Pursuing a graduate degree while gaining meaningful professional experience can be challenging, especially when balancing tuition costs, living expenses, and career development opportunities. The Trinity Fellows Program at Marquette University addresses these challenges by offering a comprehensive fellowship experience that integrates academic excellence, nonprofit leadership development, and substantial financial support.

Designed for emerging leaders committed to social and economic justice, the Trinity Fellows Program provides participants with the opportunity to earn a master’s degree, gain hands-on nonprofit experience, and develop essential leadership skills through a transformative 21-month fellowship experience.

The program combines graduate education, professional nonprofit placements, and leadership formation into a cohesive learning journey that prepares Fellows to become effective changemakers in their communities and professional fields.

Application Deadline

January 15, 2027

Applicants interested in joining the 2027 Trinity Fellows cohort must submit their applications by this deadline.

What Is the Trinity Fellows Program?

The Trinity Fellows Program is a prestigious graduate fellowship at Marquette University that enables students to:

• Earn a master’s degree in an eligible graduate program.
• Work directly with nonprofit organizations in Milwaukee.
• Participate in leadership development programs.
• Learn alongside an interdisciplinary cohort of graduate students.
• Deepen their understanding of social and economic justice.
• Build professional networks while contributing to community impact.

Throughout the fellowship, participants engage in academic study, practical nonprofit work, and leadership formation activities designed to create well-rounded social sector professionals.

The fellowship runs for 21 months, beginning in late August 2027 and concluding on May 31, 2029.

A Unique Model for Graduate Education

Unlike traditional graduate programs that focus primarily on classroom learning, the Trinity Fellows Program combines multiple dimensions of professional and personal development.

1. Graduate Education

Fellows pursue a master’s degree through one of Marquette University’s eligible graduate programs while simultaneously participating in Trinity-specific educational experiences.

Key academic benefits include:

• Enrollment in an eligible graduate degree program.
• Coverage of up to 36 graduate credits.
• Participation in three Trinity core courses.
• Access to Marquette University’s academic resources and faculty expertise.
• Interdisciplinary learning environment with students from diverse academic backgrounds.

This combination allows Fellows to connect classroom theory with real-world nonprofit practice.

2. Professional Nonprofit Experience

An important component of the fellowship is the professional placement with a Milwaukee nonprofit organization.

Each Fellow works:

• Approximately 18 hours per week.
• On substantive capacity-building projects.
• In roles aligned with organizational priorities.
• In positions supporting both professional growth and community impact.

The nonprofit placement is intended to provide meaningful experience rather than routine administrative work. Fellows contribute to mission-driven projects while developing practical leadership and management skills.

Professional placements may involve:

• Community outreach
• Program development
• Strategic planning
• Research and evaluation
• Organizational capacity building
• Communications and engagement
• Project coordination
• Leadership initiatives

This hands-on experience allows Fellows to build a strong professional foundation before completing their graduate degree.

3. Leadership Development and Community Engagement

Leadership formation is at the core of the Trinity Fellows experience.

Fellows participate in:

• Monthly reflection sessions
• Individual and group coaching
• Leadership workshops
• Community engagement activities
• Cohort-based learning experiences
• Professional development opportunities

These experiences are designed to help participants grow not only as professionals but also as leaders committed to creating positive social change.

By learning alongside peers from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, Fellows have ongoing opportunities to share perspectives, collaborate on challenges, and strengthen their leadership capabilities.

Fellowship Benefits and Financial Support

One of the program’s most attractive features is its extensive financial support package.

Full Tuition Scholarship

Selected Fellows receive:

• A full-tuition scholarship
• Coverage for up to 36 graduate credits

This significantly reduces the financial burden typically associated with graduate education.

Living Stipend

Fellows receive a living stipend of:

$37,812.90

This financial support helps participants focus on their academic and professional development throughout the fellowship.

Professional Development Funding

Each Fellow receives:

$800 for professional development

These funds may support activities related to career advancement, leadership training, conferences, and other developmental opportunities.

Health Insurance Reimbursement

Participants are eligible for:

Up to $1,600 in health insurance reimbursement

This benefit helps offset healthcare-related expenses during the fellowship period.

Transportation Support

Fellows also receive:

A Milwaukee County bus pass each semester

This transportation assistance helps reduce commuting and travel expenses while participating in the program.

Total Estimated Fellowship Value

The overall value of the fellowship package is estimated at:

Approximately $62,900 to $92,600

This estimate includes tuition support and other fellowship benefits made available to participants.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy several requirements to be considered for the Trinity Fellows Program.

Academic Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Meet the admission requirements for their selected Marquette University graduate program.

Fellowship Commitment

Applicants must:

• Be available for the full 21-month fellowship period.
• Participate from late August 2027 through May 31, 2029.

Service or Nonprofit Experience

Applicants must demonstrate either:

Option 1

Qualifying full-time service experience.

Option 2

At least two years of post-undergraduate full-time nonprofit employment.

This requirement ensures that Fellows enter the program with a demonstrated commitment to service and community engagement.

Commitment to Social and Economic Justice

Applicants should clearly demonstrate:

• Interest in social change.
• Commitment to community engagement.
• Desire to deepen their understanding of social and economic justice.
• Alignment with the mission and values of the fellowship.

Citizenship Requirements

Applicants must be:

• U.S. citizens
• U.S. permanent residents
• DACA recipients

Program Participation Fee

Fellows are responsible for a participation fee of:

• $625 per semester
• $2,500 total across four semesters

Application Process

The Trinity Fellows application process consists of several stages.

Step 1: Submit Application

By January 15, 2027, applicants must:

• Apply to an eligible Marquette University graduate program.
• Indicate their interest in the Trinity Fellows Program.
• Complete all required fellowship application materials.

Step 2: Finalist Interviews

During February 2027:

• Selected applicants are invited for interviews.
• Interviews are conducted virtually.
• Candidates meet with Trinity Fellows alumni and current Fellows.
• Interviews typically last approximately 30 minutes.

Step 3: Fellowship Selection

During March and April 2027:

• Applications are reviewed.
• Fellowship decisions are finalized.
• Award notifications are sent to applicants.

Step 4: Placement Matching

Between March and May 2027:

• Selected Fellows explore participating nonprofit organizations.
• Candidates interview with potential placement sites.
• Placement matches are determined based on mutual fit and organizational needs.

Click here to see more information about this fellowship.

Why Apply for the Trinity Fellows Program?

The Trinity Fellows Program offers significantly more than financial support.

Participants benefit from:

• Graduate education at a respected university.
• Extensive tuition assistance.
• Meaningful nonprofit work experience.
• Leadership development opportunities.
• Professional mentoring and coaching.
• Community engagement experience.
• Interdisciplinary cohort learning.
• Strong nonprofit sector networking opportunities.
• Exposure to social and economic justice initiatives.
• Practical experience before graduation.

This integrated model creates a powerful pathway for future nonprofit leaders, public service professionals, and community changemakers.

Application Deadline: January 15, 2027.

Click Here to apply

Conclusion

The Trinity Fellows Program at Marquette University represents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring nonprofit leaders and service-minded professionals seeking a graduate education combined with real-world impact. By blending academic study, professional nonprofit placements, leadership formation, and substantial financial support, the fellowship provides a comprehensive development experience that prepares participants for meaningful careers dedicated to social and economic justice.

For individuals passionate about service, community engagement, and leadership, the Trinity Fellows Program offers an environment where learning, professional growth, and social impact come together. With a generous funding package, valuable nonprofit experience, and a strong emphasis on leadership development, this fellowship stands out as a highly competitive and rewarding opportunity for future changemakers.

For more opportunities, click here.