Future Leaders Fellowship
A year-long mentorship and leadership experience for college students who want to grow as changemakers, creatives, and cultural ambassadors.
Applications due: October 7, 2025
About the Fellowship
The Knox Pop Con Future Leaders Fellowship (Ambassadors & Leaders Program) is a free, year-long leadership program for college students in Tennessee. Fellows gain hands-on experience in nonprofit leadership, event planning, and cultural programming. The program runs October through May with 5-6 events, culminating at the Knox Pop Con Festival. Fellows receive 1:1 mentorship from community leaders, complete an Action Project, and earn a Leadership Certificate. Offered by Knox Pop Con, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit(EIN: 33-4120670). Apply by October 7, 2025.
What You'll Do
Hands-on leadership experiences that build real-world skills
Lead in Action
Support festival operations, outreach events, and volunteer management
Learn from Leaders
Mentorship from community leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and cultural innovators
Create Impact
Complete an Action Project applying real program management and leadership skills
Be an Ambassador
Represent Knox Pop Con in the Knoxville community through events and outreach
Explore Creativity
Build skills in music, audio, performance, storytelling, and cultural programming
What You'll Gain
Tangible benefits that advance your career and personal growth
- Resume-ready experience in nonprofit leadership, event planning, and cultural engagement
- A professional network with leaders in business, education, and the arts
- Public recognition at Knox Pop Con and a Leadership Certificate
- A meaningful project you can showcase in applications, portfolios, or interviews
"The fellowship gave me confidence to lead and a network that opened doors I never imagined. My Action Project became a key part of my grad school application."
Eligibility Requirements
We're looking for motivated college students ready to make an impact
- Currently enrolled in a college or university
- Able to commit to 5-6 program events between October and May
- Passion for leadership, culture, community engagement, or event planning
- In good academic standing (students first!)
Program Timeline
Your journey from application to graduation
Apply
Submit your application by October 7, 2025
Interview
Selected candidates schedule interviews
Onboarding
Training and mentor matching in October
Lead & Learn
5-6 events from October through April
Festival
Culminate at Knox Pop Con Festival in May
Graduate
Receive your Leadership Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the fellowship
A year-long mentorship and leadership experience for college students. Fellows gain nonprofit leadership experience, receive mentorship from community leaders, and complete an Action Project. The program runs October through May.
College or university students in good academic standing who can commit to 5-6 events between October and May. We seek students passionate about leadership, culture, community engagement, or event planning. No prior experience required!
Support festival operations, lead outreach events, manage volunteers, receive mentorship, complete an Action Project, and serve as a Cultural Ambassador at community events.
Resume-ready experience, professional networking, public recognition, a Leadership Certificate, and a meaningful project for your portfolio. While unpaid, the professional development value is significant.
Apply online by October 7, 2025. Selected students will be contacted for interviews. Questions? Contact us at knoxpopcon.love/contact.
Ready to Lead?
Join the next cohort of Knox Pop Con Future Leaders. Applications close October 7, 2025 - don't miss your chance to grow as a changemaker and cultural ambassador.
Questions? Contact us at asami@knoxpopcon.love