FAQ

• What is the income cut-off for the Career Fellows Program?
  LEDA will review every application that is submitted. However, we prioritize applicants with a FAFSA Student Aid Index under 6655, which is the cut-off for minimum Pell eligibility. If you are not eligible for federal aid, we will ask that you submit a copy of your financial aid award letter, which we will use to determine eligibility.  All LEDA Scholars are eligible for the program, regardless of Pell eligibility. 
• What do you consider a first-generation college student?
  We will consider you a first-generation college student if neither of your parents/guardians graduated from a four-year institution in the US.
• If I attended a community college and then transferred to a four-year institution where my status will be a sophomore/second-year, can I still apply for the Career Institute?
  Yes, the Career Institute is for members of the Class of 2028 or 2029. We ask that all applicants have successfully completed at least their first year of college by the start of the Career Institute in August.
• If I am not a U.S. Citizen, can I still apply?
  We accept non-citizens provided that they have a valid work-authorization through 2029.
• If my GPA is lower than 3.0, can I still apply?
  LEDA will review every application that is submitted. You can provide context for your grades in your short answers or upload a note with your transcript. 
• What is the cost of attending the Career Institute?
  The Career Institute is free for students that have been admitted to the program. This includes travel, housing, and meals during the program.
• Is the Career Institute for students interested in all types of careers?
  The Career Institute offers workshops and skills building sessions that are broadly applicable across all kinds of careers. However, the specific employer sessions are focused on business/finance, consulting, technology, law, communications, and healthcare/public health.

• Do I have to attend the entire program?
  Yes, you must attend the full duration of the LEDA Career Institute all required workshops, panels, roundtable discussions, employer-partner led sessions and community events. The program dates for 2026 are August 3-7 at NYU School of Law.