The John Ralston Stanford Leadership Fellowship is a cohort-based undergraduate fellowship designed to develop student leaders who lead with character, mentor others intentionally, and strengthen the organizations and communities they serve.
More About the Fellowship
The fellowship is open to rising juniors and seniors who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to principled leadership, mentorship, and institutional impact. Fellows participate in programming centered on three core pillars: Principled Leadership Development, Mentorship & Coaching, and Access & Opportunity.
Through workshops, leadership discussions, mentorship relationships, guest conversations, and cohort-building experiences, Fellows will explore what it means to lead with integrity in complex organizations and across sectors.
Ralston Fellows will join a selective cohort of undergraduate leaders who learn from one another and grow together over the course of the fellowship. The experience is designed to build a lasting community across class years, disciplines, campus organizations, and professional interests.
- Fellows should expect to participate in:
- Leadership workshops and discussions
- Small-group cohort programming
- Mentorship and coaching opportunities
- Guest speaker conversations
- Reflection and community-building activities
- Events connected to the broader John Ralston Leadership Initiative
Fellows are expected to participate fully in fellowship programming. While specific dates and programming details will be shared with selected Fellows, participants should expect a meaningful but manageable time commitment during the academic year.
Programming will be designed with students’ academic and extracurricular responsibilities in mind, while still requiring active engagement, preparation, and attendance.
The inaugural cohort of Ralston Fellows will help shape the future of the program. As the fellowship grows, Fellows will play an important role in strengthening the culture, mentorship model, and long-term community of the Ralston Fellowship.
Over time, the program aims to build a lasting network of Stanford undergraduate leaders committed to principled leadership, mentorship, and service to the institutions and communities that shape society.
Fellowship Pillars
2. Mentorship & Coaching
The Ralston Fellowship is grounded in the belief that great leaders develop other leaders. Fellows will both receive mentorship and practice mentorship throughout the fellowship experience.
This may include mentorship from alumni, faculty, staff, or leaders across sectors, as well as peer mentorship within the cohort. Fellows will also be encouraged to apply what they learn by mentoring and developing emerging leaders in their own campus communities.
