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Siegfried Fellows Program

Lead Change. Be Nimble. Cultivate Character.

The Siegfried Fellows Program is a highly selective, cohort-based, 10-month immersive program for student leaders. You will expand and deepen your understanding of yourself as a leader, making connections with and learning from regional leaders. Siegfried Fellows develop and apply entrepreneurial mindsets, such as resiliency and creative problem solving, while cultivating character virtues in themselves.

The program runs from late-August through late-May.

Any UD student who is enrolled in or has completed ENTR/LEAD253 is eligible to apply.

Program Benefits

Practice leadership skills within the close-knit cohort community.
Take action to inspire change through a real-world project.
Make an impact on campus by taking on a leadership role.
Enjoy exclusive opportunities such as travel, conferences and workshops.
Earn a $1500 fellowship stipend for successful completion of program requirements and be eligible for consideration of the annual Siegfried Student Award ($2500).

Being part of this program has expanded my perspective on leadership and what it means to be a true leader.

Kelly Andreason

Find Out More

Fill out our interest form to receive updates about the application process, deadlines and selection timeline during the spring semester.

Interest Form

FAQ

When do applications open?

Applications for the Siegfried Fellows Program open in early March each year.

Who should apply?

We encourage you to apply if you are curious, thoughtful and interested in growing as a leader. Fellows come from a wide range of majors and backgrounds, but they share a commitment to personal development, reflection and community. Our only prerequisite is that you have taken or are currently enrolled in ENTR/LEAD 253.

What does the program entail?

The program focuses on developing the whole, individual leader. Fellows engage in meaningful conversations about leadership, participate in experiential learning opportunities, and build lasting relationships with peers and mentors.

The program runs for 10 months from August/September (the first week of the semester) through May, aligning with the academic year. Throughout this time, Fellows participate in both meetings and events, each serving a different purpose:

Siegfried Fellows Meetings (Compulsory): Typically two required monthly gatherings focused on leadership development, reflective discussions, and cohort engagement. Full participation is essential.

Siegfried Fellows Events (Flexible): Each semester includes three curated leadership experiences such as workshops, networking opportunities, or immersive trips. Fellows are required to attend at least two out of three each semester, offering flexibility while ensuring meaningful engagement.

Beyond these, there are no additional fundraising or standing weekly commitments—just intentional experiences designed to help you grow as a leader.

What are some of the experiences fellows have participated in?

Program experiences are intentionally designed to help fellows grow personally and professionally while building strong relationships within their cohort. Past opportunities have included:

Vita Nova fine dining etiquette experience
Professional introductions in Washington, D.C.
Personal branding and articulation workshop
Confidence and courage workshop: turning a 30-second introduction into a 5-minute conversation
Resume and interview etiquette workshop
Community-building events like a cohort bonfire

Interested in learning more about entrepreneurial leadership at UD?

Explore our entrepreneurial leadership certificate, a flexible program designed to complement any major and deepen your leadership development. Whether you’re planning to apply to the Siegfried fellows program or simply want to grow as a leader, the certificate offers a structured and practical pathway to build the skills and mindset needed to lead with purpose.