FOCUS Impact Fellows

Launched in 2016 as the next level of “hands-on” leadership development, the FOCUS Impact Fellows program is designed for participants to learn while doing.

The Impact Fellows program has distinguished itself among leadership programs by combining a project-based curriculum creating real-world impact with a core concentration on racial equity. Past cohorts have participated in projects that have now leveraged more than $2.5 million in grant funding for our community partners. The program leverages participants’ unique skills, networks, and resources, in collaboration with community organizations and experts, to create a tangible impact in the St. Louis region.

If you are an experienced leader looking for meaningful civic engagement on issues critical to our region, you may be a great fit for Impact Fellows.

We seek:

• Established leaders with an interest in changing the definition of “business as usual” in St. Louis
• Energetic visionaries with a desire to bring about meaningful change in our region that positively affects ALL in our community.
• Community partner organizations who are ready to tap the energy of the next cohort on a specific issue or project to make an impact in St. Louis.

Participants will have the opportunity to make a significant difference while learning advanced strategic change management skills alongside regional leadership, and through a racial equity lens. You will:

• Gain experience as a community leader providing solutions for tough civic challenges
• Benefit from the opportunity to meet and work with the area’s top experts and key decision-makers
• Learn new leadership techniques by collaborating in novel settings toward shared goals.

The FOCUS Impact Fellows experience is immersive, hands-on, challenging – and rewarding. You’ll spend the first half of the program taking a deep dive into the issue, with unparalleled access to regional experts, agencies and organizations. Then, you’ll work alongside your peers to design and implement a sustainable project to address the issue in collaboration with area partners and make a meaningful impact. In addition to the knowledge gained, projects developed and networks built, you’ll gain considerable training and experience in change management, problem-solving, systems thinking, group dynamics and project management.

FOCUS Impact Fellows is 10-month program, with sessions held 1-2 times a month from August-May. You’ll also spend time outside of program days for individual and group work on the project(s).