Leadership Fellows Program

The Leadership Fellows Program was born out of a 1978 survey of corporations, government entities, foundations, service agencies and universities throughout the nation that revealed women in key leadership roles were virtually non-existent. As an initial effort in meeting this challenge, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority instituted a program to develop a cadre of responsible young women who are not only endowed with leadership skills, but also committed to community service.

The initial phase of the program was conducted in Indiana during the summer of 1979, when 29 young Alpha Kappa Alpha women received intensive personal and professional leadership skills training during a week of structured activities.

The Leadership Fellows Program has been hosted in many cities across the U.S. and has received sponsorship and corporate support from the Sorority’s Educational Advancement Foundation, Pillsbury, Johnson & Johnson, Tyson Foods and, most recently, General Electric.

The one-week all-expenses-paid training and development course is usually held during the summer months. Thirty or more active high-achieving AKA college sophomores and juniors from around the world, with a 3.0+ grade point average, are selected to participate in corporate development sessions conducted by senior level directors and managers. The training program also includes cultural activities and opportunities to form long-lasting mentor relationships.

2010 Program

AKA and General Electric, Inc.
Empowering Students for Progress - Leading Through Change