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Through our College Fellows program, we’re training the next generation of Louisiana leaders. Since 2021, more than 20 college students from Southern University, Louisiana State University, and Tulane University have completed the program, and several of our Fellows have gone on to jobs in government and/or the nonprofit advocacy sector. 

We offer three, 12-week Fellows sessions per year, and they each include 4-6 students. Participants are paid a small stipend for their work and they gain meaningful, hands-on experience:

  • Researching & writing legislation 

  • Planning & executing policy campaigns 

  • Community organizing

  • Developing persuasive communications 

  • Building leadership skills


If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Louisiana Progress College Fellow, please email peter@louisianaprogress.org. Only undergraduate students at colleges in universities can apply.

"Working with Louisiana Progress was an invaluable opportunity and experience. I learned about how our government works and how crucial it is to inform the community and encourage them to get involved.
Louisiana Progress has truly been a treasure in preparing me for my career in politics."

-Mary Smith, Southern University

Current Fellows

Elai Levinson

Elai is a senior at Louisiana State University, studying Political Science with a concentration in American Government and Politics. In his free time he enjoys watching baseball and playing rock music on his guitar.

Briley Wilkerson

Briley is from Haughton, Louisiana, and is currently a sophomore at Louisiana State University. He is studying Mass Communication with a concentration in politics and minoring in political science. In his free time Briley enjoys spending time with familyand friends, watching LSU sports, and traveling. After college he plans to attend law school.

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Niara Mims

Niara is a senior at Southern University A&M College, majoring in political science on a pre-law track. On campus she is the Community Service chair of the Pre-Law Society, and the epistoleus of the Beta Alpha chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority. She is from Oakland California, a place that exposed her to many social justice leaders who emphasized the importance of collective action in achieving systemic change. Niara has shown a dedication to public service, gaining years of volunteer experience within organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people in her community. This is exemplified by her commitment to social justice. Post-graduation, Niara plans to attend law school to become a civil rights attorney.

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Dayla Darden

Dayla is from Memphis, Tennessee, attending Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she majors in Political Science with a minor in Spanish. Dayla decided to major in Political Science because it allows her to broaden her interests in the criminal justice system, mainly her passion for reform for African Americans going through the criminal justice system. 

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Jacque Ponthier

Jacques is currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at Louisiana State University. His interest in social work studies lies in it being the only field of study that seeks to ameliorate mental health issues through micro therapeutic practices as well as by targeting the systemic and environmental conditions that create and perpetuate mental illness. Born and raised in Louisiana, he's passionate about addressing issues such as class disparities, homelessness, healthcare, education, incarceration, and LGBTQ+ rights. Outside work or school he likes to spend time reading, exploring new music/collecting records, hiking, biking, and playing chess. 

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Jaiden Hines

Jaiden is a senior at Louisiana State University, double majoring in Political Science and Social Work. She is passionate about child welfare, juvenile justice reform, and the intersection of law and social services. As a future child advocacy lawyer, Jaiden is dedicated to ensuring every child has access to safe environments, quality education, and fair legal representation. She currently serves as an office liaison for Butler Snow law firm and participates in bond hearings with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and the Office of the Public Defender in East Baton Rouge Parish. An active member of multiple campus organizations, Jaiden is deeply engaged in leadership, service, and advocacy work. Guided by the belief that systemic change begins with empowering the most vulnerable, she strives to use her education and experiences to create lasting impact in her community. She lives by the words of Marian Wright Edelman: “If you don’t like the way the world is, you change it… one step at a time.”

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Justin Thomas Jr.

Justin Thomas Jr. is a junior at Southern University and A&M College majoring in Political Science with a minor in Mass Communications and a concentration in Broadcasting from the mighty city of Shreveport, Louisiana. He proudly serves as President Pro Tempore of the SGA Senate and Activities Coordinator for the College of Entrepreneurs, while also being active in the SU Pre-Law Society, Southern University Gospel Choir, Jaguar Ambassadors, and OnThisBluff. Justin was honored to serve as a Governor’s Fellow under Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, gaining hands-on experience in public policy and leadership. With plans to pursue a graduate degree in Public Health or Health Policy, Justin aspires to become a  Public Heath Administrator. Above all, he strives to reflect the love and light of Jesus Christ in every space he enters, letting his faith guide his purpose, service, and impact.

Fellows Alumni

Charles Barjon II

Southern University

Elijah Crawford

Southern University

Bryce Hudson

Southern University

Stella Kustra

Tulane University

Trishita Paul

Tulane University

Drake Brignac

Louisiana State University

Nathaniel De La Pena

Louisiana State University

Aniya Ingram

Southern University

Clare Lee

Tulane University

Aria Rife

Louisiana State University

Jhalen Brown

Southern University

Jalexis Edwards

Southern University

Valerie Johnson

Southern University

Jordan Martijn

Southern University

Amaya Rosser

Southern University

Keondra Carter

Southern University

Jaloni Fry

Southern University

Maggie Johnson

Tulane University

Merrilee Montgomery

Tulane University

Mary Smith

Southern University

Ryan Castellon

Louisiana State University

Andrelle Garel

Southern University

Maya Jones

Southern University

Jaidyn Nix

Southern University

Alex Thibodeaux

Louisiana State University

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