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Stein Fellowship

The Stein Fellowship is a distinctive year-long initiative focused on community engagement and multi-generational mentoring. Its goal is to cultivate the next generation of philanthropic leaders among young professionals.

Building a Legacy of Future Leaders

Established by philanthropists Linda and the late David Stein, the Stein Fellowship is a year-long program focused on leadership and mentorship. It prepares young professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to become strong philanthropic leaders. Through meaningful connections and hands-on experiences, fellows grow both personally and professionally while making a lasting impact in the community.

The Stein Fellowship is a key part of United Way’s commitment to Northeast Florida. More than just a leadership program, it is an investment in the future of our community. By developing the next generation of leaders dedicated to service, the fellowship helps create lasting, positive change in our region.

Class of 2027 applications now open

 

About the Program

The Stein Fellowship is a year-long program focused on leadership and mentorship. Each fall, a careful selection process chooses a young professional leader through an application, interview and recommendation review. Once selected, each Fellow serves as a mentor with a youth mentorship program throughout the academic year. Fellows are also paired with a United Way’s Tocqueville Society member, gaining professional guidance and building relationships — all with the shared goal of giving back.

 

Inspired by the vision of philanthropists Linda and the late David Stein, the fellowship strengthens our community by connecting leaders across generations. It is designed to identify, engage and support young professionals committed to making a lasting impact through philanthropy.

 

Who are the Fellows?

Stein Fellowship graduates become part of a vibrant, global network of 250+ professionals committed to their communities and philanthropic efforts.

  • Rising or mid-career leaders dedicated to philanthropy, community and progress
  • Full-time residents of Northeast Florida
  • At least two years of industry experience
  • People, process and project management savvy
  • Thought-leaders and committed to regular mentoring sessions

 

Fellowship Commitment and Expectations

Upon acceptance into the fellowship, members will receive a comprehensive calendar outlining events for the upcoming year. View a sample calendar in the FAQ at the bottom of this page. Fellows are expected to prioritize attendance to minimize absences throughout the program.

 

  • Applicants must be aged between 21 and 45 years old.
  • Applicants must also join United Way’s Atlantic Circle rising professionals group, with an annual commitment of $500. The contribution can be made now or through your workplace campaign.
  • Fellows must commit to a weekly one-hour mentoring session, not including travel time.
  • Any unexcused absence from a scheduled youth mentorship visit may result in termination of the fellowship.
  • Attendance at all required events is mandatory, except for one permitted absence during the program with prior notification. These exciting collaborations include mentoring orientations, Meet ALICE experience, volunteer opportunities, leadership retreats, community conversations and more! Any unpermitted absences from the Fellowship may result in termination.

 

Fellowship Application Requirement and Process

A selection committee of Stein Fellowship alumni and respected community members will carefully assess all applications to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation.

 

Prospective applicants are required to complete the following steps:

  • Fill out and submit the online application form. Note that incomplete applications will not be considered, so please ensure all sections are completed accurately. The application for the Class of 2027 will close May 24, 11:59 p.m.
  • Submit a current community focused resume detailing your professional experience, qualifications and relevant achievements.
  • Provide a video message responding to the following prompt:
    • Leadership often shows up through action rather than title. How do you believe emerging leaders should show up for their communities, and how would you do so as a Stein Fellow? .
    • Note: The video should be two minutes or less in duration and submitted in an .mp4 or .mov format.
  • Obtain a letter of recommendation from your current employer, preferably on official letterhead, along with contact information for referral purposes.
  • Secure a letter of personal recommendation from a coworker or previous manager (non-family member), including personal contact information for referral verification.
  • Make a minimum gift or pledge of $500, serving as membership into the Atlantic Circle rising professionals group. This contribution must be directed to United Way’s Community Impact Fund and should not include corporate match programs. Donations can be made through your employer’s United Way corporate campaign or online.*
  • For an example of the Stein Fellowship rubric, click here.

 

*Recurring gifts (weekly, monthly, or quarterly) are permitted as long as the $500 is paid in full by the end of the fellowship year (graduation).

 

"This unique to Jacksonville program was built on the premise to pay it forward. While the work is limited to a year, the benefits provided can last a lifetime. There is no better way to truly Live United."

David Miller, former Stein Fellowship chair and Tocqueville Society mentor

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the time commitments for the Fellowship?

Below you can see a sample calendar:

2025
Thursday, Aug. 14, 5:30-8:30 p.m - 2026 Class Orientation*
Saturday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m. - Atlantic Circle Outing: Sporting JAX game
Tuesday, Aug. 26, 6-8 p.m. - Class Bonding*
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 6-8:30 p.m. - Cocktails and Conversations*
Friday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Professional Development*
Thursday, Oct. 16, 6-8:30 p.m. - Stein Fellowship Celebration Class of 2026*
Thursday, Oct. 23, 5:30-8 p.m. - Meet ALICE Experience*
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Collaborative Connections Series: Mission United*
Thursday, Nov. 6, 7:30-9:30 a.m. - Atlantic Circle Link to Leaders
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 6-8:30 p.m. - Toast to Tocqueville
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6-8:30 p.m. - Holiday Happy Hour

2026
Saturday, Jan. 17 - MLK Day of Service: Full Service Schools project*
Friday, Feb. 6, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Stein Fellowship Leadership Retreat: 211 and 988 thank you activity*
Wednesday, Feb. 11, Lunchtime - 211 Day: 211 and 988 thank you delivery
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 7:30-9:30 a.m. - Atlantic Circle Link to Leaders
Wednesday, Feb. 18 - Stein Fellowship Day
February 13 - Champions of Change
Thursday, March 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Collaborative Connections Series: RealSense*
Tuesday, April 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Collaborative Connections Series: Housing work*
April 18 - United Way Community Event
Wednesday, May 13, 7:30-9:30 a.m. - Atlantic Circle Link to Leaders
Tuesday, May 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Collaborative Connections Series: Full Service Schools*
June 26 - Day of Action: Full Service Schools project*
Thursday, July 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m. - Capstone Project*
Summer 2026 - Stein Fellowship Class of 2027 Review Committee
October 16 - Stein Fellowship Celebration Class of 2027

*Attendance Required
Dates and times subject to change.