Those are all key to building a successful career in global business. At the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI), we help build the next generation of leaders through our Albrecht Fellowship for college students. This Fellowship prepares undergraduate and graduate students for careers in international business and global affairs.
The Fellowship runs for two weeks in August on weekdays. Each day typically lasts from 9:30 am until about 3:30 pm and may include site visits to featured companies. The sessions are led by business leaders and other WTCI network experts, all affiliated with Mid-Atlantic entities that work globally. This kind of real-world learning cannot happen in a classroom.
Current undergraduate and graduate students or recent college graduates are encouraged to apply. Fellows can expect to participate in skill building workshops, tour global businesses across Maryland and meet with executives. Some of the companies that fellows visited in the past include McCormick, Under Armour, Stanley Black and Decker, T. Rowe Price, Pompeian Olive Oil, PRS Guitars and Collins Aerospace. This gives them an inside look at how different organizations work and the opportunity to make professional connections needed to stand out in the competitive job market. The fellowship also helps college students to start building their brands and launch their professional networks.
The Albrecht Fellowships are supported by Founding Sponsor Jim Albrecht, in addition to individual donors. Click here to learn how you can support the Albrecht Fellowships and extend life-changing opportunities to students from across our region.
Learn about business strategies and cultures
Get advice on how to apply and interview for jobs at companies
Hear first-hand stories of how people became leaders
Build long-lasting working relationships with like-minded peers and mentors
Participate in a leadership and communications workshop
Learn how to make the best use of LinkedIn
Why Albrecht Fellowships

For Students
Learn about global business and leadership from well-established executives at various venues, including WTCI events.

For Educators
Get assistance in preparing your students for careers in global business.

For Business Leaders
Help the Mid-Atlantic attract and retain top talent, including at your company or nonprofit.
Apply to be a Fellow
Approximately 30 fellows are selected each year. The cost to participate is $495; some scholarships are available for applicants applying priority consideration. Applicants must commit to attending all of the fellowship sessions, and be a current undergraduate/graduate student or recent college graduate.
The 2026 Albrecht Fellowship program will take place August 11-20, 2026.
Priority Consideration Deadline: April 25, 2026
Standard Application Deadline: June 6, 2026
Questions about the Albrecht Fellowship? Contact:
2026 Schedule
August 11

Day one kicks off with introductions to the program team, fellowship founder, and fellow participants. Following a brief program overview, fellows will join a masterclass public-speaking workshop focused on building influence and effectively communicating ideas in any professional setting. To close out the day, Thibault Manekin will deliver a keynote address sharing insights from his leadership journey.
August 12

Day two takes fellows to the Stanley Black & Decker campus, starting with an interactive workshop on AI and emerging technology. In the afternoon, fellows will explore the company’s global brand portfolio, tour its headquarters, and dive into its corporate sustainability strategy. The day concludes with a panel of industry professionals sharing insights into their roles and the core competencies required to succeed in modern business.
Site visit: Stanley Black & Decker
August 13

Day three begins with an interactive Applied Improv workshop that teaches the use of spontaneous communication to build confidence, practice active listening, and frame ideas effectively—essential skills for mastering high-impact networking. In the afternoon, participants put these techniques into immediate practice through moderated corporate roundtables, connecting directly with senior executives across a variety of industries to gain global leadership insights and explore career pathways.
August 14

The full-day retreat at Outward Bound brings out the best in every participant. By pairing immersive outdoor adventure with intentional learning, the experience creates lasting personal and professional impact. Expert facilitators design challenges tailored to each participant’s comfort zone—stretching abilities without exceeding them—while fostering a deep understanding of the balance between risk, reward, and responsibility.
Site Visit: Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School
August 17

Fellows will explore Maryland’s role within the global supply chain, examining how local businesses both shape and adapt to shifts in international trade. The day begins with a site visit to Ancora Warehousing & Logistics to analyze the mechanics of shipping, freight, and distribution in global commerce. Next, the cohort travels to Pompeian to hear directly from industry leaders who manage complex international supply chains to power their Maryland-based operations.
Site visit: Ancora Warehousing & Logistics and Pompeian
August 18

Fellows will spend a full day immersed in the world of flavor as they visit McCormick & Company, Inc. – one of Maryland’s most iconic brands. The morning begins at the Hunt Valley Plant with an inside look at large-scale manufacturing and supply chain operations. In the afternoon, the cohort heads to corporate headquarters to explore McCormick’s diverse product portfolio, meet with business leaders, and learn about key organizational roles.
Site Visit: McCormick
August 19

Hosted at M&T Bank, this session offers a deep dive into the diverse ecosystem of modern banking and corporate finance. Industry leaders will share insights during interactive panel discussions highlighting various career pathways across the financial sector. The day concludes with an interactive LinkedIn workshop designed to help participants refine their digital presence and build strategic habits for executive networking.
Site Visit: M&T Bank
August 20

The Program Closing for the 2026 Albrecht Fellowship for College will provide a reflection on the program experience and an action plan to make the most out of the program in the coming months. A closing ceremony will be held for the graduating fellows to celebrate their leadership journey.
*NOTE: Fellows are invited to bring a guest to the closing event and hosted lunch.
Faces of WTCI:
From Fellow to Trade Specialist to (Almost) Lawyer
Some alumni send a nice LinkedIn update once a year. Alexandra Kaiss just kept showing up.
She joined WTCI’s inaugural Albrecht High School Fellowship cohort in 2019, came back for the College Fellowship in 2021, and has stayed close to the program ever since — as an intern, a guest speaker, and now, as a case study in what happens when you actually take the “global leadership” part seriously.
Albrecht College Fellows
Fellowship Founder: Dr. James Albrecht
The idea to create the Albrecht Fellowships for College Students came from Baltimore icon Dr. James Albrecht. The program marries two of his lifelong interests: youth education and global business. Bringing those interests together under the umbrella of WTCI was a natural, as Dr. Albrecht has been involved with the organization for more than three decades. He is a founding member of the WTCI Board of Directors.








































































































































































































































