Launched in 2016, the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship is a year-long fellowship designed to give emerging young leaders from across the country the experience, networks, skills and support needed to launch a successful career in public service. If you’ve considered a career in public service, or know a young leader who would make an outstanding public servant, read on!
What Makes this Fellowship Special?
“I cannot say enough good things about this fellowship program. Between the unparalleled professional opportunities and experiences, the networking opportunities, built-in professional development, year-long mentoring, and a fantastic support system from both Cleveland Foundation staff and the fellowship cohort, I cannot imagine a better first step for anyone to experience in their careers.” – Katie Brennan. Learn about Katie’s fellowship experience here.
Unlike many fellowship programs that target graduate students or mid-career professionals, the Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship is open to individuals who recently earned their undergraduate degrees (though graduate students are also eligible to apply!). The 2018-19 cohort is open to college graduates who earned their undergraduate degrees between spring 2016 and spring 2018.
The fellowship offers a 12-month full-time paid placement at a selected public sector agency in Cleveland, providing meaningful career-related work experience. Benefits of the program include:
- A $31,000 salary with health benefits
- Participation in professional development opportunities that prepares fellows for 21st century public service. Get a behind-the-scenes look at a professional development session in this blog post.
- A small cohort with individualized coaching, supervision and support
- Immersion in the rich civic and cultural life of Cleveland, with first-hand opportunities to network and connect with a diverse array of senior leaders, organizations and community members
Who Can Apply for the Fellowship, and How?
There are a few rules about who can apply for the fellowship. Applicants must be:
- College graduates who earned their undergraduate degrees between spring 2016 and spring 2018.
- U.S. citizens, permanent residents or individuals who are eligible to work in the U.S. for the duration of this program.
Applicants may not be a relative of a member of the Cleveland Foundation staff or the foundation’s Board of Directors.
The deadline to apply for the 2018-19 fellowship cohort is February 20, 2018. Get the details on how to apply right here, and sign up to receive email updates about the fellowship program here!
