Dr. Patty Fellowship
This prestigious fellowship selects 10 exceptional women annually from across the nation who are positioned to inspire the next generation.
✔ Increasing access
✔ Creating opportunity
✔ Empowering girls
At ROX, we believe that leaders and role models can play a powerful role in creating positive self-beliefs and aspirations. When girls see themselves reflected in leadership, they envision broader possibilities for their own futures. As Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children's Defense Fund, powerfully stated: "You can't be what you can't see."
The Dr. Patty Fellowship honors the legacy of Dr. Patricia Cunningham, a pivotal force in launching ROX and a tireless champion for educational access, opportunity and persistence. Dr. Patty embodied Edelman's philosophy that "Service is the rent we pay for living" through her unwavering commitment to supporting and empowering others while helping them see their own limitless potential.
The ROX Dr. Patty Fellowship develops bold, community-connected ROX Facilitators who bring the full power of their experiences to their leadership.
We believe girls are best served by Facilitators who reflect the world they navigate every day. This fellowship intentionally invests in women whose lived experiences, and leadership journeys reflect the vibrant communities ROX is committed to empowering.
Through cohort-based learning, mentorship, and applied leadership experiences, Fellows deepen their facilitation practice, sharpen their expertise in building girls’ confidence, and grow as influential leaders within the ROX community. In doing so, they carry forward the legacy of Dr. Patty Cunningham — a tireless advocate for representation, and transformative change.
This fellowship is designed for future Facilitators who are ready to step more fully into their leadership and expand their impact within ROX and beyond.
Our rigorous selection process includes an application including a personal essay, professional letter of recommendation, and interviews with ROX leadership.
Fellows embark on a transformative, funded 2-year journey that includes:
Attending the 3-day ROX Facilitator Training at ROX HQ Columbus, OH
Implementing ROX programming in their schools for two academic years
Engaging in monthly virtual leadership development
Participating in an in-person colloquium at ROX HQ in Columbus during their second year
Receiving a $1,000/year stipend
Travel stipend
By removing implementation barriers and providing comprehensive support, the fellowship ensures every girl can see herself in leadership—regardless of her background or circumstances.
Through professional development, mentorship, and a supportive community, Fellows gain not only the tools to empower their female students but also connections that last well beyond the program itself.
How it Works:
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This fellowship is designed for facilitators who are ready to step more fully into their leadership and expand their impact within ROX and beyond.
To be considered, candidates will:
Attend an informational session on Zoom
Submit a professional letter of recommendation* and personal essay** with the online application
Attend a personal interview on Zoom
*Professional Letter of Recommendation: obtain a letter of support from a colleague who can speak to the applicant’s leadership, professionalism, and impact in their school community
**Personal Essay: in 500-700 words for these two prompts:
Share specific experiences you’ve had personally or professionally that have field your desire, passion, or interest in empowering the next generation of girls in your community, and
What are some examples of how you will use the professional and leadership development you gain during the fellowship to advance Dr. Patty’s legacy in your school and community?
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The fellowship is a two-year commitment. As a Dr. Patty Fellow you will attend the three-day ROX Program Facilitator Training in Fall 2026.
Fellows are required to facilitate at least one ROX Program for Girls in the 2026-2027 school year and one in the 2027-2028 school year.
Fellows are also required to engage in monthly mentorship and professional development and attend the fellowship colloquia at ROX in Columbus, OH in summer 2027.
Important Mandatory Training Dates
Saturday, August 22, 2026: Virtual Training Day 1
Wednesday, Aug 26, 2026: Fly to Columbus, OH ($550 travel stipend included in fellowship)
Thursday, Aug 27, 2026: In-Person Training (Day 2)
Friday, Aug 28, 2026: In-Person Training (Day 3)
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Scholarship funding for in-person, 3-day ROX Facilitator Certification Training (year 1)
Scholarship funding for in-person, professional development colloquium (year 2)
Travel expenses to attend facilitator training and professional development colloquium
2 years of funding to implement the 20-week ROX Program for Girls with up to 10 girls/year
Monthly professional & leadership development with Fellowship cohort
$1,000 annual stipend
