The Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellows (CWLF) is a cohort program for students with financial need who are committed to leadership, service, social justice, and exploring the Black experience. A preference is given to first-generation college students.
The CWLF Program includes scholarship aid as well as mentorship, leadership development, and spiritual/emotional support. Program participation requires a separate application. The chosen students form a group of peers (or cohort) who gather consistently from their first through fourth years at St. Thomas.
Apply by February 11th to be considered for the CWLF Program.
The Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellows was formed to help develop independent, successful, and empowered leaders who become future civic, professional, and community leaders.
The CWLF Program aims to help graduating Fellows become gainfully employed in a degree-required profession or attending graduate school after four years at St. Thomas.
Incoming first-year students in all St. Thomas' baccalaureate programs are eligible for consideration.
"I am honored to be a Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellow and cannot express my gratitude enough. I have gained lifelong friendships, memorable experiences, and mentorship for not only my career, but also my personal development. My favorite experience was the Way to Grow Shine Celebration, it motivated me to set goals and use my talents to make a positive impact."
Catalina is a first-year student majoring in Business, and expected to graduate in May 2028.
"The future of education rests in the teachers of tomorrow, and the Ciresi Walburn program has been extremely beneficial to my development as a leader and future educator. This fellowship has opened doors full of opportunities I've been able to take advantage of, including an intergenerational civil rights study tour through the Deep South which was life-changing. I'm deeply thankful for the fellows, support, and resources that have allowed me to flourish so far in my journey."
Makai is a second-year student majoring in Education, and expected to graduate in May 2027.
The CWLF Program is designed to support students with financial need who are committed to leadership, service, social justice, and exploring the Black experience It provides funds for school as well as mentoring, leadership development, and spiritual/emotional support for four years. Funding includes:
St. Thomas offers a number of merit scholarships and scholarships specific to individual areas of study. Receiving this scholarship may impact other funds you receive from the university. By federal regulation, no student may have financial aid in excess of their total Cost of Attendance (COA).
While funding is important, success in college also relies on having a community and feeling a sense of support; these critical elements of student achievement are included in the CWLF Program.
The CWLF Program provides structure and resources to help students stay in charge of their college experience, assisting students with tracking their credit hours, finding internships, networking, and building their resume or portfolio so they can leave college after four years and move into their chosen career.
The CWLF Program is ultimately interested in the development of the fellows, regardless of their chosen career path, and provides individualized tools and guidance for personal growth such as:
A cohort is a group of people who attend a program together, often for 2-4 years. By participating in the same activities (structured and casual), the group builds a bond and provides peer support for each other throughout the program.
The cohort model, together with embedded mentorship, is a pillar of the CWLF Program. The cohort is expected to create a distinct web of lifelong mental, spiritual and academic support for the students and create accountability within the group for each other to strengthen the experience for each individual participant.
The CWLF Program is designed to support students with financial need who are committed to leadership, service, social justice, and exploring the Black experience It provides funds for school as well as mentoring, leadership development, and spiritual/emotional support for four years. Funding includes:
St. Thomas offers a number of merit scholarships and scholarships specific to individual areas of study. Receiving this scholarship may impact other funds you receive from the university. By federal regulation, no student may have financial aid in excess of their total Cost of Attendance (COA).
While funding is important, success in college also relies on having a community and feeling a sense of support; these critical elements of student achievement are included in the CWLF Program.
The CWLF Program provides structure and resources to help students stay in charge of their college experience, assisting students with tracking their credit hours, finding internships, networking, and building their resume or portfolio so they can leave college after four years and move into their chosen career.
The CWLF Program is ultimately interested in the development of the fellows, regardless of their chosen career path, and provides individualized tools and guidance for personal growth such as:
A cohort is a group of people who attend a program together, often for 2-4 years. By participating in the same activities (structured and casual), the group builds a bond and provides peer support for each other throughout the program.
The cohort model, together with embedded mentorship, is a pillar of the CWLF Program. The cohort is expected to create a distinct web of lifelong mental, spiritual and academic support for the students and create accountability within the group for each other to strengthen the experience for each individual participant.
The mission of the is to promote education and equitable opportunities for all of Minnesota's children and youth. Started in 1998 with $30 million that came from fees earned from the Minnesota Tobacco Litigation, the Foundation supports efforts to eliminate inequities in the educational system in Minnesota.
The was created in 2018 as a two year scholarship program. After four successful years it is shifting to a four year program, now focused at a single school/location to better facilitate cohort gathering and connection. Alumni from both versions of the program will gather yearly and continue to provide support and community for one another.
The Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellows program is for students with financial need. Selection for the program among qualified applicants will be based on a holistic review of each individual student, including consideration of:
Prospective candidates are encouraged to attend an online information sessions to learn more about the Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellows Program, including how to schedule an interview. Select your preferred session date to register.
If your application is selected, you will be scheduled for an interview during the last two weeks of February 2025. Interviews are an important part of the selection process and will provide an opportunity to showcase your qualifications further and fit for the program. You can expect to hear the interview results and final selection in March 2025. We encourage you to prepare thoroughly and look forward to learning more about you.
As the program director, Kenneth oversees the development and ongoing operation of the Ciresi Walburn Leadership Fellows, which includes: designing the cohort experience, building student self-efficacy, and eliminating barriers to success.
As the program coordinator, Mykal oversees event coordination, logistics, and daily program operations. He works closely with the program director and St. Thomas staff, supporting the CWLF through managing contracts, data records, and program feedback to ensure continuous improvement while providing key administrative support.
The Ciresi Walburn Foundation is a private, independent foundation. Board members bring a variety of experience in the education, legal, youth development, and workforce sectors.