Building the next generation of Appalachian investment professionals
Learn about venture capital in Appalachia, and getting paid to participate in real deals?
Introducing the Appalachian Emerging Investors Fund (AEIF) — an exciting new opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students from Marshall University, Ohio University, and West Virginia University to learn from & get experience working directly with investors in the Appalachian region and beyond.
Stay tuned to hear more as the program continues!
Program Overview
Selected students will participate in a 10-week virtual course taught by industry experts with a wide array of regional and national investors and entrepreneurs joining as guest speakers. Students who complete the course will receive a venture capital micro-credential.
Eligible students can then earn a spot as a part-time Investment Analyst ($20/hour) during Spring 2026, leading pipeline development, conducting due diligence, and closing real deals as part of the Appalachian Emerging Investors Fund team.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to increase your knowledge about venture capital and gain real-world experience!
Participating Schools
Eligibility
This program is open to any undergraduate and graduate student at West Virginia University, Marshall University, and Ohio University.
There are no prerequisite courses, majors, or year requirements. If you are interested in and committed to learning about venture capital, this course is for you.
Programmatic Commitment
This program consists of a 10-week virtual course taught live by industry experts throughout the Fall 2025 semester. Participants are expected to join the live sessions to earn the VC micro-credential. There is no outside homework required unless you are interested in earning a spot as an Investment Analyst in Spring 2026.
The virtual course starts on Wednesday, September 17 at 6pm. Sessions are taught once per week (Wednesdays at 6pm) for 75 minutes throughout the Fall 2025 semester.
Application & Selection
The course began on Wednesday, September 17, and will continue through the Fall 2025 semester.
More details on the application process for the Investment Analyst roles will be made available to course participants.
Need more info?
AEIF is a program managed by RIIF Capital. Learn more about RIIF Capital, or contact our team at AEIF@riif-impact.org.