Board Fellows Program

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Board Fellows Student Overview 2023-2024
Board Fellows Student Application 2023-2024

About the Program
In the Fall 2017, the SDSU School of Social Work and Fowler College of Business launched a new interprofessional, leadership program called Board Fellows.  Since Fall 2019, graduate students from the University of San Diego’s Kroc School of Peace Studies have been participating as well.

Board Fellows are paired as teams, matched with a local non-profit and work closely with a Board Member and the agency Director on a special project to help forward the mission of the organization. This is a unique opportunity to give back to the community, network with influential leaders, and gain practical, real world experience. Students should expect to spend about 4-8 hours per month on this project.

In previous years nonprofits have included: 

  • Survivors of Torture
  • SAY San Diego
  • CHIP
  • Harmonium
  • PIQE
  • UWEAS
  • 2.1.1 CIE
  • San Diego Youth Services
  • SD Regional Center
  • ElderHelp
Testimonial from Nicole Muñox-Proulx, fellow in 2019-2020:

“As an honorary board member, I observed everything from budgets, marketing and communication endeavors, program expansion, donor relations, executive director evaluations, and rapid response tactics as a result of COVID-19. Being in the room where important conversations take place was invaluable as I began to see first-hand the intricacies of leading a multimillion-dollar organization. A lot of Kroc students are interested in working in the nonprofit sector, and it is crucial to understand the management and legal side of running a nonprofit. I now feel more confident with my knowledge about the nonprofit sector, and I would recommend the program!”

Program Components

  • Fellows are paired with an agency board member
  • Fellows attend agency board meetings as non-voting members
  • Fellows complete a strategic project based on board needs
  • Fellow prepare and present a final report to the agency of their project
  • Fellows attend kick-off and wrap up events each semester, held on campus

Program Timeline
Board Fellows program is a two-semester commitment between students and their assigned non-profit agency. Students are expected to spend approximately 4-8 hours per month on board related activities.

The Board Fellows program is in addition to any other required graduate responsibilities and there is no academic credit or stipend available.

Application Process
Fellows are selected each year through a competitive, application process.
The application deadline has been extended. The new deadline is April 5, 2023 for FY 2023-2024.
The program requires the student to complete a written application along with submitting a resume.
Fellows are notified of their acceptance by April 13, 2023.

Requirements
Board Fellows must be students enrolled in a master’s program. Students must have their core program requirements completed before the start of the program (can be in progress at the time of application). All students must be in good academic standing with the University.

Matching Process Guidelines

  • Board Fellows make a list of nonprofit interests in their order of preference.  Given these preferences and the needs of the nonprofits, students are matched accordingly.
  • After identifying the student pairs, final approval will come from the non-profit agency and determine if interviews are necessary.
  • Verify the Board Fellow’s willingness to serve on the board of the organization assigned to them. Send written communication confirming the placement as well as outlining the roles and expectations for all parties involved.

For more information, please contact Steve Hornberger, SDSU Social Policy Institute Director, School of Social Work at: shornberger@sdsu.edu