Career Immersion & Leadership Institute

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About the CILI Fellowship Program

The CILI Fellowship Application Process

CILI’s premiere program, the CILI Fellowship Program, is dedicated to sourcing college students of color enrolled in 4-year institutions, teaching, and engaging them in career skills and competency development programming, along with internship experiences to create a pipeline of diverse high potential talent, ready for opportunities within companies throughout the New Orleans Region and Louisiana for mid to high wage careers in industries that transform and facilitate economic growth.

CILI Fellowship Eligibility

To be eligible for the CILI Fellowship, applicants must:

Be a BIPOC college student. (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)
Be currently enrolled in a four-year college or university.
Have at least 1.5 years or more of college courses remaining (seniors or post-grads should apply for our Career Bridge Program).
Possess a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Resident of Louisiana (attended high school in Louisiana)
OR has family history in Louisiana (please explain in your application)

CILI Fellowship Application Overview

To apply for the CILI Fellowship program, complete the online application by October 31st. The application process consists of three rounds:

Round 1 - Basic Eligibility

Review Requirements: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria listed above.
Submit Application: Fill out the application form at the bottom of the page, providing contact information, academic details, career interests, etc.

Round 2 - Video Submission

Notification: Applicants who pass Round 1 will receive an email within 1-3 days with instructions for Round 2.
Video Instructions: Submit a video answering four questions about why you should be chosen for the CILI Fellowship. The video should be no longer than 5 minutes, and only one video can be submitted.
Best Take: Make sure to submit your best take, as only one video is allowed.

Round 3 - Semi-Finalist Interviews

Notification: Applicants who pass Round 2 will receive an email to schedule a virtual interview.
Interview Details: The interview will be conducted with two CILI administrators and will last about 45 minutes to an hour. During the interview, the CILI administrators will ask in-depth questions about your personal and professional goals, and how you believe CILI can help you achieve them. The team will work to find a time that fits your schedule.

Admission into the CILI Fellowship

Students who pass Round 3 will receive a congratulatory letter from founder and CEO Perry Sholes. They will also be invited to attend the annual CILI Winter Retreat to meet fellow cohort members and learn about the program and its resources.

Frequently Asked Questions/Helpful Tips:

Click here: CILI Fellowship Program Application FAQs.pdf

If you already have an account with us and are looking to apply, please email us at programmanager@internshiptalent.org. Thank you!!