Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs about the Intercultural Leadership, Education and Development Fellowship

Financially, scholars receive a $12,000 per year scholarship. Scholars begin their college experience at CSB+SJU as recognized leaders within their first year class and benefit from twice monthly seminars where scholars connect with each other and members of the CSB+SJU campus community. First year scholars participate in a two-day retreat prior to first semester where they begin forming relationships with other members of their cohort. Scholars often speak about the feeling of family and support among the members of this program. Scholars also participate in formal and informal mentoring relationships with other scholars, steering committee members and other CSB+SJU community members.

Absolutely not! Scholars arrive at CSB+SJU with strong educational backgrounds and a history of leadership in a variety of areas (fine arts, volunteer organizations, athletics, etc.). One of the main goals of the program is to continue to develop the skills that our scholars already have, while helping them seek new opportunities on campus and in the community.

1. Apply for Admission.

2. Complete the Intercultural LEAD Fellowship application.

3. Submit the FAFSA.

4. Complete an interview.

In order to be eligible to apply for the Fellowship Program, students must:

• Be a first generation college student (meaning that neither parent has graduated from a four-year college or university).
• Attend high school within the United States.
• Have demonstrated experience and leadership with intercultural issues and actions.
• Have demonstrated academic accomplishment throughout high school.
• Have demonstrated financial need.

Since 2015, we have seen more than 80 applicants each year for the 15 spots in the Fellowship Program. Applications for the program have grown steadily and we anticipate the 2024-2025 cohort will be no exception.

While our cohort sizes have ranged from 13 students to 29 students, our ideal cohort size is around 12-15 students. This allows for close inter-cohort connections as well as enhanced mentoring relationships with other scholars and the Intercultural Leadership, Education and Development steering committee.

The application is due by January 15. In order for an application to be complete, students must have:

• Submitted the Application for Admission to CSB+SJU.
• Submitted the  FAFSA to CSB+SJU.
• Submitted the  Intercultural Leadership, Education and Development application form.
• Complete an interview.

All interviewees are encouraged to complete their FAFSA by the February 1, as the FAFSA results are needed prior to Intercultural LEAD selection. The College of Saint Benedict (women) FAFSA code is 002341 and the Saint John’s University (men) FAFSA code is 002379.

First-year Scholars participate in a retreat that takes place prior to CSB+SJU first-year orientation.

Applicants will be notified in February if they have been selected to receive an Intercultural LEAD Fellowship.

The selection process is never easy and each year we find ourselves making very difficult decisions. All students on campus, including students who interview for the program and are not chosen for the program, will have access to the numerous resources available on campus including (but not limited to):

• Academic Advising: Information regarding study skills, free tutoring, one-on-one advising support and assistance in creating a four-year academic plan.
• Intercultural and International Student Services Center (IISS): A department on campus which promotes intercultural awareness and competence to all students. The primary focus of the Center is to provide services to students of color. The Center strives to facilitate intercultural interaction, learning and appreciation. It also provides personal mentoring and coordinates many special events—including the annual Festival of Cultures and Asian New Year.
• Student Activities and Leadership Development: Provides opportunities for on-campus involvement in student clubs, the Inspiring Leaders Certificate Program (ILCP), and countless events happening during the week and the weekends at CSB+SJU.
• Well-Being Center: Offers individual counseling as well as workshops on common concerns for college students (stress management, body image, homesickness, etc.).
• Experience & Professional Development: Provides students with support in resume/cover letter writing, finding an internship and networking with CSB+SJU alumni. It also holds information sessions and career fairs for students to learn more about options after graduation.
• First Generation Organization Advisor: supporting first-generation students in their transition to college and continued support during the first year of college.
• Advocates for Inclusive Mentoring (AIM): striving to strengthen CSB’s historically underrepresented students’ personal development and leadership through collaboration with various academic groups on campus to help build community, sense of belonging, and overall student success.