Open to all Texas Undergraduate and Graduate Students
The Conrad Program is managed at UNT Dallas, but is open to all qualified undergraduate and graduate students across Texas. You do not need any affiliation with UNT Dallas to apply. See full application requirements below.
Empower. Equip. Impact.
Texas State Senator Royce West established the Conrad Leadership Program to help Texas students gain employment experience before they graduate.
The program is named after the renowned Dallas African-American physician and educational advocate, Dr. Emmett J. Conrad. Since being established in 1993, there are now more than 2500 Conrad Alumni.
More about our history and missionApplication Dates and Requirements
Application Requirements
- Be enrolled at a four-year college or university
Maintain a grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4-point grading scale). This allows for your consideration for the program. - We accept scholars with any major.
- Complete the on-line application process and provide required documentation (recommendation letters, resume, transcript, prescreening video and cover letter).
- Pass the Dr. Emmett J. Conrad Leadership Program selection committee interviews.
Summer 2026 Applications Closed: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Summer 2027 Interest Form
Employment Policies
- Attend mandatory orientation tentatively scheduled on Monday, January 5, 2026, at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
- Commit to participate in one service learning project and two summer professional development sessions.
- Pass employer sponsor interview.
- Adhere to program and company employment policies and procedures (submit to criminal background check, credit check, and/or drug tests, when required by employers).
Alumni Stories
Dr. Kimberly Riddick Accepted Into AASCU Emerging Leaders Program
Dr. Kimberly Riddick, Director of Student Leadership and Success at the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas), has been selected for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities’ (AASCU) 2025-26 Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). Only 37 higher education leaders were chosen for the program.
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Resiliency and Dad's Advice Paid Off For This Digital Media Graduate
The graduating senior, who will earn her Bachelor's degree in Communication and Digital Media this month, has a creative flair. From fashion to photography, Aakira Blackmon has made her mark through passion and personal expression.
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Morgan Moore
"My experience being a Conrad Scholar was nothing short of amazing! As a Conrad Scholar, I was given the unique opportunity to enhance my professional skills and expand my network through leadership workshops and interactions with distinguished alumni of the Conrad Leadership Program.
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Luis "Money Man" Mata
Our Hispanic Heritage Month Spotlight is Luis Mata. As the oldest of four children, Luis Mata set an important example for his younger siblings. He is the first in his family to graduate from college.
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Dr. Dina Sosa Hegarty & Juan Garcia
From Dallas College: Dallas College is proud to announce that two of its leaders are among the 50 fellows who have been named to the prestigious Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities' (HACU) Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo.
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Erica R. Hughes
The Honorable Erica R. Hughes is committed to bringing diversity and change to the justice system through Compassion, Integrity and Justice for all. Erica R. Hughes was appointed by Attorney General, Merrick Garland, as a U.S. Immigration Judge in 2021. She was the first African American Female to serve as presiding Judge of Harris County Criminal Court at Law # 3, serving from 2019-2021.
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VIDEO: Conrad Interns at UNT Dallas
Conrad interns at UNT Dallas used the skills they learned in the Marketing & Communications department to create their own video highlighting their summer experience.
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