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WNY Prosperity Fellowship
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.
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
1. Confirm Your Eligibility
- Must be at least junior-level at the commencement of the fellowship period.
- Must be a registered full-time undergraduate student and must be in an approved major.
- Must file the FAFSA. U.S. citizenship or permanent residence is required for this financial need calculation.
- Should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Must be accepted into a UB graduate program.
- Must be a registered full-time graduate student.
- May apply at any time while pursuing their graduate program of study.
- May participate at any time while pursuing their graduate program of study.
- Must file the FAFSA form. U.S. citizenship or permanent residence is required for this financial need calculation.
- Should be in excellent academic standing with a minimum 3.5 GPA.
2. Prepare Supporting Documentation
- Letters of recommendation. Two letters of recommendation are required (one from a faculty member; one non-restricted).
- For current UB students: Letters of recommendation are accepted via the application portal: students will enter contact information for each recommender, which will prompt the individual to submit the recommendation online. Students are encouraged to follow up with their recommenders to ensure they received the request.
- For non-UB students applying for Fall 2025 or transferring to UB: You must invite your supporters to email letters of recommendation to Hadar Borden, Director, WNY Prosperity Fellowship Program at hborden@buffalo.edu or upload to WNY Prosperity Letter of Recommendation site.
- FAFSA. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the advised deadline. Please note that you can file a FAFSA using estimated income information and update your FAFSA once you complete your current tax return.
- Resume.
- Unofficial transcript.
3. Begin Your Online Application
Log in to the UB Scholarship Portal and search for ‘WNY Prosperity Fellowship.’
Fellowship Award and Development Details
- Each fellow is awarded up to $25,000 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.
- 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.