Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Leadership Fellows Program?
The Leadership Fellows Program is a new educational initiative that provides enhanced
educational opportunities for exceptionally qualified masters-level students whose social work
career goals are to assume leadership in clinical practice within an agency context. The program
prepares students for leadership in the implementation of evidence-based practice for vulnerable
populations.
What are the Components of the Leadership Fellows Program?
Students in the Leadership Fellows Program will fulfill all the program requirements of the
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School’s two-year master’s program. Students also will participate in a
number of particularized educational opportunities of the Leadership Fellows Program,
including:
- Specialized Course Work — Two specialized required courses for this program —
Development and Implementation of Evidence-Based Practice and
Theory and Practice of Leadership. - Innovative Field Placements — Focused on the planning and implementation of evidence-based
practice with vulnerable populations - Integrative Field Seminars — Presentations by outstanding social work leaders who have
expertise with evidence-based practice - Student Portfolios — Compilation of electronic materials documenting experiences and career
development activities while in the fellowship program - Capstone Project — Leadership Fellows will prepare a capstone project on evidence-based
practice during their two years of study that will be presented at a student-led seminar in their
final semester. - Mentoring — Each fellow will be matched with an outstanding community agency mentor who will
provide individual consultation and support on leadership and career development. - Informal Group Activities — Lunches, seminars and discussions will be organized by the
Leadership Fellows Program director in consultation with fellows. - Leadership Fellows Alumni Network — Program graduates will be invited to serve as mentors to
current fellows and encouraged to participate in the program’s seminars, lectures and informal
meetings.
What Financial Support is Offered to Leadership Fellows?
Leadership Fellows receive full tuition scholarships for their two-year program of study.
Leadership Fellows are in field placements in human service organizations as part of their master’s
curriculum and receive a monthly stipend. In addition, each Leadership Fellow receives $500 per
year to be used toward professional development activities.
What is the Criteria for Admission to the Leadership Fellows Program?
- Superior undergraduate educational performance (GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4-point scale)
- Evidence of leadership capabilities as demonstrated by previous positions of leadership,
letters of reference and personal statement in the program application - Previous social work or human service-related work experience or volunteer service
- Interest and capability to pursue a rigorous academic program including additional program
requirements - Meets all admission requirements for the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School’s master’s degree program.
How Can I Obtain Additional Information About the Leadership Fellows Program?
Please e-mail
David E. Biegel, PhD, Henry Zucker Professor of Social
Work Practice and director of the Leadership Fellows Program. You also may call him at
216.368.2308.