Queer Futures Fellowship
An 8-week program bringing queer university mentors and high school students together to learn, create, and support one another through weekly workshops and creative community projects.
What is Queer Futures Fellowship?
Queer Futures Fellowship is an 8-week, career-oriented mentorship program that connects LGBTQ+ high school students with university mentors through a virtual core program open nationwide. Fellows develop professional and academic skills while exploring identity, creativity, and leadership, with opportunities to publish original creative work, contribute to community service projects, and engage with the broader LGBTQ+ community. Select participants may also access chapter-based opportunities through university partnerships, including stipends, in-person events, and campus-based mentorship.
Why Apply?
Certificate of Completion
Earn a Certificate of Fellowship Completion recognizing your leadership, mentorship, and professional development in the LGBTQ+ community.
Career & Academic Support
Get guidance on resumes, scholarships, networking, study habits, and career paths across multiple fields and be informed about “queering” professionalism.
Publication & Awards
Submit original work to the Queer Futures Zine, a collaborative showcase of Fellow’s voices, with opportunities for recognition and awards.
Volunteer Service Credit
Contribute to meaningful service projects like intergenerational letter-writing, queer-inclusive classroom resources, and advocacy that actually matters.
LGBTQ+ Knowledge & Community
Learn about the queer history that you never learned in school, queer identity, current issues, resources, and ways to make an impact through hands-on sessions and discussions.
Networking & Leadership
Build relationships with mentors, peers, and professionals; request LinkedIn recommendations; and gain priority consideration for leadership roles with the San Mateo County Pride Center Youth Advisory Board.
Chapter-Based Opportunities: Through select university chapters, some Fellows (high school, undergraduate, and graduate) can access stipends, enjoying in-person events such as socials, volunteering, and networking, and additional mentorship opportunities that help build local community while participating in the Fellowship.
Who Should Apply?
Mentees
- LGBTQ+ and questioning high school students looking for guidance on college, careers, and future pathways
- Youth who want a mentor who’s close in age, relatable, and supportive
- Students excited about creativity, community service, and making an impact–no prior experience needed
Mentors
- LGBTQ+ undergraduate or graduate students who want to support younger queer youth
- Students interested in leadership, service, education, community work, organizing, or creative projects
- People who want to help teens navigate school, identity exploration, opportunities, and future planning
We welcome Fellows of all identities, backgrounds, and experience levels.
You do not need to live in the San Francisco Bay Area–this remote program is open to participants everywhere.
All Fellows participate in the virtual program. Chapter-based opportunities are optional and selective.
What to Expect
Time & Commitment
— Attend all 8 weeks, either live or through an asynchronous check-in with your mentor/mentee.
— Live sessions run 1-1.5 hours each week.
— Plan for a total weekly commitment of 2-3 hours.
— Complete exit forms and major activities to receive your Certificate of Completion.
— Participate with respect, care, and confidentiality within all mentorship and group spaces.
We’re flexible. We’ll work with you on time zones, accessibility needs, and school schedules.
Weekly Flow
— Live Session: a themed workshop focused on professional skills, queer history, creativity, or community leadership.
— Mentor/Mentee Check-In: a flexible meeting where you can work on goals, planning, questions, or projects.
— Takeaway: a meaningful product you keep or a step toward your academic/career goals.
Each week adds another star to the constellation of your future.
University chapters: University chapters offer additional in-person programming and benefits, which may include stipends, campus events, and local mentor–mentee meetings. Participation requires additional application essays and an interview.
Ready to join Queer Futures Fellowship?
Applications are open until January 25, 2026 • 11:59 PM PT. We encourage LGBTQ+ youth and university students from all regions to apply.
Questions? Email queerfuturesfellowship@gmail.com or visit our FAQ.