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CILI Fellowship Program

Applications for Cohort #7 Open August 15, 2026

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Welcome Handshake Applicants!

About The Fellowship Program

The CILI Fellowship Program is a year-long leadership and career development experience for college students with Louisiana connections. Through monthly workshops, coaching, networking opportunities, retreats, and career readiness training, Fellows gain the skills, confidence, and professional connections needed to succeed in internships, college, and future careers.

Many Fellows also become competitive candidates for potential internship opportunities through CILI’s network of employer partners across Louisiana.

Being a CILI Fellow is a Commitment to...

1 year of professional development training:

  • Attend monthly immersion sessions in your region
  • Attend both the Winter and Summer Retreats
  • Create and maintain your Career Development Plan
  • Build leadership, communication, and workplace skills
  • Complete program activities and assignments throughout the year
  • Present on your internship or professional growth experience

But One That Gives Back to You in Big Ways!

When you say “yes” to CILI, you’re saying yes to growth, mentorship, leadership development, and a community that wants to see you succeed.

What You’ll Gain as a CILI Fellow:

  • Potential access to paid internship opportunities
  • Professional mentorship and career coaching
  • Leadership and career readiness training
  • Networking opportunities with employers and professionals
  • Financial literacy and workplace success workshops
  • A statewide network of driven college students
  • Access to online resources and career development tools
  • Recognition and support as you pursue your goals
  • All at no cost to accepted Fellows

Important: The CILI Fellowship Program is not an internship itself.

CILI helps students prepare for internships and professional opportunities through leadership development, career coaching, employer connections, and career-readiness training. While many Fellows go on to secure internships through our network and partnerships, internship placement is not guaranteed.

Sound Good? Let's Get You Started!

CILI Fellowship Program Eligibility

To apply for the CILI Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the requirements below.

Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

  • Be a Louisiana resident who attended high school in Louisiana, or have family roots in Louisiana that you can explain in your application.
  • Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Be actively enrolled in college as a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student.
  • Have at least 1.5 years of college coursework remaining before graduation.

Other Areas of Consideration

These items are not required, but they may strengthen your application.

  • A passion for equity, leadership, and creating lasting community impact.
  • Being the first in your immediate family to attend college.
  • Eligibility for, or current receipt of, a Pell Grant.
  • Eligibility for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, also known as WIOA.

How the Application Process Works

The CILI Fellowship Program uses a three-round selection process. You only need to complete the application first. If you advance, CILI will email you instructions for the video submission and interview rounds.

Deadline to Apply: October 31st

Round 1: Submit Your Application

If you believe you are eligible, complete the online application form at the bottom of this page.

Round 2: 5-Minute Video Submission

  • Applicants who meet the criteria may be invited to submit a video.
  • Video submissions will be reviewed and scored by a selected CILI Alumni Panel.
  • Instructions for completing the video will be sent by email.

Round 3: Virtual Interview with CILI

  • Selected applicants will be invited to a 45-minute virtual interview with CILI administrators.
  • The interview will focus on your background, career goals, and how CILI can support your growth.

If You’re Accepted into the CILI Fellowship…

You will receive a congratulatory letter from CILI Founder and CEO Perry Sholes.

Accepted Fellows are required to attend the annual 3-Day CILI Winter Retreat, December 14–16.

During the retreat, you will:

  • Enjoy a 3-day stay at a select hotel in downtown New Orleans, LA.
  • Meet your fellow cohort members.
  • Learn more about the Fellowship Program.
  • Access valuable resources and support.
  • Connect with other CILI cohorts.
  • Network with employers and corporate partners.

Please note: Attendance at the Winter Retreat is mandatory for all incoming Fellows. If accepted, please make arrangements to attend as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to view the CILI Fellowship Program FAQs PDF

Questions Before You Apply?

If you need help or have questions about the application, contact our team.

Email: programmanager@internshiptalent.org

We’re excited to hear from you!

Level
CILI Fellow Applicant Subscription period: Unlimited

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Corporate Internship Leadership Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.


CONTACT US:

Email: perry@internshiptalent.org

Office: 504-313-4828

Fax: 504-285-6386

New Orleans, LA


ADDRESS:

Corporate Internship Leadership Institute
3157 Gentilly Blvd Suite # 2184
New Orleans, LA 70122



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