Fellowships
Collegiate Fellowship
About the Collegiate Fellowship
Our Collegiate Fellowship is a two-part program aimed at providing college-level students with the platform and skills to spark transformative conversations within their school communities. Students are 1) trained on how to lead professional development workshops by DT staff members, and 2) then go on to teach these workshops to the staff, faculty, and students at their school. Collegiate Fellowship participants enhance their facilitation and professional development skills and deepen their understanding of the positive impact sharing their stories can have on their communities.
Professional Development Series
After training with Diversity Talks staff, student facilitators trained through the Collegiate Fellowship program will lead participants through a series of workshops exploring and discussing the intricacies of race, identity, and the systems of power we operate within. Workshop participants will build community with their peers, learn and unlearn in a protected space, and brainstorm how to create systemic changes within their communities.
Liberation Leader Fellowship (LLF)
About the Liberation Leader Fellowship (LLF)
Our Liberation Leader Fellowship (LLF) is a two-part program aimed at providing high school youth with the platform and skills to spark transformative conversations with adults in their buildings, districts, and communities. Students are 1) trained on how to lead professional development workshops by DT staff members, and 2) then go on to teach these workshops to the staff and faculty at their school. LLF participants enhance their facilitation and professional development skills and learn the positive impact that sharing their stories can have on their communities.
Summer Camp
Part one of the LLF experience can be offered in a Summer Camp format, with youth fellows attending a 10-day hybrid intensive program designed for young leaders. This experience immerses participants in the Diversity Talks curriculum, allowing them to gain firsthand experience with the content before leading it with adults in their school communities.
Credited Course
Alternatively, part one of the LLF experience can also be offered as a semester-long, credit-bearing course co-taught by a Diversity Talks Staff Member and a licensed high school teacher. This course meets five days a week in a collaborative classroom setting and allows for more in-depth reflective identity work, group projects, and presentation skills practice throughout the semester.
Fellowship FAQ
Collegiate Fellowship
What do students receive for being a Collegiate Fellow?
Collegiate Fellows receive access to new leadership and mentoring opportunities, and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certification. Collegiate Fellows also learn valuable transferable skills that can support their professional growth and development.
Are all college students eligible for the Collegiate Fellowship?
Students must be enrolled as college freshmen, sophomores, or juniors at a participating college or university in order to interview to become a Collegiate Fellow.
How much will I be paid for my time with Diversity Talks?
At Diversity Talks, we believe in paying all fellows for their time. Once you complete the Collegiate Fellowship and earn the Diversity Talks certification, you have the opportunity to facilitate workshops, keynote and other paid opportunities.
What is the time commitment?
As a Collegiate Fellow, you agree to fulfill all obligations for your fellowship track. Collegiate Fellowships consist of semester or year long commitments that are co-designed with fellows and school staff to ensure that fellowship requirements are manageable.
Do I have to go to everything? What if I have a scheduling conflict?
Diversity Talks works alongside Collegiate Fellows to craft responsive schedules that account for work, school, and other important obligations. Flexibility and communication are the cornerstones of our working relationships. Collegiate Fellows are expected to clearly communicate any conflicts in advance so that our programming team can provide support and make alternative arrangements.
What is expected of me?
Collegiate Fellows are expected to uphold the Diversity Talks mission and values, the commitments of their assigned role, and support Diversity Talks in making our vision a reality.
What is an “outside opportunity”?
As a Collegiate Fellow, there are occasionally additional opportunities to facilitate workshops, represent Diversity Talks, or provide your voice and perspective to conversations outside of the Diversity Talks space. In the past, this has included opportunities like keynote speaking, participating on a podcast, or sitting on a board for an organization’s event. All outside opportunities are optional.
Do I get paid for taking on additional “outside opportunities”?
For opportunities outside of Diversity Talks, payment is not a guarantee. However, Diversity Talks will always compensate you for your time. We work to ensure your time and energy are valued and respected.
Liberation Leader Fellowship (LLF)
What do the students receive for being a Liberation Leader?
Liberation Leaders will have access to leadership and mentoring opportunities, internship credit, community service hours, and a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liberation Leader certification, which makes them eligible to become a Youth Facilitator.
What grades are the Liberation Leaders?
Youth in our Liberation Leader Fellowship must be enrolled in grades 9-12 at a participating high school or equivalent program.
How much will I be paid for my time with Diversity Talks?
At Diversity Talks, we believe in paying youth for their time as a certified Youth Facilitator. Once youth become a certified Liberation Leader, they will have the opportunity to receive compensation for the services they provide as a Youth Facilitator.
What if I want to be a Liberation Leader, but I work due to having financial responsibilities?
Youth interested in becoming a Liberation Leader through our fellowship, but face financial barriers/hardships that could hinder their full participation, are eligible and encouraged to apply for financial assistance through Diversity Talks.
What is the time commitment?
As a Liberation Leader, youth agree to fulfill all obligations for their fellowship track. Our Liberation Leader Fellowship consists of up to 70 hours of fellowship training across one calendar year. Our Liberation Leaders play an essential role at Diversity Talks, so it is essential that youth honor their commitment to the fellowship.
Do I have to go to everything? What if I have a scheduling conflict?
Diversity Talks works alongside Liberation Leaders to craft schedules around work, school, and other obligations. Flexibility and communication are the cornerstones of our working relationship. Liberation Leaders are expected to clearly communicate any conflicts in advance so that our programming team can provide support and make alternative arrangements.
What is expected of me?
Liberation Leaders are expected to uphold the Diversity Talks mission and values, the commitments of their assigned role, and support Diversity Talks in making our vision a reality.
What is an “outside opportunity”?
As a Liberation Leader, there are occasionally additional opportunities for youth to facilitate workshops, represent Diversity Talks, or provide youth voice and perspective to conversations outside of the Diversity Talks space. In the past, this has included opportunities like keynote speaking, participating on a podcast, or sitting on a board for an organization’s event. All outside opportunities are optional.
Do I get paid for taking on additional responsibilities?
For opportunities outside of Diversity Talks, payment is not a guarantee. However, Diversity Talks will always compensate youth for their time as a Youth Facilitator/speaker. We work to ensure your time and energy are valued and respected.