Meet our Fall '26 - Spring '27 Student Fellows!

Applications for the Fall '27 - Spring '28 fellowship program will open in the spring of 2027.

To offer a unique and practical learning experience to a diverse group of students while also advancing JMU X-Labs' mission. Innovation and Impact Student Fellows will have the chance to work on a variety of projects and initiatives with the guidance of the JMU X-Labs' team, gaining valuable experience and exposure to real-world tasks. 

• Develop student leaders  
• Provide meaningful learning opportunities and support professional development 
• Gain experience in an innovation and entrepreneurial space  
• Encourage peer learning and knowledge sharing through group and collaborative projects 
• Cultivate and grow student leaders' professional networks   

Applications are open to all JMU undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants with previous involvement or affiliation with JMU X-Labs or the JMU Esports program are encouraged to apply; however, this is not a requirement for an application to be considered. 

Applications will be reviewed by the JMU X-Labs staff and scored by the following criteria:   

• Meets eligibility requirements   
• Demonstrated experience of curiosity   
• Motivated to learn leadership skills or demonstrated leadership experience   
• Motivated to learn cross-disciplinary skills or demonstrated cross-disciplinary experience   
• Willingness to work in a collaborative environment   
• Experience in or motivated to work in an innovation space   
   
  The ideal objective of the hiring/selection committee is to choose a single fellow for each college. However, if the applications are only from a few colleges or the candidates' abilities warrant selecting more than one fellow per university college, the hiring committee has the authority to make such a decision. 

• Perform individual roles while having awareness of the team's goals and objectives: while each fellow has a unique role, they must perform their duties with an awareness of their team's broader context and JMU X-Labs' mission. 

• Ambassadorship: represent JMU X-Labs by giving tours, engaging with prospective students during Academic and Admitted Student Open Houses, and working at various events in JMU X-Labs, like the Innovation Summit and Esports open houses.    

• Project planning and presentations: prioritize and develop projects to provide innovative and cross-disciplinary feedback and solutions. Projects may involve research, data analysis, report drafting, or contributing to ongoing initiatives. 

• Cross-disciplinary collaboration: encourage peer learning and knowledge sharing through group and collaborative projects. JMU X-Labs believes that collaboration is crucial for fostering innovation and achieving collective success. Interns are encouraged to contribute their diverse perspectives and ideas. 

Applications will be submitted to JMU’s official student employment portal, Handshake. Students should apply for the posting that aligns with their skillsets.

The following three documents are the requirements for the application:

• A max 2-page cover letter that addresses the following:  
  • What interests you about JMU X-Labs? 
  • What position/s are you applying for?  
  • What JMU X-Labs experiences have you been a part of (including esports if applicable)? 
  • Briefly describe who you are as an innovator or creator
  • Describe how this fellowship program will be of value to you while you are a student at JMU and in your chosen career path   
• Resume that includes three references and their contact information. At least two of the references should be JMU professors.
• In a separate document, respond to two of the following writing prompts: (500 words max)  
  • Describe a time that you developed a curiosity and then pursued it. What was the outcome and how did it play into where you are today? 
  • Describe a time that you had to work hard to learn something. How did you handle it? Honesty is key here. If you didn't handle it well, own it. 
  • If you were coaching a team that seemed to have great talent but was flailing, what would you say or do to get them to maximize their potential? 
  • The word "innovation" gets used so often that it becomes almost meaningless. What word or phrase would you "swap" for innovation and why? 
  • Describe a time that you did not agree with feedback you received. How did you deal with the situation? 

When applying for the position on Handshake, please note that the cover letter, resume, and writing prompts should be uploaded as three separate electronic documents.  

Need help creating a professional resume? JMU’s University Career Center, located in the Student Success Center, offers student career and resume resources.

For questions regarding the application process or program, please contact JMU X-Labs: jmuxlabs@jmu.edu