2025 Michigan Governor's Service Award for Youth Impact
Northern Michigan University (NMU) is proud to announce that the Student Leader Fellowship Program (SLFP) has been honored with the Michigan Governor’s Service Award for Youth Impact, a prestigious state recognition celebrating programs that demonstrate exceptional service, leadership development, and community engagement.
Since its founding in 1991, the SLFP has empowered students to make meaningful contributions to communities across Michigan. To date, more than 1,300 student fellows have completed the program, contributing over 146,000 hours of community service at more than 500 sites. With support from over 1,000 community mentors, students design their own community-based internships, allowing them to engage deeply with issues they care about while building lifelong leadership skills.
“This program creates engaged, involved leaders who often put their skills to work in Michigan,” said community mentor Victoria Leonhardt.
The Governor’s Service Award recognizes the long-standing impact of the SLFP on both its students and the community. As noted in a recent NMU statement, “The SLFP thrives because of a community committed to positive change—students pushing themselves to grow, mentors sharing their time and talents, and community partners offering meaningful service opportunities.”
About the Student Leader Fellowship Program
Located within the Center for Student Enrichment, the SLFP is a two-year leadership development initiative that pairs students with community partners, hands-on service opportunities, and dedicated mentors. The program encourages students to identify community needs, develop solutions, and positively contribute to the Upper Peninsula and beyond.
Congratulations
NMU extends its congratulations to all SLFP students, alumni, mentors, and community partners who contributed to the program’s success and to this statewide recognition.