Program Information

Program components

• Academic coursework: Coursework anchored in leadership, social change, and DEI-focused electives.
• Career, professional development, and research opportunities: Workshops, guest lectures, and experiential opportunities that bridge academic learning with real-world application.
• Mentoring and community connections: A cohort model designed to support community-building, reflection, and shared learning.

Eligibility and cohort size

• Who can apply: Current second-year students (rising third-years) are eligible and encouraged to apply. 
• Selection factors: Prior coursework, purpose statement, and two recommendations from faculty/staff. 
• Cohort size: Pilot cohort targeted at 6 to 8 fellows (fall 2025). Future cohorts expected to range from 8 to 12 fellows. 

Inaugural year at a glance (2025–26)

Fall 2025

• Fellows enroll in SOCI 399: Leadership and Social Change (cross-listed as Special Topics in Sociology). 
• Fellows design their summer 2026 internship/experiential experience. 
• Fellows participate in workshops and a micro-internship experience. 

Spring 2026

• Fellows enroll in one pre-approved DEI-related elective. 
• Recruitment and selection of Cohort 2. 

Summer 2026

• Fellows complete their summer internship and track their experience using a digital portfolio. 

Fall 2026

• Cohort 2 begins SOCI 399, and Cohort 1 completes a collective Leadership Legacy culminating project.