Tulane University Scholar and 2017 Ubben Posse Fellow Younes Boulares with his host U.S. Congressman John Lewis.

The Jeff Ubben Posse Fellows Program

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Overview

In 2016, The Posse Foundation’s board of directors and other major supporters established The Jeff Ubben Posse Fellows Program, which recognizes Jeff’s decade of service to Posse as chairman of the board. Supported by a fund of $1 million, five outstanding college sophomores are selected each year as Jeff Ubben Posse Fellows. These Scholars receive a generous stipend and a prestigious summer internship with a leader in one of the following workforce industries: arts, media & entertainment, STEM, law & government, education & nonprofit, and business & finance.

The 2023 Jeff Ubben Posse Fellows

Fellows Smiling — The 2023 Ubben Fellows: Desaree Edwards, Jenkins Darbney, Sheccid Rodriguez, Ciaran Buitrago and Mayah Bourne.

Mayah Bourne (The George Washington University)
2023 Jeff Ubben Posse Fellowship with Cleveland Cavaliers, Rocket Mortgage Field House and Rock Entertainment Group CEO Nic Barlage

Ciaran Buitrago (Lehigh University)
2023 Jeff Ubben Posse Fellowship with World Wildlife Fund President and CEO Carter Roberts

Jenkins Darbney (Sewanee: The University of the South)
2023 Jeff Ubben Posse Fellowship with Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla

Desaree Edwards (Wesleyan University)
2023 Jeff Ubben Posse Fellowship with a special assignment at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Sheccid Rodriguez (Tulane University)
2023 Jeff Ubben Posse Fellowship with Levi Strauss and Co. President Michelle Gass

Jeff’s legacy

Chair Emeritus Jeff Ubben with University of Puget Sound Posse Scholars

“With access to giants of industry, these young people will grow into tomorrow’s leaders.”
Jeff Ubben, Founder, Managing Partner, Member of Managing Committee, Inclusive Capital Partners; Posse Chair Emeritus

Jeff served as Posse’s board chair from 2007 to 2016. During his tenure, he helped the organization grow exponentially. Jeff helped bring on 47 new college and university partnerships, double the number of Posse cities, and build the organization’s assets to nearly $80 million. In 2014, Jeff was one of two donors to underwrite the expansion of the Posse STEM Program, allowing it to double in size. Similarly, he helped establish the Posse Veterans initiative. Jeff helped to develop the national board and local advisory boards, bringing in countless new supporters and advocates.

Jeff was especially dedicated to the idea that "America’s future relies on developing pathways to leadership positions for talented young people from every background, young people who truly represent the diversity of this country."

This program honors him for his contribution and finds those young people who epitomize this core organizational value.

Program Details

The Jeff Ubben Posse Fellows Program awards five exceptional Posse Scholars $10,000 each and the chance to spend 4-6 weeks during the summer shadowing and learning from a major industry leader.

Posse Scholars eligible for the Jeff Ubben Posse Fellows Program are students who are college sophomores with a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher, show tremendous leadership potential, and who will likely apply for the Rhodes, the Fulbright, the Marshall and other prestigious fellowships later in their college careers.

Each year, out of more than 700 Posse sophomores enrolled at elite colleges and universities nationwide, only five will be selected—less than one percent. All eligible Posse Scholars will receive an invitation to apply in the fall of their sophomore year.