BEL Legacy Leaders Fellowship
BEL Legacy Leaders Fellowship Program
Fall 2026 Fellowship Description
Black Educated Lesbians (BEL) is seeking motivated undergraduate and graduate students for the Fall 2026 BEL Legacy Leaders Fellowship Program.
The fellowship provides hands-on experience in nonprofit operations, community engagement, program development, outreach, research support, communications, and organizational leadership. Fellows will work closely with BEL leadership and contribute to active projects and initiatives that directly support the LGBTQIA+ community, with a primary focus on Black lesbians and Black queer women.
This opportunity is designed for students seeking meaningful experiential learning in nonprofit leadership, public health, social justice, communications, research, community engagement, or related fields.
Fellowship Responsibilities
Depending on organizational needs and the fellow’s area of interest, responsibilities may include:
- Support the planning, coordination, and implementation of BEL programs, events, and community initiatives
- Assist with outreach to community partners, sponsors, nonprofit organizations, facilitators, and collaborators
- Support research, data collection, resource development, and special projects
- Assist with social media content planning, basic copywriting, scheduling, and engagement support
- Create and maintain tracking spreadsheets, documents, outreach lists, meeting notes, and project materials
- Assist with participant communications, event registration, follow-up, and community engagement efforts
- Conduct research related to nonprofit programs, community needs, partnerships, funding opportunities, or organizational initiatives
- Support special projects connected to BEL’s health, wellness, leadership, workforce development, research, and community programming
- Participate in regular fellowship check-ins to review goals, assignments, progress, and professional development
- Complete assigned projects by established deadlines and communicate proactively regarding progress or challenges
Qualifications
Students from a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Preferred fields of study include:
- Public Health
- Social Work
- Human Services
- Nonprofit Management
- Communications
- Marketing
- Business Administration
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Education
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Healthcare Administration
- Research or Data-related fields
- Other related disciplines
Strong candidates will demonstrate:
- Professionalism and reliability
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Organization and time-management skills
- Willingness to learn and accept feedback
- Ability to meet deadlines and follow through on assigned responsibilities
- Interest in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, social impact, or advocacy
- Respect for diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives
Fellowship Structure
The BEL Legacy Leaders Fellowship is a hands-on learning experience. Fellows will receive assignments based on their interests, academic background, and BEL’s current organizational priorities.
Fellows may support multiple areas of the organization or be assigned to a primary project area depending on semester needs.
The fellowship may include both independent work and collaborative projects. Most work can be completed remotely, although limited virtual or in-person participation may be requested for specific programs or events when applicable.
Compensation and Professional Development
The Fall 2026 BEL Legacy Leaders Fellowship is currently an unpaid experiential learning opportunity.
BEL is intentional about ensuring that fellows receive meaningful professional development and practical experience that can be translated into future employment, graduate education, and leadership opportunities.
Fellows may gain experience in areas including:
- Nonprofit operations
- Program and project coordination
- Community outreach
- Partnership development
- Research and data support
- Event planning
- Communications and social media
- Administrative systems
- Leadership development
- Professional networking
BEL also provides:
- Direct mentorship and supervision
- Resume and LinkedIn support upon request
- Opportunities to build work samples and professional portfolio materials when appropriate
- Professional references for fellows who successfully complete their commitments
- A formal letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the fellowship
- Opportunities to learn directly from nonprofit leadership and participate in organizational planning
Experiential Learning and Academic Credit
Students are encouraged to use the fellowship for internship, practicum, field placement, experiential learning, or academic credit when permitted by their institution.
BEL is happy to complete required documentation, learning agreements, supervisor verification forms, evaluations, learning objectives, timesheets, or other university requirements.
Students are responsible for confirming academic credit requirements with their college or university.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal BEL Legacy Leaders Fellow is someone who wants more than a line on a resume. We are looking for students who are interested in learning how nonprofit organizations operate, contributing to meaningful community work, developing professional skills, and taking ownership of assigned projects.
Fellows should be prepared to communicate consistently, meet deadlines, ask questions, and contribute ideas throughout the semester.