Sheetz Fellows Program

The Sheetz Fellows Program –Freshman Entrepreneur Class—ENTR 496

The Sheetz Fellows experience offers "an education for leadership" in the best tradition of the Business program. It molds well-rounded students who are ready for the world and prepares students for citizenship and for lifetime learning. Fellows will be acknowledged at graduation and their accomplishments noted on their diplomas. Their achievements will be valuable features of their post-graduate résumés and application materials. In short, Fellows will aspire to the kind of high achievement, values, and integrity associated with the Sheetz name and the Penn State reputation.

Objectives

To prepare students to be leaders
To instill a sense of servant leadership through community service
To challenge students to undertake a rigorous and stimulating academic experience
To offer students mentoring opportunities with successful entrepreneurs and community leaders
To provide students with an experiential education through study abroad and internships or research initiatives
To encourage a sense of esprit de corps by participation in seminars, workshops, and professional development experiences

Benefits of the Fellows Program

Mentoring opportunities: The most significant benefit to the Sheetz Fellows program is the mentoring opportunities provided by Steve Sheetz and select community leaders, in addition to the challenges it puts before students to undertake a rigorous and stimulating academic experience. Transformative academic development in the Business/Entrepreneurship program tradition is the hallmark benefit of the program: Fellows will graduate with in-depth academic credentials in at least two fields; develop ethical principles and leadership ability; and gain the ability to think critically, do independent research, communicate effectively, and demonstrate global and intercultural awareness. While all Business program students gain such an education at Penn State, Fellows achieve an education of special ambition, depth, and distinction.
Financial support for enrichment activities: Sheetz Fellows will receive a one-time stipend from the Sheetz Endowment Fund toward meeting their research, study abroad, and internship aspirations; and build a portfolio of experiences that will influence employers, professional schools, and graduate schools. These are the types of experiences that prepare students for leadership and that students and alumni describe as the most defining and unforgettable moments in their college careers.
Special advising: A small advisory board of up to six members (comprised of Steve Sheetz or designee, the Director of the Sheetz Fellow Program, the Division Head of Business and Engineering, the Program Coordinator for Business, and one select faculty), in conjunction with the Business/Entrepreneurship program, will provide advising to Sheetz Fellows; ensure that students are meeting expectations in a timely way; administer applications for enrichment funds; and work with programs, Centers, and other university agencies to locate and create academic and co-curricular opportunities for students.
Participation in a special academic community: Fellows will have opportunities to participate in special seminars and presentations by visiting lecturers, business activities, off-campus expeditions, even social events that promote group identity and a sense of esprit de corps.