What is a UTM Fellow?

A UTM Fellow is a participant in the Universal Tech Movement’s 12-week, project-based program who gains hands-on experience and earns a professional credential by managing real-world tech, or business operations projects.

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The Universal Tech Movement (UTM) Fellowship is a structured, project-based program designed to build professional skills, offer hands-on industry experience, and drive economic empowerment through technology.

What It Is A 12-week, unpaid, hands-on fellowship where participants earn a professional credential and own a real-world, named signature project tied to UTM's active operations and pipeline. It is offered across two specialized tracks:

Business & Leadership Track: Focuses on client engagement, workforce labor-market data research, and business operations.
Technical Track: Focuses on systems administration, database tools (Salesforce), automation, and technical dashboards.

Who It's For High school students, college students, career switchers, and working professionals looking to gain hands-on experience in tech, business operations, data, or workforce development. Candidates should be proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable taking ownership of projects with minimal day-to-day supervision.
Key Details

Duration: 12 weeks, extension-eligible.
Time Commitment: 10–20 hours per week (flexible/adjusted for high school participants).
Format: Hybrid (Austin, TX preferred; remote options available).
Compensation: Unpaid professional development opportunity.
Key Outcomes: Completion of an industry credential, a tangible portfolio deliverable to feature in interviews, direct exposure to leadership, and potential pathways into future leadership roles (e.g., mentoring or onboarding subsequent cohorts).

How to Apply Applicants can apply online by completing the UTM Fellowship Application. The application process gathers basic contact details, track selection, skill development goals, and short-answer responses evaluating self-motivation, time management, alignment with UTM's mission, and ability to handle ambiguous projects. Applicants may also submit an optional LinkedIn profile or resume.

"My experience with the Universal Tech Movement has been meaningful and valuable. Over the past 6 weeks, I have learned more about technology, full stack development, teamwork, communication, and what it is like to work in a professional environment. I was able to participate in meetings, complete technical assignments, work on projects, and receive guidance from people with experience in the technology industry. One of the biggest things I gained from this internship was confidence. At first, some of the tasks were challenging, but I learned how to ask questions, solve problems, manage my time, and keep improving. This experience also helped me better understand the amount of planning and effort that goes into building websites and technology projects. UTM gave me the opportunity to explore my interests in technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity while developing skills that I can use in school, future internships, and my career. I also learned the importance of being responsible, communicating clearly, meeting deadlines, and working well with others. I am very thankful to Universal Tech Movement, my supervisors, mentors, and everyone who supported me throughout this internship. I truly appreciate the opportunity, the knowledge I gained, and the encouragement I received. This experience has motivated me to continue learning, building projects, and working toward a future career in technology."

Sadman, UTM Fellow
"My time at UTM taught me how to present myself professionally and confidently, through our ice breakers everyday to the final presentation. I learned how to collaborate, problem solve, and communicate efficiently with other peers in the internship during various activities and projects. I also got the opportunity to experience what a professional environment looks and feels like, despite being so young. Most importantly, I built connections that will prosper long after my time at UTM, whether that be friendships, mentors, or helpful colleagues. I am extremely grateful to have gotten the opportunity to intern at UTM and will forever cherish my time there. "

Sanaa, UTM Fellow
"During my time at the Universal Tech Movement, I've been able to collaborate with others in many coding and hardware projects, as well as be able to engage in independent development, whether it was through HBR Spark or Coursera. Applying tech skills in a team setting, as well as learning from others, was extremely memorable. Making new connections with those local to me was extremely rewarding as well. Everyone around me was so dedicated to bettering and preparing each other for future careers, whether it was the encouragement of teamwork and leadership amongst others, or exercises to practice our soft skills. Through all of this, I'm extremely grateful to have made the most of my experience here, both in-person and online."

Marco, UTM Fellow
"THANK YOU, UTM! You've been essential in my tech journey and have allowed me to grow and learn about myself in more ways than I could've imagined. I would not have been able to learn about project management and UI/UX design without your financial and emotional support. It has been an honor to be a participant and I highly suggest UTM for folks that are interested in the tech sector, this community will make sure to provide you with your needs and help you with alleviating your fears."

Mariamawit, UTM Participant
"I don't know if I would have found my way to the tech space without UTM. This program allowed me to take my curiosity about UX design and turn it into a potential career. I'm genuinely loving it! My mind is blown, in all the best ways, after building my first prototype and watching my designs come to life and be backed by research/concrete processes. I am extremely grateful for this program and excited to see where this takes me in the tech space."

Keziah, UTM Participant
"I am extraordinarily grateful for UTM’s role in my life. At some point I had to start over and I am thankful for the opportunity UTM gave me to be able to do just that. They covered the cost of my class and they know the kinds of barriers that many people face in getting better jobs and education, and they really are here to help. If you are even thinking about it, reach out and see what happens. There are no hidden fees or catches. Just good people fighting the good fight."

Keirra, UTM Participant
"UTM has been a wonderful blessing to me! I needed a career pathway along with a training opportunity. UTM has been amazing and beyond my expectations by providing tools, resources, mentorship, and support. There is nothing like it out there! I honestly feel I will be prepared and successful in the field. With little experience in the field, I am also building a foundation as I continue to grow to the next level and develop in other IT areas such as Cybersecurity".

Anthony, UTM Participant
"I want to reach out and thank everyone at UTM for the opportunity. I honestly feared returning to University for another four years to receive my Bachelor's in IT. They have paved the way. And it’s much more than coursework. It’s also a community outreach. I will definitely be reaching out to the community to gently push them to learn more about this organization."

John, UTM Participant