Student Leader Fellowship Program
The Student Leader Fellowship Program (SLFP) is a two-year, nationally recognized leadership program. Committed to developing competent, ethical, and community-centered leaders, the SLFP provides student fellows with a series of unique experiences such as a fall retreat, a two-credit leadership class, a community mentor, a Community Service Internship and a thorough workshop series.
How to Apply
The Student Leader Fellowship Program (SLFP) accepts applications annually from November through February. Accepted students begin the program in the following fall semester. Applications for the 35th cohort (starting Fall 2025) are now open and will close on February 7, 2025, at 5:00 PM (Eastern Time).
Eligibility Requirements:
- You are an NMU student who will have completed at least two semesters at a college or university by the time you start the program.
- You have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.80.
- You have at least four semesters remaining at NMU.
Timeline:
- Application Deadline: Friday, February 7 by 5 PM
- Interviews: February 12–25
- Acceptance Notifications: By Tuesday, March 11
- New Member Welcome Meeting: Wednesday, March 26, at 8:00 PM
If you are interested or have any additional questions you can email slfp@nmu.edu.
Fall Retreat
To begin each year of the program, student fellows gather with Student Leader Fellowship Program staff for a weekend at Bay Cliff Health Camp in Big Bay, Michigan (typically the first weekend after Labor Day). The fall retreat provides a comfortable setting for introductions, teambuilding, and an orientation to the program. Highlights of the weekend usually include high-energy interactive games, skill development workshops, great food, and an evening bonfire.
Leadership Class
Student fellows participate in a two-credit, leadership theory and practice course during their first semester in the program. This highly interactive class allows them to explore leadership theories, preferred personal leadership styles, importance of ethics in leadership, human motivation, the importance of diversity, and goal setting skills.
Additionally, the course hosts guest speakers to share their leadership expertise on a variety of topics.
Community Mentor
During the first year of the program, all student fellows are assigned a mentor. The mentors are community leaders who act as role models, advisers, teachers, and friends. Mentors and student fellows participate in a wide range of activities ranging from community meetings, activities, conferences and workshops, to hiking, biking, snowshoeing and getting coffee or a meal together. Student fellows and mentors have lots of fun while learning from and sharing ideas with each other.
Recruiting now! Interested in being a mentor for Fall 2025? E-mail us at slfp@nmu.edu.
Community Service Internship
During the second year in the program, student fellows put their leadership skills into action through community service internships. These provide extensive opportunities to practice their leadership in the community. Student fellows design their own internships, choosing from existing sites or a limitless variety of new possibilities. Through the community service internships, approximately 4,500 hours of community service are provided annually.
Skill Builder! Workshops
Student Fellows in the Student Leader Fellowship Program are expected to attend a minimum of 15 workshops during the two years they are in the program. Student Fellows can also attend other presentations or workshops that can count as a Skill Builder! credit (up to 5) by completing a write-up about them. If you are interested in presenting a Skill Builder! workshop, please complete the Skill Builder! Planning Form.