The Fellowship Initiative

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The Fellowship Initiative (TFI) is a partnership between Youth Guidance and JPMorgan Chase designed to expand economic opportunities for young men of color.

We are building a diverse community that develops a pipeline of young men of color, from across Chicago, who excel academically, graduate high school, persist in college and are equipped to lead change in their communities.

Our program is designed to support fellows in expanding the skills, knowledge, experience, networks, and other resources they need to succeed academically and professionally.

Our Solution

Saturday Institute

A full day of learning activities 2-3 Saturday’s per month during the school year.

Academic Support – tutoring, academic instruction, time management, and study skills.
Core Content Modules – Healing Centered Engagement, Arts and Cultural Literacy, Leadership and Civic Engagement, Career & College Readiness.
Networking Opportunities – relationship building activities with other young leaders and professionals.
Social & Emotional Support – positive, safe, and supportive environment that promotes holistic healing and well-being.

Establishing a Lasting Network

By participating in The Fellowship Initiative, young men of color have the opportunity to build a strong network with other young leaders in the program and professionals from multiple career sectors.

JPMorgan Chase Mentorship

Each of our Fellows is paired with a JPMorgan Chase employee who serves as a mentor to provide guidance, experience, and exposure.

College Exploration

College visits to local, regional, and national colleges/universities.

Public Service Initiatives

Project-based learning to facilitate opportunities for fellows to impact their communities.

Learning Intensives

Special sessions and projects during school breaks and during the summer to build key academic, professional and leadership skills.

Parent Engagement

Parent Engagement sessions to assist parents in supporting fellows through the college readiness process.

Eligibility requirements:

Young Man of Color
A junior (11th grader) in the 2021-2022 school year in a Chicago are high school
Minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
A commitment to academic achievement

Values and Desired Characteristics:

Leadership
Achievement
Cultural Identity
Integrity
Equity
Public Service
Resilience
Community
A strong interest in attending and graduating from a 4-year college/university
Interest and a track record of leadership and public service

Impact of the Fellowship Initiative

0 Youth Served Annually

0 % High School Graduation Rate

0 % College Enrollment

Testimonials

My Experience as a Fellow: When I joined TFI, I was pretty shy and not very outspoken. TFI has helped me to be the person that I am today – motivated and confident. I feel like if I put my mind to something, I can accomplish it.

What’s Next: Attending Purdue University and majoring in Engineering. I definitely want to give back and invest in young men of color who are less fortunate. If I can help one young man and see him succeed, I will be super excited.

Brendan

My Experience as a Fellow: During my time with TFI, I was able to overcome my obstacles both academically and emotionally. As a man of color, I was taught not to verbalize my emotions and to keep things bottled up – otherwise I [would] be seen as weak. However, with the help of my TFI brothers and mentors, I was able to normalize voicing my emotions and seek help when I needed it.

What’s Next: Attending Oberlin College and one day running for office, getting my PhD in Public Policy and Urban Education, and going to Law School.

Arthur

My Experience as a Fellow: Being in TFI has not only given me a plethora of opportunities to give back to people from similar struggles, but also an awareness of the world that every boy needs in his transition to manhood. It makes me proud knowing that I am someone my parents can respect and the love I show others comes from a genuine place.

What’s Next: Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Cyber Security and to build the best version of myself one brick at a time.

Michael

TFI News

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

JPMorgan Chase’s The Fellowship Initiative Expands to Help More than 1,000 Young Black and Latinx Men in U.S. Cities Access Economic Opportunity

Human Resources Executive

This D&I program is marking its 10th year with a major expansion

Applications for the 2021 cohort are now available.

Apply now for immediate consideration!

Apply to Become a Fellow

Thank You to JPMorgan Chase

Youth Guidance is grateful to JPMorgan Chase for their vision and support of this program. To date, more than 350 JPMorgan Chase employees have worked with TFI Fellows as mentors, coaches, role models, speakers, or volunteers in various capacities. Since its launch in 2010, the program has been expanded and serves new classes of Fellows in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, and Dallas.

Learn more about JPMorgan Chase’s involvement.