BV S presents:
Mentoring Professionals for
Leadership -MPL Fellowship
For emerging professionals interested in nonprofit leadership and executive service.
A highly selective program at no cost to chosen candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
1. What type of individuals is the MPL Fellowship designed for? The MPL Fellowship is designed for emerging professionals in fields such as counseling, social work, human services, or related disciplines who are interested in nonprofit leadership and serving disadvantaged children and youth.
2. Do fellows need to start a nonprofit during the fellowship? Fellows are not required to formally launch a nonprofit organization during the fellowship period. However, the program is designed for individuals who have a genuine interest in developing leadership within nonprofit organizations that serve abused and disadvantaged children. Participants may begin developing a nonprofit initiative during the fellowship or may choose to work toward launching one later while completing their studies or working a current job.
3. How much time should fellows expect to commit? The fellowship requires a moderate time commitment that includes mentoring sessions, leadership training activities, and occasional in-person meetings. The exact schedule will be discussed with selected fellows.
4. Are meetings held in person or online? Some mentoring and training activities may occur virtually. However, fellows must be able to attend occasional in-person sessions in the Columbia, South Carolina area.
5. Is prior nonprofit experience required? No prior nonprofit leadership experience is required. The MPL Fellowship is designed to help emerging professionals learn how nonprofit organizations operate and how to develop leadership skills within the nonprofit sector.
6. Is the stipend intended as salary or compensation? The small fellowship stipend is intended to support participation during the program and is not considered employment compensation.
7. Can current graduate students apply? Yes. Individuals in the final semester or quarter of an eligible graduate program may apply.
8. When will applicants be notified if they are selected? Applicants who attend the fellowship seminar and complete the inquiry process will be notified if they are selected to proceed to the next phase of the fellowship selection process.
9. Is the MPL Fellowship affiliated with a university? The MPL Fellowship is an independent leadership mentoring initiative and is not affiliated with a specific university.
10. Is this a job offer? Participation in the MPL Fellowship is a professional development opportunity and does not constitute an offer of employment.
11. Is there a cost to participate in the MPL Fellowship? No. The MPL Fellowship is offered at no cost to selected participants. Because the program is highly selective, only a small number of fellows are chosen for each fellowship cycle. Selected fellows may also receive a modest stipend to support their participation during the fellowship period.
12. Who provides mentoring for the MPL Fellowship? Fellowship mentoring and training are provided by professionals with experience in nonprofit leadership, including current or former nonprofit executives, nonprofit founders, and individuals with practical experience in organizational leadership and nonprofit development.
13. How many fellows are selected? Each fellowship cycle selects approximately 3–5 fellows.
14. Can applicants from outside South Carolina apply? Yes. Applicants may reside in nearby communities in neighboring states as long as they are within a reasonable travel distance of Columbia, South Carolina. Fellows are responsible for their own transportation to any in-person fellowship activities held in the Columbia, South Carolina area.