abida enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, and trying new experiences.
Nick Burke D’25
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Nicholas “Nick” Burke is studying economics with a minor in computer science. Nick was excited by the Paganucci Fellows Program because he wanted to use the summer to make an impact while also learning valuable business skills. Outside of classes at Dartmouth, Nick is president of the marching band, a member of the Dartmouth Investment and Philanthropy Program, an economics research assistant, and a member of the Dartmouth Energy Alliance. Nick also enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking and skiing.
Kayla Entwistle D’25
Email
Kayla Entwistle is majoring in history and minoring in East European, Eurasian, and Russian studies. Born in Hong Kong and raised in Mumbai and Singapore, she is dedicated to tackling complex global challenges with a nuanced, historical perspective. The Paganucci Fellowship provided her an opportunity to engage in such global social-impact work while simultaneously developing business and consultancy skills, a combination well suited to her interests. At Dartmouth, Kayla is a member of the ski patrol and works closely with both the Rockefeller Center for Public Policy and the History Department, serving as a Dartmouth Class of ’64 and the Vietnam War digital research associate for the latter. She is also a War & Peace Fellow, Great Issues Scholar, and former First-Year Fellow. In her free time, Kayla enjoys skiing, traveling, reading, and flower arranging.
Aya Hajjeh D’25
Email
Aya Hajjeh is a Dartmouth King Scholar from Latakia, Syria, studying computer science with a minor in digital arts. Aya was drawn to the Paganucci Fellows Program because of the opportunity to develop business acumen and consulting skills, while simultaneously making a social impact on a global community. Aya spends a lot of her time on campus working as a coordinator at Dartmouth’s Cable Makerspace, enjoying the creative, entrepreneurial, and empowering spirit of the space. Beyond Dartmouth, Aya works as a mentor with the Syrian Youth Empowerment Initiative and as a graphic designer with Wanabqa—a grassroots Syrian youth-led collective. Aya enjoys being outdoors, dancing to Arabic music, and trying out new cooking recipes.
Beam Lertbunnaphongs D’25
Email
Buntida “Beam” Lertbunnaphongs is studying environmental studies and human-centered design with a focus on energy systems. She is passionate about creating meaningful impact at the intersection of business strategy and sustainability. As someone who loves building dynamic relationships and delivering innovative solutions, she was drawn to the Paganucci Fellows Program to drive social impact while developing consulting skills and gaining business experience. At Dartmouth, Beam is a photojournalism and social-media intern at the Communications office, a senior intern at the Sustainability office, and president of the Thai Student Association. In her free time, she enjoys volleyball, tennis, and trying new cuisines.