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, Fall Retreat in September, and Winter Seminar Session
• 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
• Once an Alum/Alumna of the Fellowship Program agre to Mentor a current Fellow
• 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:

• Friday, November 8, 2024, 11:00 a.m. | 340 Student Union, UB North Campus
• Tuesday, November 19, 2024, 5:30 p.m. | Zoom Meeting ID: 912 7530 0200 | Passcode: 838641
• Thursday, December 5, 2024, 5:30 p.m. | 340 Student Union, UB North Campus
• Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 1:00 p.m. | Meeting ID: 922 7928 2527 and Passcode: 046283

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