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WNY Prosperity Fellowship

College students sitting in business attire while posing for a professional group photo.

Generously supported by the Prentice Family Foundation, the Western New York Prosperity Fellowship supports University at Buffalo students who are committed to contributing to our region’s economic vitality.

Applications Are Closed

Check back next year for 2026-27 applications!

The program delivers on this promise by providing Prosperity fellows with professional development opportunities, as well as resources and access to Western New York business leaders and the community.

This fellowship program assists undergraduate and graduate students who are actively preparing for careers that further economic development and growth, especially in the Western New York region.

Application Information

Eligibility Info Sessions Application

Who May Apply

  1. All undergraduate candidates who are at least junior-level and continuing graduate students
  2. All transfer undergraduate candidates who are at least junior-level and incoming graduate students

All potential candidates must submit their applications by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Fellowship Award and Development Details

  • Each fellow is awarded up to $30,000 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 (up to 1 credit hour) and associated fees, 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 University at Buffalo students who are in good standing in the WNY Prosperity Fellowship program. The maximum award amount is $1,000.
  • Fellows will participate in the mandatory Fellowship Orientation Week hosted on May 18–22, 2026. This orientation will serve as the program’s formal kick-off for the 2026–27 academic year.
  • 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 facilitated informal discussions (three anticipated throughout the summer) to share and reflect upon internship experiences. A final reception will be held to celebrate completion of the internships.
  • 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.
Learn More About the Fellowship

Visit the Prentice Family Foundation website to learn more about the WNY Prosperity Fellowship.