CILI Fellowship Eligibility

To apply for the CILI Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Mandatory Eligibility Requirements

• Be a Louisiana resident (attended high school in Louisiana), OR have family roots in Louisiana (please explain in your application).
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
• Be a college freshman, sophomore, or junior.
  (If you are a college senior or graduate student, please apply for our Career Bridge Fellowship Program instead.)

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Other Areas of Consideration

• Be a college student passionate about equity, leadership, and creating lasting community impact.
• Be currently enrolled at a two-year or four-year college or university.
• Have at least 1.5 years of undergraduate coursework remaining.
• First in your immediate family to attend college.
• Eligible and receiving Pell Grant.
• Meet the criteria for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Eligibility.

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Application Process Overview

✅ Step 1: Submit Your Application

Deadline: October 31st

• Review the eligibility requirements above.
• Complete the online application form at the bottom of this page.
• Share your contact information, academic background, and career goals.

Step 2: Submit a Video

• Applicants who move to Round 2 will receive an email within 1–3 days with next steps.
• CILI will also reach out via email to gather further information regarding the applicant's household income in accordance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Eligibility Requirement.
• Submit a video answering four questions explaining why you’re a great fit for the CILI Fellowship.
• Video must be no longer than 5 minutes.
• Only one submission is allowed — make it your best take!

Step 3: Interview with the CILI Team

• Applicants selected for Round 3 will receive an email to schedule a virtual interview.
• Interviews last 45 minutes to 1 hour with two CILI administrators.
• Be ready to share your goals and how the Fellowship can support your journey.
• We’ll coordinate a time that works with your schedule.

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If You’re Accepted…

Successful applicants will receive a congratulatory letter from CILI founder and CEO Perry Sholes.

You’ll also be invited to attend the annual 3-Day CILI Winter Retreat (December 15th-17th), where you will:

• Meet your new cohort
• Learn more about the Fellowship
• Access valuable resources and support
• Mingle with other CILI cohorts 
• Network with various employers and corporations
• Please note: Attendance at the Winter Retreat is mandatory for all incoming fellows! If accepted, please be sure to make arrangements to attend as soon as possible.  

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to view the CILI Fellowship Program FAQs (PDF)

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✉️ Already Have an Account?

If you're already connected with us and ready to apply, just send us an email:

Email: programmanager@internshiptalent.org

We’re excited to hear from you!