WNY Prosperity Fellowship

Established by the Prentice Family Foundation. Must be a promising undergraduate or graduate student actively preparing for a career that furthers economic development and growth, especially in the Western New York region. WNY Prosperity Fellowship Program is a leadership development program seeking the next generation of entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators committed to making a difference in Western New York. Tuition Scholarship & Paid Internship up to $25,000. Candidates must complete the FAFSA and have financial need. Only open to US citizens or permanent residents. Students do not need to have residency in Western New York. Not intended for international students. Finalists will be interviewed.

Fellowship eligibility:

  • Full-time enrollment
  • Good academic standing
  • Current undergraduate students from any major
  • Undergraduates may apply as rising juniors, juniors or seniors
  • Current and admitted graduate students from any major
  • Applicants must specifically explain how their intended careers will directly relate to economic development and job growth in Western New York.

If selected, fellowship requirements include:

  • Paid internship in Western New York
  • Orientation week in May
  • All-expense paid retreat at the end of August/Fall
  • Internship discussion sessions and reception
  • Two Innovate Over Ice networking events per semester
  • Prosperity Pitch Night for fellows
  • Two Startup and Innovation Collaboratory powered by Blackstone LaunchPad workshops per semester
  • One pitch competition hosted by UB’s Startup and Innovation Collaboratory powered by Blackstone LaunchPad
  • Prentice Family Foundation meetings
  • Notify UB Financial Aid promptly of any changes to financial resources, aid, loans
  • Work in Western New York for two years within 10 years of earning the UB degree
  • Provide the University at Buffalo and the Prentice Family Foundation with personal contact information for 10 years

Fellowship benefits:

  • Affiliation with like-minded individuals that show promise as leaders in Western New York
  • Up to $25,000 in scholarship support based on financial need, paid-internship, and enrichment fund
  • Internships will cover the cost of tuition and fees up to 1 credit hours
  • Winter session enrichment seminar to enhance professional development and capacity to engage effectively in the community
  • Soft-skills development programming to support the transition from academia to professions
  • Explore Buffalo Explorer Pass is provided for access to corporate partner programs
  • Complimentary membership and access to regional leadership organizations
  • Competitive, supplemental enrichment grants up to $2,000 for experiential learning activities

Candidates are encouraged to attend Fellowship information sessions:

  • Wednesday, November 15, 2023, 2:00 p.m. | Zoom Meeting ID: 915 2698 8174 and Passcode: 814748
  • Monday, December 4, 2023, 5:00 p.m. | Zoom Meeting ID: 941 1841 4747 and Passcode: 635352

For additional information about the Western New York Prosperity Fellowship Program, visit: https://www.buffalo.edu/entrepreneurship/programs/wny-prosperity/application.html

Award
up to $25,000
Scopes
Financial Aid Office, Financial Need, WNY Prosperity Fellowship
Deadline
02/01/2024
Supplemental Questions
  1. Please submit a personal statement describing how your interests and achievements demonstrate a commitment to contribute to the economic growth, innovation and prosperity of the Western New York community.
  2. Please identify the type of knowledge economy, business, industry or organization in which you would like to intern.
  3. Please share a summary of your intended future professional plans.
  4. Faculty reference
  5. Supplemental reference
  6. RESUME OR CV REQUIRED: Please upload a copy.
  7. If you are a newly-admitted graduate student who did not attend UB as an undergraduate, please upload an unofficial PDF of your academic transcript.
  8. How did you learn about the WNY Prosperity Fellowship?
  9. Please confirm your anticipated academic level for the 2024-2025 academic year.
  10. What is your anticipated graduation date from your current program?
  11. If selected, I agree to adhere to the following fellowship requirements. I understand that my inability to commit to any of these criteria may negatively affect my candidacy.
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