REESE|BROOKS|GILBERT
COLLEGIATE LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE & INITIATIVE
About the Initiative
Named after iconic television characters, Kimberly Reese, Freddie Brooks and Whitley Gilbert of ‘90s sitcom “A Different World,” the Reese|Brooks|Gilbert Collegiate Leadership & Internship Initiative (RBG) focuses on honing the leadership skills and the personal and professional development of Black college-age women.
About the Fellowship
RBG is a two year fellowship intended to broaden the professional, personal, and interpersonal experiences of Black college-aged women. Participants begin the first year with a 10-day Black Girl Summer Tour, visiting cities throughout the South and Southeast.
Year one consists of:
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Three-day residency in Jackson, Miss.
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10-day Black Girl Summer Tour, visiting cities throughout the South and Southeast;
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Access to paid summer internships (space is limited);
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Fall and spring retreat series and workshops that focus on experiential learning, sharpening self-awareness and autonomy, building a peer support network, and connecting with professional women; and
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Mentor connection.
Year two consists of:
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Harnessing what you’ve learned in year one as it guides you through year two;
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Considering ways to make positive change in your community with a project; and
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Study abroad for those who complete the fellowship.
Requirements
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Rising sophomore or junior
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Full-time student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours
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Interest in Reproductive Justice, Black Liberation, Womanism, Black Feminism, Advocacy, or Community Organizing
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Strong leadership potential
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One letter of reference, along with a completed application
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Two-year commitment to participate
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Attendance at 10-day, mandatory in-person session (all travel and accommodations are handled by The Lighthouse)
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Attendance at three-day Winter in-person gathering
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Commitment from on-campus liaison (professor who teaches at least one major class during the academic year, for example) to engage with the project coordinator, when necessary
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Monthly check-ins with an advisor, mentor, project director, and small group
Benefits
$1,500 stipend per academic year
Professional and personal development
Access to external opportunities
Strong sisterhood and cohort support
International
travel