Siegfried Fellows Program
Video of Siegfried Fellows talking about the program: https://capture.udel.edu/media/1_4xeqtkvt/
Lead Change. Be Nimble. Cultivate Character.
The Siegfried Fellows is a highly selective, cohort-based, 10-month immersive program for student leaders. Siegfried Fellows programming is designed to expand and deepen understanding of oneself as a leader, promote connections with and learning from regional leaders, and inspire initiative for positive impact. Siegfried Fellows are emerging leaders who seek to develop and apply entrepreneurial mindsets, such as resiliency in the face of setbacks and creative problem solving, while also cultivating character virtues in themselves.
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.
- Exclusive opportunities such as travel, conferences, workshops, and more.
- Earn a $1500 fellowship stipend for successful completion of program requirements.
- Be eligible for consideration of the annual Siegfried Student Award ($2500).
Program Details
Runs from late-August through late-May.
University of Delaware students who have successfully completed ENTR/LEAD253 are eligible to apply.
The Siegfried Entrepreneurial Leadership Fellows has provided me with opportunities to explore and delve deeper into my own leadership in a supportive environment of fellow students and mentors. Being a part of this program has also expanded my perspective on leadership and what it means to be a true leader.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Applications for the Siegfried Fellows Program open in early March each year. In the meantime, please fill out our interest form to receive updates about the application process, deadlines, and selection timeline during the spring semester.
Students who are curious, thoughtful, and interested in growing as leaders are encouraged to apply. 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 to have taken or currently be enrolled in ENTR/LEAD 253.
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.
Fellows participate in a variety of engaging, hands-on experiences designed to build confidence, connection, and leadership skills. 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
Each experience is intentionally designed to help Fellows grow both personally and professionally while building strong relationships within their cohort.
Explore our Entrepreneurial Leadership Certificate, a flexible program designed to complement any major and deepen your leadership development:
Personal Leadership (Required):
ENTR 253 – Individual Leadership: Building a Foundation for Success (3 credits)Leadership Theory (Choose one):
LEAD 200 – The Leadership Challenge (3 credits)
LEAD 300 – Leadership, Creativity, and Innovation (3 credits)
LEAD 404 – Leadership in Organizations (3 credits)
BUAD 426 – Leadership and Teams (3 credits)Leadership Practice (Required):
ENTR 353 – ENTR Apprentice: Leadership & Influence (3 credits)
Whether you're planning to apply to the 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.