MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University is now offering the new Rural Leadership Fellowship Program in tandem with InvestUP.

“The new Rural Leadership Fellowship program will provide NMU students with a unique educational opportunity that will allow them to make a significant difference in our local communities and give those students a clear advantage as they start their careers,” said Rob Winn, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

With the two entities’ public-private partnership, students will gain real-world experience while being both financially supported and paid for their work. The RLFP uses “immersive project-based learning” to educate students on the operations of rural public sector jobs, according to NMU authorities.

All student fellows will be monitored by an advisory committee of experienced leaders.

The fellowship itself is paid and includes a 100% tuition and fee scholarship to allow students to learn about developing their rural community or engaging in public sector careers. Financial aid continues for duration of the program, including the winter, summer and fall 2024 semesters for the program’s first cohort.

Student fellows will also receive a stipend up to $15,000 to assist with living expenses.

Its main targets are graduate students enrolled in the university’s master of public administration or master of business administration programs. Undergraduate students are eligible, but will be selected on a case-by-case basis.

Those who apply can expect a competitive selection process with a deadline of Nov. 30.

“As the Upper Peninsula’s rural-serving comprehensive institution, a hallmark of Northern’s mission is supporting student access and career success in tandem with partnerships that advance regional prosperity,” said David Nyberg, executive director of Business Engagement and Economic Development.

“A core objective of this program is to provide unique work-based learning experiences for students interested in economic development or public service careers, while also supporting Upper Peninsula communities with the capacity they need to succeed on important economic development initiatives. Northern is grateful to our partners at InvestUP and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for their partnership in piloting this program.”

InvestUP CEO, Mary Fittante, said the partnership is a “win-win-win opportunity” due to its support of students, local communities and its organizations.