Rise Fellowship Program
Applications open through May 1.
Developing Tomorrow's Christian Leaders Today
The Rise Fellowship is a one-year leadership development program through Parkview Church in Iowa City designed to prepare rising leaders from the University of Iowa for a life of influence. Through career-specific mentorship, spiritual growth, and leadership huddles, fellows will be equipped to glorify God and serve others in their careers and communities.
Join a community where you can deepen your faith, hone your leadership skills, and discover your God-given calling.
We’re looking for...
Undergraduates
You must be enrolled at the University of Iowa in an undergraduate program for the 2026-27 academic year. Preference will be given to first-year students.
Rising Leaders
You must demonstrate a desire and capacity to lead others after the pattern of Jesus.
Whole Disciples
You must love Jesus and long to become more like Him by taking a next step toward Jesus every day.
Willing Servants
You must love serving others and be devoted to creating flourishing and goodness wherever God has you.
Fellows will receive...
Professional Mentors
Fellows will be paired with a mentor who has experience related to their degree path. Mentors can invest in fellows by showing up to monthly huddles, providing additional vocational experience (e.g. job shadowing, networking), and connecting with fellows outside of programmed activities.
Leadership Huddles
Rise Fellows and Mentors meet monthly for leadership training, which is provided by influential leaders from around Iowa City.
Community & Discipleship
Fellows are required to participate in 24:7, the college ministry of Parkview Church. This ensures that fellows are cared for spiritually during their tenure in the program.
Financial Scholarship
Fellows are eligible for a $3,000 scholarship based on need and merit. The scholarship is applied in two payments directly from Parkview to the University.
Professional Mentors
Fellows will be paired with a mentor who has experience related to their degree path. Mentors can invest in fellows by showing up to monthly huddles, providing additional vocational experience (e.g. job shadowing, networking), and connecting with fellows outside of programmed activities.
Leadership Huddles
Rise Fellows and Mentors meet monthly for leadership training, which is provided by influential leaders from around Iowa City.
Community & Discipleship
Fellows are required to participate in 24:7, the college ministry of Parkview Church. This ensures that fellows are cared for spiritually during their tenure in the program.
Financial Scholarship
Fellows are eligible for a $3,000 scholarship based on need and merit. The scholarship is applied in two payments directly from Parkview to the University.
How to Apply
If you are interested in becoming a Rise Fellow, please apply by May 1.
Collect your materials
To complete your application, you’ll need...
- contact details for one reference who can speak to your leadership and spiritual journey
- A PDF of your FAFSA or a summary of your financial picture (if interested in the scholarship)
Submit your application
We are using an online application to simplify the application process. Applications are due by May 1.
Schedule an interview
Our team will reach out to applicants to schedule an interview via Zoom or Google Meet after the application closes.
Accept the fellowship
After applying and interviewing, our team will determine which applicants will be a good fit for the program for this year. Letters of acceptance will be mailed at the beginning of June, and must be confirmed by the fellow by July 1.
What to Expect
The fellowship requires 6-10 hours of engagement per month.
Each of these commitments is designed to help you grow in faith, leadership, and calling as part of a Christ-centered community.
Leadership Huddles
A key part of the Rise Fellowship is monthly leadership huddles, where fellows will meet with their mentors, learn from a local leader, and connect with their peers.
Service Projects
Each semester, fellows will participate in a service project to make a tangible impact in the community. In the fall, the service project will be limited to Rise fellows, but in the spring Fellows will lead a church-wide service project.
Leadership Huddles
A key part of the Rise Fellowship is monthly leadership huddles, where fellows will meet with their mentors, learn from a local leader, and connect with their peers.
Service Projects
Each semester, fellows will participate in a service project to make a tangible impact in the community. In the fall, the service project will be limited to Rise fellows, but in the spring Fellows will lead a church-wide service project.
Who is Parkview Church?
Parkview Church is an Evangelical Free Church in Iowa City, IA committed to glorifying God through the whole church forming whole disciples of Jesus for the good of all people.
We have a vision of saturating the University of Iowa network with a transformative Gospel presence in order to form and send rising leaders who bring whole-life flourishing wherever they go. The Rise Fellowship program is a key part of this vision.
Questions?
If you have any questions about Rise or Parkview, or you need help with your application process, please send us a message!