Founded in 1989 by Isabella Cannon ’24, the former Mayor of Raleigh and one of North Carolina’s most distinguished leaders, the Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellows program is a nationally recognized leadership development program designed to strengthen each student’s leadership skills and ability to impact themselves, their communities, and their worlds. The four-year cohort experience builds a strong sense of community among the group and allows students to develop close mentoring relationships with peers, faculty and staff. The incoming students are expected to be the next leaders of the Elon community.

As a cohort, the first-year Fellows are enrolled in Elon 1010 together. Second-year Fellows will continue the academic component of the Fellows program with a 2000-level Leadership Studies elective/course and a domestic travel experience during Winter Term. All Fellows are required to complete the Leadership Studies Minor and complete their cohort academic experience with courses that support the completion of their common good (research and) change initiative.

Program Highlights

  • Participate in leadership workshops, engage in team-building exercises and volunteer with local organizations to develop leadership skills and competencies.
  • Attend special monthly forums bringing together all four Leadership Fellows classes to learn from leadership experts and engage in deep discussions.
  • During Winter Term of sophomore year, participate in a specially designed course on leadership and social justice and travel to key locations to study.
  • Work with a faculty mentor to research a social issue, complete a contextual analysis, then develop a Common Good Project to create sustainable positive change.
  • Contribute to campus life by engaging in student organizations, student employment and volunteering by taking on leadership roles that support peers, lead initiatives and strengthen an inclusive, connected campus community.

Co-Curricular Leadership Experiences

The Leadership Fellows participate in leadership education and development throughout all four years; the Center For Leadership facilitates workshops, labs, and retreats which are designed to help students better understand themselves as a leader, how to lead with others, and how to make an impact on their community. Additionally, each month, the Fellows attend a Fellows Forum which brings together the four cohorts to hear from a leadership expert and for a discussion about a leadership topic. Leadership Fellows complete 8 hours of community service each semester and support the Alamance Youth Leadership Academy (AYLA) workshops for middle school students one time each semester year. First-year Fellows also attend two “impact” events both fall and spring to engage in campus speakers and events.

Leading the Self: Investigate your leadership style and philosophy, understand your responsibility to the community, identify a mentor and participate in campus clubs and organizations as you use your strengths to engage in leadership on campus.

Leading with Others: Develop your ability to work with groups, gain a stronger understanding of diverse perspectives and learn the power of collaboration. Work with a mentor to explore your effectiveness as a leader.

Leading for Change: Deepen your understanding of leadership and apply it to effect organizational and systemic change. Present your research and Common Good Project to a team of community leaders.

Other Opportunities

Several Fellows have participated in other domestic and international programs such as , the , and the .

Scholarships

All 25 Leadership Fellows receive scholarships valued at $8,000, which are renewable annually as long as the student remains a Fellow in good standing. This is in addition to any Presidential or Elon Engagement scholarship received. All Leadership Fellows also receive a $1,000 Global Study grant to be used for an Elon-approved study abroad or Study USA program, as well as other program-funded experiences.

Application

Students with substantial and broad leadership experiences in their high school and/or communities are encouraged to apply. Students should have an unweighted GPA of 3.6 or higher. Twenty-five Fellows are selected to begin each new cohort of leaders. Apply to ¸£ÀûÑÇÖÞ¹ú²ú¾«Æ· Early Decision, Early Action or Regular Deadline by Nov. 1 and to Leadership Fellows by Nov. 10.

If you are a high school student interested in the Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellows program, you can apply online.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of the Leadership Fellows requirements, Leadership Fellows graduate with distinction as an Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellow and a medallion to be worn at Commencement. The Cannon Legacy is a life-long journey!

Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellows Class of 2022

 

Meet some Leadership Fellows featured in Today at Elon.