President's Leadership Fellows Program (PLFP)

Now entering our tenth year, Career & Leadership Development’s signature student program, the President’s Leadership Fellows Program (PLFP) began in Fall 2014 with the generous support of the Kathy Kwan Foundation. The pilot program started in the College of Business with 25 students. The number of Fellows accepted to the program increased to 50 students in Spring 2015, and to 100 students each semester thereafter. With the full support of President Wong and campus leadership, the program expanded to accept 200 applicants from across various colleges, including graduate students. As of Spring 2026, over 2,400 students have completed the Fellows program.

The Fellows Program is open to currently enrolled full time junior, senior, and graduate students. Attendance at all sessions is a strict requirement of the program in order to receive the Certificate of Completion. 

Students who participate in the program will develop essential skills in resume writing, interview preparation, networking, and career readiness. Fellows learn to recognize and articulate their own expertise through transformative networking exercises, self-exploration activities, and digital career platforms including Handshake and Hiration. All participants who complete the program receive a Certificate of Completion and join a lasting Leadership Development ecosystem and professional network designed to support their continued growth and career success.

• The President's Leadership Fellows Program (PLFP) consists of 7 sessions. The cohort will meet on select Wednesdays from 12:15PM – 1:45PM IN-PERSON. Meeting location is Student Center, Rosa Parks A-C.

• Attendance is a requirement of our program. Please only apply if it works with your class schedule.  

Applicants will be selected into the program and notified of their acceptance the days following our application deadline. Students accepted into the program will be notified via SFSU e-mail, Handshake, and cell phone if a number is provided in the application.

PLFP Fall 2026 Schedule TBD

• Who is eligible to apply to PLFP?  

  • All full-time juniors, seniors & graduate students are welcomed to participate in the program regardless of major or college.  
     

• I just transferred, am I eligible to apply to the program?  

  • Yes, transfer students coming into their junior year are eligible to participate in the PLFP program!  
     

• Are there any requirements to apply?  

  • Yes, you must be available each week for the entire programmed time that the program is scheduled to meet (Wednesdays from 12:15PM to 1:45PM!) 
     

• Do I have to pay to be in the program?  

  • No, this program is free of cost and open to all students.  
     

• Do I need experience beforehand to join?  

  • No professional experience is necessary to join. All are welcome regardless of background or career goals!   
     

• Can I participate in PLFP remotely through Zoom?  

  • As of Fall 2023, we are committing to keeping PLFP fully IN-PERSON with no remote alternative. We understand that not everybody is available at these times, but believe the networking and face to face elements of our program are necessary for our students.  
     

• Where will the meetings/workshops be held?  

  • Meetings and workshops will be conducted in-person in Rosa Parks A-C in the Student Center. Please note attendance is a mandatory requirement for completion of our program. Only consider applying if it works with your class and work schedule! 
     

• Do I need to bring anything with me to the meetings?  

  •  An open mind, positive attitude and a notebook and pen since there will be a lot of valuable information! For certain workshops, we may ask students to use their phones or computers to access platforms such as LinkedIn, Handshake and Hiration but will notify people ahead of time!

Applications will be sent to all currently enrolled junior, senior, and graduate level students via their SF State campus email (ends with @sfsu.edu or @mail.sfsu.edu!). 

Apply for President's Leadership Fellows Program Fall 2026 NOW!

Questions? Please contact: 

Kylie Schneider 
Student Engagement & Leadership Programs Coordinator 
plfp@sfsu.edu