Building Pathways for Global Talent
How we built the Build Fellowship to serve U.S. universities, students, global talent, and U.S. companies.
The Build Fellowship Story
In 2014, The Build Fellowship's Co-Founder 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 found Open Avenues Foundation, created 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 8 years, Open Avenues Foundation has employed foreign founders and key talent from more than 150 companies within its Fellowship program, supporting 5,500+ students from colleges and universities around the United States.
Now, The Build Fellowship is bringing this model to nonprofit partners across the country.
In 2014, The Build Fellowship's Co-Founder 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 found Open Avenues Foundation, created 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 8 years, Open Avenues Foundation has employed foreign founders and key talent from more than 150 companies within its Fellowship program, supporting 5,500+ students from colleges and universities around the United States.
Now, The Build Fellowship is bringing this model to nonprofit partners across the country.
Impact
In 2025, The Build Fellowship's education programming served over 1,300 students at 17 partner institutions with programming put on by 230+ Fellows.
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.
From students gaining skills with practical applications, universities expanding their education offerings with the most cutting-edge knowledge, to U.S. employers gaining the ability to retain their top global talent, The Build Fellowship is a comprehensive solution that powers economic growth in the United States.
Nominate a candidate today
Click here to nominate one of your employees or nominate yourself for The Build Fellowship.