Apply Now: Golisano Fellowship for 2025–2026
The Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing is opening applications for its fellowship—a yearlong program focused on advancing nursing practice for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). It’s designed for nursing leaders and scholars working across healthcare, education, and policy who want to drive change where it counts.
A 12-Month Fellowship with Purpose
Over twelve months, fellows collaborate with seasoned experts and mentors to improve health strategies for people with IDD. The goal is practical and clear: deepen your understanding, sharpen your leadership, and help address the health disparities this population faces every day.
Why Focus on Health Disparities in IDD?
People with IDD often experience limited access to preventive care and higher rates of preventable illness. Since its founding in 2018, the Golisano Institute has worked to change that—elevating inclusive care and health equity. By bringing together a diverse cohort of nursing professionals, the fellowship builds a community ready to advocate for people with IDD and influence care systems.
Learning Together, Building Projects That Matter
The fellowship runs primarily online and starts with an engaging kickoff week in June. That launch week features focused presentations and interactive sessions led by global subject-matter experts. Throughout the year, fellows join monthly programming—lectures, conversations about selected literature and films, and structured project updates—to keep momentum strong and learning active.
From Inquiry to Impact: Your Fellowship Project
Each fellow completes a substantial project on an underserved topic tied to the health disparities experienced by people with IDD. The work adds to the broader conversation and deepens your own practical expertise. The year ends with a showcase week in June, where guest speakers join the cohort and fellows present their projects, sharing insights and lessons learned.
Leadership for Developmental Disability Nursing
Dr. Holly Brown, executive director of the Golisano Institute, welcomed the upcoming class of fellows and reaffirmed the program’s focus. “We aim to continue our mission of transforming healthcare for individuals with IDD,” she said. Past cohorts have built leadership skills and applied them to priority policy and practice issues—taking what they learned back to their teams, classrooms, and communities.
Global Reach, Local Impact
The fellowship has included participants from across the United States as well as countries such as Ireland and Japan, and fellows have come from universities and healthcare systems alike. Graduates carry the work forward—collaborating across settings, promoting practical innovations, and helping close gaps in care and wellness for IDD populations.
Key Dates, Cost, and Support
Applications are open until December 1st. Candidates will be notified of decisions by February 2025. The program runs from June 2025 through June 2026. Tuition is $3,000, excluding materials. Scholarships are available for eligible candidates to help make participation possible.
Ready to Contribute to Meaningful Change?
If you’re committed to improving care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this fellowship offers structure, mentorship, and a community to do that work. To learn more or get started, reach out via email or visit the Golisano Institute’s website for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Golisano Fellowship?
It’s a 12-month program from the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing that develops nursing leaders focused on improving care and outcomes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Who should consider applying?
Nursing leaders and scholars working in healthcare, education, or policy are eligible. The program welcomes applicants from a range of organizations, including universities and healthcare systems, and has included participants from the United States as well as countries such as Ireland and Japan.
What will I do during the fellowship year?
You’ll take part in online programming that begins with a kickoff week in June, continue with monthly lectures and discussions (including conversations about selected literature and films), and complete a comprehensive project that addresses health disparities affecting people with IDD. The year concludes with a showcase week in June featuring guest speakers and project presentations.
What does it cost, and are scholarships available?
The program cost is $3,000, excluding materials. Scholarships are available for qualifying candidates to help reduce financial barriers.
What are the key dates for applying and participation?
Applications are due by December 1st. Candidates will be notified by February 2025. The fellowship runs from June 2025 to June 2026.
