The Western New York Prosperity Fellowship is generously supported by the Prentice Family Foundation and supports Canisius students who have an entrepreneurial drive and want to make a difference in Western New York.
The Prentice Family Foundation was created in 2007 by generous benefactors Bryant and Joan Prentice to serve as a philanthropic organization that leverages economic development through scholarship support to ultimately make a multi-generational impact on WNY. The intent of the WNYPF at Canisius University is to develop and encourage students to stay in Western New York and ultimately make an economic impact via job creation. Learn more about the Prentice Family Foundation.
The Canisius University Western New York (WNY) Prosperity Fellowship is an innovative program for full-time graduate students and senior undergraduate students who are US Citizens or Permanent Residence.
The Fellowship Award Details:
- Each fellow is awarded up to $25,000 in scholarship and internship support for an academic year, based on demonstrated financial need. This support is intended to offset tuition and related academic costs (room and board, book allowance, etc.) for a full academic year and requires a summer internship. Unmet need is defined as each student’s total cost less the expected family contribution and all additional scholarships, grants and federal loans. The FAFSA will define the expected family contribution.
- Summer Internship: The WNY Fellowship will cover the cost of summer tuition for the internship course, offering Fellows the opportunity to gain valuable experience through an internship once during their Fellowship tenure. The program provides a stipend equivalent to $20 per hour for a maximum of 200 paid hours. If the internship host cannot cover the full $20 per hour, the WNY Fellowship program will provide Fellows with an additional award to cover the difference, ensuring they receive the full hourly rate.
- The Western New York Prosperity Program Enrichment Fund is intended to provide financial support to Prosperity fellows seeking to participate in experiential learning opportunities related to their academic interests and that meet the WNY Prosperity Fellowship program outcomes for fellows. This grant is available only to Canisius University students who are in good standing in the WNY Prosperity Fellowship program. The maximum award amount is $1,000.
Fellowship Development:
- Prosperity fellows will engage with like-minded individuals who also show promise to be leaders in their industry and community.
- Fellows will receive consistent WNY development-focused internship support, including paid summer internships (including tuition and fees) in the eight-county Western New York region*. Fellows will participate in an internship course where they will reflect upon their internship experiences.
- A networked, cohort-specific enrichment experience (winter session seminar) will enhance fellows’ professional development skills and improve their capacity to engage effectively with the Western New York community.
- Fellows will benefit from specially designed soft-skills development programming to support their successful transition from academia to the professional arena.
- Fellows will receive complimentary membership to attend meetings and trainings sponsored by Explore Buffalo and the WNY Venture Association.
- As alumni of the WNY Prosperity Fellowship, Fellows agree to give back by serving as mentors to current Fellows. This commitment strengthens the Fellowship community and ensures that future Fellows benefit from the insights, experiences, and guidance of those who have successfully completed the program. Through mentorship, alumni help cultivate the next generation of leaders dedicated to the prosperity of Western New York.
Eligibility and How to Apply
Eligibility and Requirements
Fellowship Eligibility:
New full-time (9 credit hours) Graduate Students accepted for the Fall semester and continuing Graduate Students from all Canisius graduate programs. Local students participating in online graduate programs are eligible as long as they can participate in orientation and in-person fellowship activities.
Must be a registered full-time senior-level undergraduate student in the Wehle Business School with a GPA of 3.0 or greater.
Must file the FASFA
Fellowship Requirements:
1. US citizenship or eligible permanent resident.
2. Attending Graduate school fulltime (9 credit hours) from any Canisius graduate program.
3. A demonstrated interest in and ability to have a positive impact on job creation and economic development in WNY.
4. Participate in a paid credit-bearing internship over the Summer.
5. If selected as a possible candidate, a student will need to interview virtually or on campus with the WNY Prosperity Fellowship Selection Committee.
6. Agree to work in Western New York for at least three years within a decade of graduation.
7. Individuals who are awarded the WNY Prosperity Fellowship must provide Canisius with updated contact information up to 10 years after graduation. Occasionally, the Prentice Family Foundation that funds the WNY Prosperity Fellowship is interested in contacting alumni fellow
Application Instructions
Graduate and Undergraduate Application First Time Fellow
Applications open on November 1st and close on March 1st.
All items below are required for your application to be considered:
1. Completed application form:
2. Resume uploaded with application
3. **Self-nominating letter uploaded with application (Word count limit: 500-600 words)
The self-nominating letter should include the following:
- Your educational and professional goals
- Your commitment to Wester New York
- Relevant volunteer and leadership experience
- How you plan, upon graduation, contribute to the region's future
- Address your intended future professional plans and how those plans will contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of Western New York.
Word count limit is 500-600 words. Review of applications will begin on January 2 for Fall semester.