Futuro Leaders

Futuro LEaders Fellowship Program

LAUNCH YOUR SUCCESS WITH The WMHCC⭐

THE APPLICATION FOR THE 2024 – 2025 FELLOWSHIP IS NOW OPEN.

2024 – 2025 Fellowship Program Dates: June 2024 – March 2025

The Futuro Leaders Fellowship is specifically designed for Michigan Latinx college students. This HYBRID Fellowship offers exceptional professional development to enhance your leadership, expand your network, and support you as a professional!

Your experience participating as a Fellow provides an impressive start to your professional resume. Whether you’re on track to land an internship or a full-time job opportunity, you will have extraordinary opportunities for personal and professional development. 

Fellowship DETAILS ⭐

The Fellowship will require active and engaged participation of 20 hours per semester to receive the full benefits of the Fellowship.
 
All main sessions usually run from 6:00 – 7:30 PM unless otherwise noted (dates and times are subject to change). Fellows will be required to attend 1-2 in-person events per semester (networking events, training, etc.) outside of monthly virtual sessions. In addition, fellows will also have optional additional coaching sessions with their Success Navigator throughout the year.
 

ELIGIBILITY DETAILS ⭐

  • Latinx candidates must be working towards a post-secondary degree or certificate
  • Have a minimum of 12 credits or two semesters completed by the end of Fall 2024 (sophomore class standing or above)
  • Must be able to actively engage in the fellowship for 20 hours per semester
  • All majors are encouraged to apply
We welcome students from community, private, and public colleges/universities to apply.
 

APPLICATION DETAILS ⭐

In order for your application to be considered, you must complete and submit all of the following materials by April 28, 2024 at 11:59 PM
 
  1. Submit the Fellowship application form
  2. Upload your Letter of Intent* (Limit your letter to approximately 500 words)
      1. Paragraph One: introduce yourself to the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Team and tell us about yourself.
      2. Paragraph Two: share your personal and professional goals and aspirations.
      3. Paragraph Three: tell us why you should be chosen to join the Futuro Leaders Fellowship. 
  3. Upload your Resume*
  4. Upload a Business Professional Headshot*
      1. If you need support taking a business professional headshot, please visit this link: https://tinyurl.com/y68as7yr

*There will be an “upload” option at the end of the application form for you to upload your Letter of Intent, Resume, and Business Professional Headshot.

Application decisions will be released in early May.

Futuro Leaders AT A GLANCE

Summer Jump Start
(June - August)

  • Monthly virtual one-on-one coaching sessions with your Success Navigator
  • Develop your resume and cover letter
  • Understanding your strengths and career goals 
  • Begin Internship search 

Semester 1

(September- December)

  • One-on-one coaching sessions with your Success Navigator
  • Monthly cohort sessions
  • Networking with our Employer Partners
  • Get Focused: The Summit
  • ¡Conéctate! Regional Latinx Networking Events with LEADeres and Fellowship Alumni
  • LinkedIn profile building
  • Internship search and placements
  •  WMHCC End of the Year Breakfast

Semester 2

(January - March)

  • Optional one-on-one coaching sessions with your Success Navigator
  • Continued internship search and placements
  • Monthly Cohort Sessions 
  • ¡Conéctate! Regional Latinx Networking Events with LEADeres and Fellowship Alumni
  • Required In-person Design Thinking Training 
  • LatinXcellence Graduation

frequently asked questions

  1. Do I have to live in Michigan to apply and participate in this fellowship? 
      1. No! If you are enrolled in a Michigan college/university for the Fall 2024 semester, you are eligible for this Fellowship.   
  2. Is this Fellowship virtual or in person?
      1. Our fellowship is hybrid so any Latinx college talent in the state of Michigan can be involved and connect with their peers across the state. However, there are in-person required events each semester.  
  3. How long is the Fellowship?  
      1. Our 8-month fellowship takes place from September 2023 through April 2024 and has a summer jump start from June-August that is virtual.   
  4. When will the application close?  
      1. The application closes on , April 28, 2023 at 11:59 PM. 
  5. Are Undocumented and DACA-mented students eligible to apply? 
      1. Yes! 
  6. What if I am ineligible?
      1. You may still be able to utilize WMHCC’s general coaching services! Contact our Talent Development Team for more information.  

get access to exclusive content!

During our Fellowship, you will have the opportunity to engage with our partners, grow your network with similar career-minded peers, and priority registration to regional events. That also includes connections to accomplished Alumni, invited national guest speakers, and investment partners from a variety of industries who generously give of their time to build and connect with our Fellows.  

Being a part of our Fellowship also means joining a new community. As a Futuro Leader Fellow, you will have opportunities to connect with other Michigan Latinx students, get to know their stories, and grow in our collective community. As well as our exclusive benefits which include: 

  • Easy access via our virtual platform 
  • Resume, LinkedIn, and interview skill development through one-on-one coaching 
  • Networking with employers and Latinx peers 
  • Access to exclusive internship and full-time employment opportunities 
  • A $300.00 stipend upon program completion

Program Sponsors

Our Futuro Leaders  have had phenomenal opportunities for meaningful networking, leadership development, and work experience. In addition, Fellows have had the opportunity to land an internship, work experience, or connect with our industry partners such as:  

  • Amway 
  • Corewell Health
  • El Vocero
  • Gordon Food Service
  • Gentex
  • Grand Rapids Public Museum
  • Grand Valley State University
  • Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital   
  • Meijer 
  • Mercantile Bank
  • Kellanova
  • Steelcase  
  • Western Michigan University
  • West Michigan Whitecaps

Have questions about the application process?
Contact a success navigator!