MDLF Fellowship Application
Applications for the 2024 Class VII of Fellows are now closed. Applications for the 2025 Class VIII will open in January 2025.
To stay informed on developments for next year’s cycle and for when applications go live, please submit your information below.
Scroll down for more information on the Fellowship program
What is the MDLF Fellowship?
The MDLF Fellowship launched in 2016. Since its origins, this program continues to create a statewide network of change agents who bridge the gap between Indiana’s current and future leaders. Moreover, it serves to be a space for breaking down barriers and building up innovative ideas.
The Fellows identify, promote, and apply critical thinking and action to opportunities that will make Indiana a better place to work and live. The Fellows are given access to influential people, organizations, and resources to accelerate the state's progress on key growth initiatives.
Fellows are selected by the MDLF Board based on their demonstration of leadership potential through personal and professional achievements.
The Fellowship continues to benefit emerging Indiana leaders who demonstrate the following traits:
A genuine intellectual interest in the principles of individual liberty, personal responsibility and role of private enterprise.
Sufficient “real-world” experience to ensure they can meaningfully contribute to peer discussion and learnings.
On the career ascent and approaching an inflection point in their careers to be positioned to deliver outsized impact.
PHASE 1 (YEAR 1): ENABLE LEADERS
The first half of the Fellows program consists of a one-year curriculum that educates Indiana’s future leaders on the successes of the past and opportunities and challenges of the future. Areas of study include Indiana’s performance in healthcare, education, economic development, and civic participation. Each topic is conducted over the course of three event types: lectures, Socratic style discussion and case studies.
PHASE 2 (YEAR 2): DRIVE CHANGE
At the conclusion of Year 1, the current class of Fellows will each propose a project/initiative that they believe will measurably improve life in Indiana. We call these Capstones. This is an open-ended challenge, and Fellows are encouraged to be creative in both the problem and their proposed solution. However, they are instructed to follow one of Four Lanes:
Level Up An Existing Initiative
Start A New Initiative
Craft and Propose A Policy Paper
Engage in Public Service*
These Fellows then are granted one year to put their Capstone to the test - implementing it within their communities.
CONTINUING INVOLVEMENT
In addition to our Year 1 and Year 2 events, MDLF hosts a variety of network-wide events including Aim Higher speaker series, the Annual Event, socials, and various other events. Alumni of the Fellowship continue to be a part of the MDLF network. Past Fellows may be (and are) included on MDLF’s Board of Directors, staff, or committees.
What does the time commitment look like?
In Year 1, Fellows are expected to attend (1) class-specific events each month - from 10:00 AM ET to 4:00 PM ET. Locations vary each session as we strive to give Fellows an experience across the State of Indiana. Some examples of past locations include: Indianapolis, Evansville, Fort Wayne, West Lafayette and South Bend.
In Year 2, Fellows can expect (3) to optional class-specific events during the year following the same timeframe as Year 1 events. It should be noted that Year 2 requires that Fellows spend time outside of formal MDLF events to work on their pitch project.
Please note, this is a highly competitive program and those selected to become Fellows are expected to attend all of our required events. However, should an extenuating circumstance occur (e.g. serious illness, etc.) our absence policy allows (1) absence for every (6) month period. Please do not apply if you feel you cannot make the time commitment as Fellows who exceed this are dismissed from the program.
The following are the official dates for Class VI:
Year 1 - Enable Leaders
Friday, April 28, 2023 - Class V Capstone Day (optional)
Friday, May 19, 2023 - Orientation
Friday, June 23, 2023
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Friday, August 25, 2023
Friday, September 29, 2023
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Friday, November 17, 2023
Friday, December 1, 2023
Friday, January 26, 2024
Tuesday, February, 27 2024
Friday, March 22, 2024
Friday, April 26, 2024 - Class VI Capstone Day
Year 2 - Drive Change
TBD Q3: 2024
TBD Q4: 2024
TBD Q1: 2025
TBD Q2: 2025
I’m ready. What next?
Great! We could not be more excited to learn more about who you are. Please use the form above to be notified when applications go live at the start of 2025.
General FAQs:
Is there a fee to apply or participate?
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, there is no fee for Fellows, or their employers, to participate.
Is MDLF politically affiliated?
No. Our organization is non-profit and non-partisan. We want to promote good ideas and smart people with diverse perspectives. Part of aiming higher is having an open mind. At the same time we seek applicants that share our core values - individual liberty, personal responsibility and the role of private enterprise.
Is there a minimum age to apply or an age limitation?
No. We are seeking professionals who are passionate about improving Indiana and can commit the necessary time required by the Fellowship.
Can I apply if I live outside of Indiana?
No. Fellows must be current residents of Indiana at the time of applying and for the duration of the First Year program.
Is there a stipend for travel to events?
No. Fellows are expected to make the necessary arrangements to attend each event. For events further than three hours of driving time, MDLF will expense one night hotel accommodations.
How is this program different from other leadership programs?
There are several great leadership programs in Indiana. The MDLF Fellowship program has a unique combination of statewide scope, in-depth education and real-world action via the Capstone that sets it apart.
Is the program associated with Purdue University, where Mitch Daniels was President?
No. The Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation is a 501(c)(3). Our Board and Fellows represent various colleges and universities in Indiana and throughout the nation.