Louisiana connection
You must be a Louisiana resident or have qualifying family roots in Louisiana, as defined by CILI's eligibility rules.
Welcome Handshake Applicants!
Your future starts here
Become a CILI Fellow
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.
100% free for accepted FellowsAll academic majors welcomeYear-long development experience
Hear from our alumni
A Fellow's Perspective: Royale Bey (2023)
Hear directly from CILI alum Royale Bey about the Fellowship experience and what it can mean for your professional journey.
Royale's credentials:
CILI Cohort 3 Fellow
University: Louisiana State University
Degree: Bachelor of Science - BS, Mechanical Engineering
Internships through CILI:
- Kampgrounds of America, Inc. Maintenance Intern - 2023
- Entergy - Mechanical Engineering Intern - 2024
- Entergy - Field Engineer Intern - 2025 & 2026
Current Occupation: Field Engineer - Entergy Louisiana
Connect with Royale on LinkedIn: Royale Bey | LinkedIn
What it means to join
Being a CILI Fellow is a commitment to growth.
The Fellowship is a one-year professional development commitment. Fellows are expected to actively participate in training, activities, and experiences throughout the year.
01
Your commitment
- 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
02
What you gain
When you say “yes” to CILI, you're saying yes to growth, mentorship, leadership development, and a community that wants to see you succeed.
- 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 Fellowship 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.
Before you apply
Mandatory eligibility requirements
Applicants must meet all applicable eligibility requirements. Please review the official application form for the complete criteria and any required verification.
College enrollment and standing
You must be actively enrolled in a 2 or 4 year college/university. Students enrolled in post-grad programs are welcome to apply as well.
Academic requirement
A GPA eligibility requirement applies. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher to be considered.
Full-year participation
You must be able to commit to monthly regional immersion sessions, the Winter and Summer Retreats, your Career Development Plan, assignments, and a final presentation as apart of your first year of fellowship.
After your first year you will have open access to all CILI resources as needed.
All majors welcome. Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection.
A holistic review
Other areas of consideration
In addition to mandatory eligibility, CILI considers applicants' readiness and potential to benefit from the Fellowship. Use your application to share your goals and experiences authentically.
Motivation and career goals
Why are you interested in CILI, and what do you hope to gain from the experience?
Leadership and initiative
Share ways you have contributed to your campus, community, workplace, or family.
Growth mindset
Show your willingness to learn, receive feedback, and develop professional skills.
Ability to participate
Consider whether your academic and personal schedule allows you to meet Fellowship commitments.
These are guidance topics for applicants, not additional verified selection thresholds.
Cohort 7 application deadline
October 31, 2026
Don't wait until the last minute. Allow time for account access and every required application step.
Your application journey
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
How the 3 application rounds work
Online application
Begin the application, complete the questionnaire, and submit requested information and documents.
Have ready: résumé, transcript, financial aid award information, and Pell Grant information if applicable or requested.
Account access: Allow approximately 3–4 days to receive the username/password email after getting started. Check your inbox and spam folder.
Video submission
Complete the second-round applicant video to introduce yourself and answer the requested prompts. Follow the instructions and submission details provided by email.
Check your email regularly and make sure your Round 2 submission is complete.
Virtual interview
Applicants selected to advance will be invited to a virtual interview. Watch for the scheduling invitation, confirm your appointment, and prepare to discuss your goals and commitment.
Application tip: Use a laptop or desktop when possible, keep copies of your documents, and check your email for login details, deadlines, and next steps. The October 31 deadline is the advertised application deadline; follow any round-specific dates in your official CILI messages.
Your journey as a Fellow
01 · Welcome
02 · Kickoff experience
03 · Throughout the year
04 · Summer and beyond
If accepted: what happens next?
Join your Cohort
Receive onboarding information and prepare to participate in the Fellowship community and its professional-development activities.
3-day Winter Kickoff Retreat
Date: December 14th- 16th
Start your Fellowship with an immersive three-day retreat featuring community-building, professional development, and preparation for the year ahead. Attendance is part of the program commitment.
Attention: Attendance at the Winter Kickoff Retreat is mandatory for all incoming CILI Fellows. If selected for the Fellowship Program, please plan accordingly and make the necessary arrangements to attend.
Monthly immersions and growth
Participate in regional sessions, coaching, networking, Career Development Plan activities, and other assignments.
Summer Retreat and presentation
Continue your development, attend the Summer Retreat, and present on your internship or professional growth experience.
Exact retreat dates, location, travel arrangements, and onboarding instructions will be communicated by CILI.
Quick answers
Questions students often ask
Does the Fellowship cost anything?
No. The Fellowship is free for accepted Fellows.
Can I apply with any major?
Yes. All academic majors are welcome, provided you meet eligibility requirements.
Will I automatically receive an internship?
No. Internship placement is not guaranteed. The Fellowship itself provides professional development and potential employer connections.
How long is the program?
One year, including monthly immersion sessions, retreats, assignments, and a presentation.
How will I receive application updates?
By email. Watch for login details, instructions, video requirements, and interview invitations.
What if I need help applying?
Review the application instructions and contact CILI through the contact information provided in your application communications.
