We believe when global talent builds in the United States, we all progress.
In 2014, The Build Fellowship’s Cofounder and Chief Immigration Officer, Jeff Goldman developed the legal infrastructure for what became the country’s first cap-exempt H-1B program, the Global Entrepreneur in Residence (GEIR) program. Jeff worked alongside USCIS and former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick to design a program that helped foreign national founders stay and build companies in Massachusetts, by working part-time for UMass Boston.
Building on the success of that model, Jeff and Danielle - a father-daughter duo - came together in 2018 to solve the challenges of the adoption and implementation of the GEIR concept. Open Avenues Foundation became the first nonprofit affiliated with U.S. colleges and universities to offer part-time employment and cap-exempt H-1B sponsorship opportunities to foreign nationals willing to spend 5-hours per week leading students in skills-development programs.
Over the last 5 years, Open Avenues Foundation has employed foreign founders and key talent from more than 150 companies within its Fellowship program, supporting 1000+ students from 12 colleges and universities around the United States.
Now, The Build Fellowship is bringing this model to nonprofit partners across the country.
Every person possesses the ability to achieve success, irrespective of their origin, background, or socio-economic status.
Foreign nationals are part and parcel to the United States’ rich social fabric, and robust economy. Varied cultural perspectives and incredible work ethic foster new ideas, which bloom into American businesses, creating more employment opportunities in the U.S.
Creative thinking is the driver of effective and viable solutions. Build addresses entrenched challenges like immigration limitations, visa complications and talent scarcities through creativity and innovation.
Through The Build Fellowship, foreign nationals, in conjunction with nonprofit organizations, produce best-in-class research, publish industry content, lead 1-on-1 technical skills-building sessions, and offer industry guidance to college students and the public at-large in high-growth fields such as computer science, engineering, and biotechnology.
In 2024, The Build Fellowship’s education programming is projected to serve over 500 individuals at 10 partner institutions with programming put on by 100 Fellows. This reflects a 600% growth in individuals served since 2020 along with more than a 300% increase in the number of partner institutions.
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