The Fellows Experience is a premier nine-month leadership development program that helps employer organizations strengthen their talent pipeline by equipping high-potential professionals with advanced leadership skills, cross-sector networks, and a deeper understanding of regional economic needs, empowering them to drive growth, collaboration, and job creation in the St. Louis region.
Program Impact
Benefits for Employers
When organizations invest in their employees through the Fellows Experience, they:
- Strengthen their leadership pipeline to ensure a robust bench of future leaders;
- Enhance employee retention and engagement;
- Expand cross-sector relationships;
- Help fuel regional economic growth thanks to a stronger, broader workforce.
- Deepen their connection to the future of the St. Louis region.
The program intentionally engages Fellows’ managers and leaders, creating a stronger ecosystem of support, accountability, and development that extends beyond the individual participant and into the organization itself.
Impact on Individuals
The Fellows program strengthens individual leadership capacity through immersive learning, cross-sector relationship building, and regional engagement. Fellows expand their perspective, deepen their influence, and build connections throughout the program.
Contributions to the Community
The Fellows Experience was founded on the belief that leadership talent exists across every community, profession, and background. We bring together leaders from across industries, sectors, experiences, and perspectives who are ready to strengthen their leadership, build meaningful connections, and contribute to a stronger St. Louis region. Together, they create the relationships and shared understanding needed to move organizations and our region forward.
Criteria and Commitment
Who We’re Looking For
Mid-career professionals who have:
- Demonstrated meaningful leadership impact and responsibility and are ready to deepen their influence across the St. Louis region.
- An established professional trajectory and show genuine commitment to strengthening St. Louis.
- Perspectives and lived experiences have been historically underrepresented in regional leadership.
- A college degree or the experience, skills, and accomplishments that demonstrate equivalent professional readiness.
What to Expect
- Timeline: January – September
- Format: Monthly in-person sessions
- Time Commitment: 7.5 hours per session + civic engagement opportunities
Our Commitment
The Fellows Experience was founded on the principle that leadership potential exists across all backgrounds and experiences. We actively seek to develop professionals whose perspectives and lived experiences have been historically underrepresented in regional leadership — because diverse leadership strengthens us all.
Program Investment
All Fellows must secure program funding of $5,000 by Dec. 20, 2026, to hold a seat in the 2027 cohort. This investment can happen in several ways:
- Employers and organizations can sponsor a Fellow’s participation;
- Fellows can self-fund their participation as an investment in their own leadership growth;
- Fellows can secure sponsorship from an organization or partner who believes in their leadership development.