Apply to the 2026 Cohort
Applications are now open for the inaugural cohort of the John Ralston Stanford Leadership Fellowship.
How to Apply
Access the John Raston Stanford Leadership Fellowship application
Application Deadline
Wednesday, May 13 at 11:59 p.m.
Additional Information
Selected applicants will be invited to participate in a brief interview with members of the Ralston Fellowship leadership team.
Information Sessions
Students interested in learning more about the fellowship, program structure, and application process are encouraged to attend one of two information sessions. Each session will include a brief presentation followed by Q&A.
- Date: Wednesday, April 29, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Sequoia Conference Room, Tresidder Memorial Union
- RSVP: TBD
- Zoom: TBD
- Date: Wednesday, May 6, 6:00–7:30 p.m
- Location: Sequoia Conference Room, Tresidder Memorial Union
- RSVP: TBD
- Zoom: TBD
- Zoom Recording: TBD
- Slideshow: TBD
Who Should Apply
The Ralston Fellowship seeks rising juniors and seniors who are committed to leading with integrity, developing others, and strengthening the communities and organizations they serve.
Applicants do not need to have a specific title or follow one particular leadership path. Strong candidates may lead through student organizations, athletics, residential communities, service, advocacy, entrepreneurship, academic initiatives, creative communities, or informal mentorship.
- We are especially interested in students who:
- Lead with integrity and strong character
- Build community and act as connectors on campus
- Invest meaningfully in mentoring and developing others
- Show interest in business, institutions, entrepreneurship, public life, or organizational leadership
- Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and commitment to growth
- Care deeply about strengthening the people and communities around them
Applicants must be Stanford undergraduates who will be undergraduate juniors or seniors during the fellowship year.
Applicants should be able to participate fully in fellowship programming throughout the 2026-2027 Academic Year and commit to engaging actively with the cohort, mentorship opportunities, and leadership development experiences.
- Application Opens: Tuesday, April 28th, 9:00 a.m.
- Information Session 1: Wednesday, April 29, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Information Session 2: Wednesday, May 6, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 13 at 11:59 p.m.
- Interviews: Week of May 15
- Notifications: Friday, May 22
- Welcome Event: Thursday, May 28, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Traitel Building
FAQs
The fellowship is open to Stanford undergraduates who will be rising juniors or seniors during the fellowship year.
No. The fellowship recognizes that leadership takes many forms. We welcome applicants who have led through formal roles, informal mentorship, community-building, service, advocacy, creative work, athletics, entrepreneurship, residential life, or other meaningful contributions.
The fellowship seeks students who lead with integrity, mentor others intentionally, build community, and demonstrate a commitment to strengthening the organizations and communities they serve.
Fellows should expect a meaningful but manageable time commitment during the academic year. Specific programming dates and expectations will be shared with selected Fellows.
Fellows will participate in leadership development programming, mentorship opportunities, cohort discussions, workshops, guest speaker sessions, and community-building experiences.
Yes. The fellowship is part of the broader John Ralston Stanford Leadership Initiative through Stanford’s Office of Inclusion, Community, and Integrative Learning.
Yes. After the written application review, selected applicants will be invited to participate in a brief 30-minute interview.
