What is Open Road?
Open Road is an established action-based social entrepreneurship program developed by Ross students and powered by Business+Impact and the Ford Motor Company. The aim of the program is to give small business owners extra hands in solving complex challenges and to help students gain real experience understanding the various issues social ventures face.
How long has Open Road existed?
Since 2014, Ross has sent MBAs to participate in Ross Open Road, a program that pairs MBA students with visionary entrepreneurs. Students initiate teams, plan journeys, and help social entrepreneurs implement impact at scale. Students have the opportunity to experience social entrepreneurship in practice while traveling to different communities across America.
What does a Open Road Fellow do?
Over the course of five weeks, students drive from state to state meeting socially-driven entrepreneurs. Students spend one week on-site in each location, working closely with the entrepreneur, to provide a solution or recommendation to a business problem they are facing. At the end of each week, students pack up the car and hit the road again to meet with the next entrepreneur!
How can I apply?
The 2021 Open Road Fellow application process will be released in the Fall of 2020. Historically, applicants must apply in groups of 4-5, and prepare a (fun) video statement explaining why they're interested in the program. Its sounds intense but we're positive you'll have a fun time with the application!
How can I learn more?
If you are interested in learning more about Open Road, please visit the official student-authored Ross Open Road website (see below), or reach out to an Open Road Team member below. We'll do our best to answer your questions to make sure you're ready to apply for the program!
https://medium.com/rossopenroad
https://businessimpact.umich.edu/our-programs/ross-open-road/
