Overview of the Opportunity
The Trinity Leadership Fellows program is a special fellowship for people who use faith-based leadership to help their communities. It brings together leaders from different places and backgrounds who want to grow, learn, and make a bigger impact.
This program is designed mainly for people working in Christian settings, but it welcomes applicants from all faiths. The goal is simple: help leaders use their faith to guide, support, and inspire others.
The selection process has two phases. First, you must complete the online application. If you are chosen for the second phase, you will take part in a 30-minute Zoom interview in February 2026.
This fellowship matters because it gives leaders the chance to learn new skills, reflect on their faith, connect with others, and work toward improving life in their communities.
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open, and the deadline to apply is January 30, 2026.
Benefits for Students
The organizers did not list specific benefits like funding or scholarships in the provided text. However, we can clearly see that the program includes:
- Weekly online classes from September 2026 to August 2027
- A chance to build strong leadership skills
- An opportunity to connect with other faith-based leaders
- A required in-person gathering in New York City
- Space to grow personally and professionally
- A supportive community focused on service and the common good
If more benefits exist, the organizers did not provide this information.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Trinity Leadership Fellows program, you must meet the following requirements:
Minimum Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification
- Advanced English skills in writing and speaking
- Stable internet access throughout the year
- Ability to attend weekly virtual classes on Mondays from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) between September 2026 and August 2027
- Ability to travel to New York City from September 13–18, 2026, including managing visas and travel documents
Leadership and Personal Qualities
Applicants must also show these characteristics, with real examples from their work or ministry:
- You must be an active person of faith. (Program is designed for a Christian audience but open to all faiths.)
- You must have achieved goals that serve your community and the common good.
- You must show that you want to work toward goals beyond your own self-interest.
- You must have clear goals for what you want to accomplish during the fellowship.
- You should enjoy building relationships and connecting with people.
- You should have experience leading a group toward a shared goal.
- You need strong interpersonal skills (working well with others).
- You need an entrepreneurial mindset, meaning you think creatively and solve problems.
- You must be able to think about both the big picture and the small details.
- You must be willing to make sacrifices and handle discomfort to reach your goals.
- You must be able to balance ambition with humility, including the ability to listen and accept criticism.
Important Dates
- Applications open: Already open (2026 cohort)
- Application deadline: January 30, 2026
- Interview period: February 2026 (for selected applicants)
- Required travel to New York City: September 13–18, 2026
- Weekly virtual classes: Mondays, 12:00–2:00 p.m. ET, from September 2026 to August 2027
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following items:
- A short résumé (no more than 2 pages), in Word or PDF format
- Responses to three writing prompts:
- Biographical Profile (100 words or less)
- Short-answer question (200 words or less) describing a time you led or supported a group to solve a challenge or build something
- Essay question (fewer than 500 words) about your leadership journey shaped by your faith
The organizers strongly discourage using Artificial Intelligence tools (like ChatGPT) to write essays.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Create an account
Go to the application portal and create an account using an active email address. - Prepare your résumé
Make sure your résumé is no longer than two pages. Save it as a Word or PDF file. - Write the three required responses
- Biographical Profile: Write a short profile (100 words or less). This will be used publicly if you are selected.
- Short-answer question: Explain one specific time when you led or supported a group. Focus on your actions, your interpersonal skills, and how your faith guided you.
- Essay: Write about your leadership journey shaped by your faith. Include:
- What motivates you to lead
- How faith shapes your skills and teamwork
- What you have sacrificed to follow your faith
- Which values make you a strong leader
- End with 2–3 sentences about what you hope to bring to the fellowship and what you hope to learn
- Copy and paste your written responses
Place your answers in the correct fields in the online application form. - Submit your application
Make sure everything is complete before the January 30, 2026 deadline. - Prepare for the interview
If selected, you will be invited to a 30-minute Zoom interview in February 2026.
Tips for a Strong Application
Here are some simple ways to make your application stronger:
- Use personal stories. The program values real examples from your life and work.
- Be honest and reflective. Talk about moments when your faith guided you during leadership challenges.
- Show your impact. Make it clear how your actions helped a community or group.
- Explain your goals. Share what you want to achieve during the fellowship.
- Keep your writing simple and clear. Avoid vague or generic answers.
- Start early. Give yourself enough time to write good essays.
- Do not use AI tools to write your essays, as the organizers say it makes applications less competitive.
Final Thoughts
The Trinity Leadership Fellows program is a wonderful chance for faith-based leaders to grow, learn, and build new skills. If you want to serve your community, share your faith through leadership, and become part of a supportive international network, this fellowship may be a great fit for you.
Take your time, tell your story honestly, and apply with confidence.
