Leadership Fellows
Want to become a more confident leader on campus? Are you interested in developing your leadership skills, but don't know where to start? Apply to be a part of Leadership Fellows' Spring 2027 cohort!
Leadership Fellows is a cohort-based emerging leaders program designed to support undergraduate students as they explore their leadership potential. Through cohort events, leadership training and certified executive-style coaching, participants will develop the self-awareness, communication and strategic thinking skills needed to create positive change in organizations, classrooms, workplaces and communities.
Who Should Apply
Leadership Fellows is open to first-year students, second-year students and first-year transfer students. You do not need a leadership title, officer position or extensive involvement on campus to participate. Leadership Fellows was created for students who want to grow their confidence, discover their strengths and explore their leadership potential!
You might be a great fit if:
- You want to gain confidence in your ability to lead and work with others.
- You're interested in leadership but aren't sure where to begin.
- You want to better understand and articulate your strengths.
- You want to develop leadership skills that will help you at UT and beyond.
- You want to make a positive impact on and off campus.
What Participation Includes
Leadership Fellows combines personalized coaching, leadership development, reflection and community-building experiences to support your growth throughout the semester.
- Five one-hour virtual coaching sessions on a personal leadership development goal.
- A kickoff event to learn about the program and connect with your cohort.
- Monthly leadership development workshops focused on reflective, interpersonal and practical leadership skills.
- An end-of-program celebration to recognize program completion and reflect on program experiences.
- An opportunity to earn two micro credentials to display on LinkedIn and demonstrate participation in continued leadership development.
How to Participate
Ready to join us? Applications for the Spring 2027 Leadership Fellows cohort are open and are due on Sunday, November 15 at 11:59 p.m.
Please find the application here!
Questions about the program and/or application? Email us at texaslead@austin.utexas.edu.
Your Leadership Fellow Journey Can Continue
Leadership Fellows could be just your first step in a three-year pathway of engagement with Texas Leadership Education and Development.
Leadership Fellow
Leadership Mentor
Leadership Pathfinder
Applications for Leadership Mentors will open soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is unique about this program?
A: Leadership Fellows combines free, one-on-one and group executive-level leadership coaching, expert-led leadership development and a supportive cohort experience in a way that is not typically available to undergraduate students. Participants work with trained coaches, engage in group coaching and peer learning and learn from Texas LEAD staff with certifications in leadership development, CliftonStrengths and change management. Students also earn leadership-focused micro credentials and receive support from Leadership Mentors throughout the program.
Q: I applied for Leadership Fellows. What happens next?
A: Our program staff will review your application and send you an email regarding your status roughly two weeks after the close of the application period. You may be asked to participate in the final phase of our application, which is an interview with Texas LEAD staff. If accepted into the program, you will be asked to attend a required kickoff event to learn more about program expectations and set your leadership goals.
Q: How will this program help me professionally?
A: The skills you will develop by participating in this program (e.g., communication, self-awareness, goal setting, conflict management, etc.) are highly valued by employers and graduate programs. You will practice tangible strategies that you can discuss in interviews and apply directly in the workplace.
Q: What is leadership coaching?
A: In alignment with the International Coaching Federation's definition of coaching, leadership coaching can be defined as a transformative journey where you discover your true leader potential. By participating in Leadership Fellows, you will become more self-aware of your strengths and areas of growth and develop the skills needed to lead with confidence.
Q: What makes coaching different from counseling or mentoring?
A: Leadership coaching is a bit different from other one-to-one support programs, like therapy, mentorship, consulting and counseling. In this program, you'll take lead of your coaching sessions and identify topics you'd like to explore with the guidance of your coach. Coaches don't tell their student clients what to do but instead create a warm and welcoming environment where you can explore your thoughts and come to conclusions about how to achieve your goals.
Q: Who are the coaches?
A: Our coaches are International Coaching Federation credentialed professionals who work with executive leaders nationwide. Their coaching approach is informed by their education, training, ethical standards and experiences.