The 2025 NLF application is now open! Apply by November 15th.
The NLF program is for individuals residing or working in St. Louis City and parts of North St. Louis County. NLF is now open to an increased set of neighborhoods, beyond the Promise Zone. If you reside or work in any of the following zip codes, you may apply to NLF.
63138, 63137, 63136, 63135, 63140, 63114, 63133, 63120, 63147, 63155, 63115, 63113, 63107, 63106, 63108, 63122, 63139, 63109, 63116, 63118, 63104, 63155, 63117, 63102, 63111
The NLF footprint zip codes were determined by looking at data indicators associated with the social determinants of health, such as unemployment, poverty, high school graduation, housing cost burden, violent crime, and life expectancy factors. NLF will select residents that live or work extensively within these zip codes that have poorer indicators relative to the state of Missouri in four of the seven indicators.
Neighborhood Leadership Fellows is an advanced leadership training program of UMSL, MU Extension and the St. Louis Promise Zone-St. Louis Economic Development Partnership.
The mission of Neighborhood Leadership Fellows (NLF) is to increase and amplify the voices of St. Louis City and North County residents at the civic decision-making tables in order to produce more equitable regional policies for neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Leadership Fellows is a nine-month advanced leadership training for community leaders.
The Neighborhood Leadership Fellows provides hands-on training emphasizing:
Educational Workshops on policies, new research and innovation that promote equitable neighborhood development (housing, education, economic development, public safety)
Tactical Trainings on communication, followability, organizing
Positional Power Trainings for boards, commissions, committees, and public office
Collaborative Learning through dialogue, discussion, and presentations among fellows and experts
Mentoring and Networking with other civic leaders and peers
Neighborhood Leadership Fellows is a highly selective program for individuals residing or working in STL City and parts of North STL County). If you reside or work in any of the zip codes highlighted in this map, you may apply to NLF.
If you are interested in NLF but do not reside in or work in the applicable zip codes, we welcome your registration for Neighborhood Leadership Academy, our flagship leadership program for the entire St. Louis region.
Individuals selected to participate in Neighborhood Leadership Fellows will receive a stipend and UMSL Chancellor's Certificate in Civic Leadership.
For questions, contact Dwayne James at jamesdt@missouri.edu
Neighborhood Leadership Fellows is generously supported by Missouri Foundation for Health.
