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Diversity Professional Leadership Network

The Diversity Professional Leadership Network (DPLN) program is a year long credit bearing externship opportunity designed for traditionally underrepresented and underserved students focused on career development and preparation.

About the Program

Benefits

This one year opportunity will earn participants 1 credit for EXT 488 or EXT 288 while satisfying their EXP+ Stony Brook Curriculum designation upon completion.  Students accepted into the DPLN program will be:

  • assigned a professional mentor from a participating host company, and attend weekly professional development workshops, networking events, or employer hosted events.
  • provided with the opportunity to learn about different industries, company culture, and organization structure through a combination of communication with their mentor, job shadows, and site visits.
  • viewed as potential candidates for internship or job opportunities at their host company and guaranteed an exploratory interview during the course of the year. 
Fast Facts
  • Developed in 2007 as a response to diversity recruitment requests from employers.
  • Over 400 students have completed the program since its inception.
  • The 2020-2021 academic year saw the largest cohort, with over 80 students
  • Based on a spring 2021 survey, 100% of students reported having interviews with companies and organizations while in the program.*
  • Students in DPLN receive full time job and summer internship offers from companies such as Amazon, Northwell Health, PSEG Long Island, and many more.

Learn More About DPLN

Apply to DPLN

Application Requirements
  • Identify as traditionally underrepresented or underserved.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5.
  • Submit a completed resume.
  • Rising sophomore, junior, or senior.

Apply Now

Have a question?

Contact DPLN Program Coordinator Kimberly Dixon.

 

Irene Okyere

Irene Okyere

"I loved being part of DPLN because it not only provides students with connections but it pushes us to take advantage of all it has to offer."

Irene Okyere"I loved being part of DPLN because it not only provides students with connections but it pushes us to take advantage of all it has to offer."... Watch a Video about Irene
Angel Velazquez

Angel Velazquez

"DPLN has changed my trajectory in ways that I can not even imagine.  For instance, I went from being a kid not knowing where to go and not having a. lot of opportunities for me to actually being flown to San Francisco to Texas absolutely free.  DPLN really gave me the skills, leadership and communication I needed."

Arlene Alvarez

Arlene Alvarez

"I feel like with the DPLN program, people know my face now, and it is very meaningful that I can come in and I feel that atmosphere that I can get any help.  My biggest takeaway was the long lasting connection with my peers and Career Center staff."

Arlene Alvarez

Ricardo Yolas 

"Being part of DPLN allowed me to connect with mentors from industry and a lot of faculty and staff members on campus.  I am so thankful for the opportunities I received from being in this program and being involved with the Career Center. "

Ricardo Yolas "Being part of DPLN allowed me to connect with mentors from industry and a lot of faculty and staff members on campus.  I am so thankful for the opportunities I received from being in this program and being involved with the Career Center. "... Watch a Video about Ricardo