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.

This prestigious fellowship selects 10 exceptional women annually from across the nation—school counselors, educators, and social workers with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and varied life experiences who are positioned to inspire the next generation. Our rigorous selection process includes an application including a personal essay, administrator 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

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:

  • This fellowship is a cohort of 10 women with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, who hold a state-issued license in social work, counseling, education or school psychology, and who wish to implement the ROX Program within their school community.

    To be considered, candidates will:

    1. Attend an informational session

    2. Submit a Letter of Support* and Personal Essay** with the online application

    3. Attend a personal interview


    *LETTER OF SUPPORT - Obtain a letter of recommendation from your school leader that supports your participation in the fellowship (you can send this flier along with your request for all the info they need!)

    **ESSAY - In 500-700 words for these two prompts:

    Share specific experiences you’ve had personally or professionally that have fueled your desire, passion, or interest in empowering the next generation of girls in your community.

    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?

  • The fellowship is a two-year commitment. As a Dr. Patty Fellow you will attend the three-day ROX Program Facilitator Training in Fall 2024.

    Fellows are required to facilitate at least one ROX Program for Girls in the 2025-2026 school year and one in the 2026-2027 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 2026.

    Important Dates:

    Saturday, October 18, 2025: Virtual Training (Day 1)

    Wednesday, October 22, 2025: Fly to Columbus, OH (using provided travel stipend).

    Thursday, October 23: In-Person Training (Day 2)

    Friday, October 24, 2024: In-Person Training (Day 3)

    • 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

IS WORKING TO ENSURE THAT EVERY GIRL HAS AN ADVOCATE, MENTOR, & ROLE MODEL THAT LOOKS LIKE HER.

Dr. Patty fellowship Funders & Partners: