College Fellows Program

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.

“The Louisiana Progress College Fellows program was the ultimate learning experience. The staff took us under their wing and guided us through tasks that were new to many of us, while also reminding us that we are capable of doing this work and to be confident in our abilities.” -Elijah Crawford, Southern University
“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

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“As a Louisiana Progress Fellow, I enjoyed learning more about the problems that plague our state and how to make a positive impact on them. It feels great to know that your work can actually help the most marginalized communities in Louisiana.” -Nathaniel Dela Pena, Louisiana State University

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Current Fellows

Elai Levinson

Louisiana State University
Elai is a freshman 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.
Keondra Carter

Keondra Carter is a Senior at Southern University pursuing dual degrees in Psychology and Political Science on a Pre-Law Track from Gonzales, Louisiana. Keondra is adept in youth engagement and mentorship as well as highly knowledgeable in policy and political landscapes, showing her dedication as a servant-leader with over five years of experience in community coordination, advocacy, and service. On campus, Keondra serves as the Chief of Staff for the Executive Cabinet of the Student Government Association, President of the Southern University Pre-Law Society, Treasurer of the Southern University Speech and Debate Society, member of the Southern University chapter of NAACP, and more. Off-campus, Keondra proudly serves as the Director of Lobbying and Legislation of the non-profit organization Black Women in Charge. She lives by the quote, "Be the person you needed when you were younger".
Briley Wilkerson

Louisiana State University
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 family and friends, watching LSU sports, and traveling. After college he plans to attend law school.
Amaya Rosser

Amaya Rosser is from Memphis,Tennessee, and is currently a senior Political Science student at Southern University A&M College. She has been the Editor in Chief over the Southern University Yearbook since her sophomore year. On campus Amaya is a member of Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honors Society, Pre-Law Society, Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society, Honors College, Office of Student Media and NAACP. Amaya is currently a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion intern for the Alzheimer's Association of Louisiana. After graduating, Amaya plans to attend law school where she will receive her Juris Doctorate Degree and Masters Degree in Public Administration.
Trishita Paul

Trishita Paul is a freshman at Tulane University in the Pathways to Medicine BS/MD Program. She is majoring in Biomedical Engineering and minoring in Public Health, with aspirations of becoming a physician-scientist and physician-policymaker. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, she is passionate about combining her interest in cardiology with public service to address systemic inequities in healthcare and beyond. A former Teen of Impact Winner, she currently serves on the State Advocacy Committee for the American Heart Association. In her free time, Trishita enjoys learning new languages and staying active through playing tennis.
Maggie Johnson

Maggie Johnson is a senior at Tulane University in the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine with minors in Spanish and Environmental Biology. Using this intersectional lens in her academic career, she has participated in environmental and public health research programs throughout Latin America, working with local communities to develop collaborative solutions to health problems. Maggie plans on completing her Master’s Degree in Public Health at Tulane University with a concentration in International Health and Sustainable Development in December 2026. As a Louisiana native, Maggie values integrating community engagement into her college experience in New Orleans. On campus, she is the president of the After-School Newcomb Tutoring program where she connects the youth of New Orleans with undergraduate Tulanians and helps foster meaningful relationships between tutors and students in an informal setting. After graduating, Maggie plans to join the Peace Corps.