What We Do

LEDA Career Fellows Program

LEDA has extended our leadership development efforts by addressing the impact of income inequality on career development.

The LEDA Career Institute

The LEDA Career Institute is a transformative professional development experience that equips first-generation, low-income college students with the skills, networks, and confidence to thrive in competitive career environments, and connects employers with exceptional, values-driven talent.

Each summer, 100 LEDA Career Fellows – approximately half of whom are LEDA Scholars and half of whom are new to the community – from top colleges and universities across the country gather in New York City for an immersive, high-impact institute that bridges the gap between academic achievement and professional success. Through intensive workshops, one-on-one coaching, corporate site visits, and networking with senior executives and alumni mentors, Scholars gain both the hard skills and the social capital necessary to compete, and excel, in today’s workforce. The LEDA Career Institute is free of charge to Career Fellows.

These 100 Fellows return to the home academic institutes equipped not only with the skills and the network to pursue their professional goals, but with the support of LEDA’s College and Career Success team fully behind them. As Career Fellows, they have access to year-round programming, including interview preparation, mentorship programs, exclusive internship opportunities, and alumni networking.

Join us!

This year’s LEDA Career Institute will take place at the NYU School of Law from August 3 – August 7, 2026. After the Career Institute, our Fellows as well as all LEDA Scholars, receive ongoing support with career exploration, career planning, professional development, and employer engagement.

Applications for the 2026 Career Institute are now closed, but you can learn more about the Career Fellows program, please see our flyer.

At the Career Institute, you will:

Build professional skills in communication, networking, interviewing, and workplace readiness
Receive individualized coaching and resume review
Explore industries including finance, consulting, law, technology, communications, and public health
Connect directly with employers and alumni who are invested in your long-term success
Join a lifelong community committed to excellence, integrity, compassion, and leadership

The Institute is not just about landing an internship — it’s about developing the confidence, clarity, and community that will support you throughout your career.

For corporate partners

The LEDA Career Institute provides early access to one of the most impressive and rigorously selected talent pools in the country: high-achieving, first-generation college students attending top-tier universities nationwide.

Partners engage with Scholars through:

Corporate site visits and networking receptions
Industry panels and skill-building workshops
Small-group roundtables and office hours
Resume book access for recruitment
Year-round mentoring and engagement opportunities

LEDA Scholars bring intellectual rigor, resilience, leadership experience, and a deep commitment to impact. By partnering with LEDA, organizations strengthen their talent pipeline while investing in the development of future leaders who reflect the diversity and excellence of our nation.

For information about how your company can get involved, see our partnership prospectus and contact development@ledascholars.org today.