MARQUETTE, Mich.—Northern Michigan University’s nationally recognized Student Leader Fellowship Program (SLFP) is seeking community leaders to serve as mentors. The SLFP selected 55 students to participate this fall and needs to identify an equal number of mentors.

“The goal for our program is to assist students in developing leadership skills while at the same time fostering an appreciation for leadership at the community level,” said Rachel Harris, associate director of the Center for Student Enrichment. “Prospective mentors typically are involved in the community at various levels. They are often affiliated with service clubs or organizations, government, or organizations or projects that contribute to building a community.”

The SLFP at NMU is a two-year program that requires several things from participating students. In addition to the one-year mentoring relationship, students must attend two overnight fall retreats, complete a two-credit leadership theory and practice course, participate in 15 Skill Builder! workshops and—as the culminating activity—organize, plan and implement a year-long community service internship.

“We have been able to match each student fellow with a mentor for the past 19 years, which says some pretty amazing things about our community,” Harris said. “All told, 581 different individuals have served as mentors, and many of them have done so on more than one occasion.”

Community leader Joe Lubig has served as a mentor. He says, “A strong community is founded in strong relationships. Serving as an SLFP mentor has allowed me the opportunity to connect a future leader to all the things I am proud of: my family, my community, my university and my profession. The experience reinforced for me the fact that our students care and want to do their best for every person and situation they encounter.”

To serve as a mentor, or for more information, contact Harris at 227-1771 or slfp@nmu.edu.