Why should you apply for the Fellowship?
From addressing the opioid crisis in Appalachian West Virginia to designing affordable housing policy in East Los Angeles, Lead for America Fellows are truly working on most intractable issues facing our country. And because they work alongside the leadership in the community and are doing the work at the local level, it’s really possible to see progress and lives changed.
Receive training from leading institutions. All Fellows receive 4.5 weeks of graduate level public administration, leadership and equity training prior to beginning their Fellowships. In Lead For America’s first year, this training was led by partners and staff at the UNC School of Government, the Harvard Kennedy School, Boston University’s Initiative on Cities, Tufts University’s Tisch College for Civic Life, and Georgetown University’s Baker Center for Leadership & Governance. All Fellows also meet up for retreats over the course of the two years. The most recent retreat was focused on civil rights at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama.
Join a cohort of incredible peers. Lead For America’s first class of 54 Fellows are serving in more than 40 communities in 21 states nationwide. Over half are people of color, 60% are women, 1/3 are first-generation college students, and more than 40% were pell-grant recipients in college. 1/3 of Fellows are also serving in rural communities and towns of less than 10,000 people, adding to the experience of the entire cohort. The class includes Truman, Gates & Udall Scholars, Marine Corps Veterans, D1 Athletes, and former Student Body Presidents.
Help co-create a growing, national program. Lead For America’s goal is to train, place, and support 50,000 leaders by 2040. The organization is on track to have more than 90 Fellows in its second year, and to scale up to 1,000 Fellows in the next 4 years. Fellows serve at every level of the organization, including the National Board of Directors. Help shape the program for years to come!
Launch your career as a civic leader. Lead For America is less about what happens during the first two years than it is about building a community of lifelong civic leaders. From a digital alumni network and alumni reunions to training and financial support for alumni who decide to launch nonprofits and businesses or even run for office, Lead For America will focus on helping you advance in your leadership and service for the rest of your life.
The Turning Leaf Project is looking for virtual outreach volunteers to help promote their mission and work in the community. TLP is a non-profit in North Charleston dedicated to helping men think and act differently so they stay out of prison. The organization provides intense therapy, transitional employment in an in-house screenprinting shop, and job placements for graduates. TLP is looking for students and community members to promote the organization on their social channels and assist with tabling and in-house events. For more information and to apply, click here.
