Michigan State University has officially opened applications for its highly respected Leadership Fellows Program 2026–2027, offering graduate and professional students an exciting opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills while receiving a $2,000 fellowship award to support academic and community-impact work.
Designed for students who want to become effective change-makers, this fellowship is more than just financial support — it is a structured leadership development experience housed in MSU’s Graduate School Office of Well-Being. For applicants passionate about improving graduate student life and building long-term career-ready leadership capacity, this program is a major opportunity to join a campus-wide community of future leaders.
The Leadership Fellows Program is especially valuable for students who want to grow through mentorship, reflection, and hands-on projects that create meaningful positive change within the Michigan State University graduate community.
Fellowship Benefits and What Winners Receive
Winning the Michigan State University Leadership Fellows Program 2026 provides both funding and an immersive leadership experience that helps fellows stand out academically and professionally.
Selected fellows will receive a $2,000 fellowship award, intended to help cover expenses during the program year or support the execution of a student-led leadership project. The fellowship is awarded upon successful completion of the full program cycle, making it both a financial boost and a recognition of leadership commitment.
Beyond the funding, fellows gain access to a unique development pathway that includes retreats, cohort learning, mentorship support, and the chance to lead a change-oriented project focused on graduate student well-being. Past fellows have launched professional workshops, strengthened graduate organizations, and advocated directly for student concerns — making this fellowship a powerful stepping stone for future leadership roles.
Eligibility Requirements for MSU Leadership Fellows Program 2026
Applicants must meet clear graduate-level qualifications and demonstrate readiness for leadership development within the MSU community.
Eligible candidates include:
- Students admitted to a Michigan State University graduate or professional degree program
- Applicants with some prior leadership experience in academics, service, or community roles
- Individuals committed to supporting the well-being of graduate students at MSU
- Students able to dedicate approximately 6 hours per month for fellowship activities
- Fellows who can be geographically located in the East Lansing surrounding area during the program period
Apply: https://grad.msu.edu/news-and-events/news/2026/01/leadership-fellows-program-2026-2027
Last Date to Apply for Leadership Fellows Program 2026
The last date to apply for the Leadership Fellows Program 2026 at Michigan State University is Saturday, March 14, 2026. Applicants must complete and submit the official Qualtrics application survey by this deadline to be considered for the 2026–2027 fellowship cycle.