Lead the Change.
The FAO Schwarz Fellowship Program
An intensive, transformative two-year experience in the world of social impact
Applications for the 2022-2024 Fellowships are now closed.
Leaders matter more than ever.
At the FAO Schwarz Fellowship, we have always believed in the imagination, energy and ability of each new generation to envision and create a better future and a better world.
How to Apply
The application period for the next cohort is now closed. Seven new Fellowships will be announced in May 2022 and applications for the 2023-2025 cycle will open November 1, 2022.
Learn
Launch a social impact career.
FAO Schwarz Fellows are recent college graduates working at leading nonprofit organizations. The Fellowships include direct service, strategic projects and professional development. They’re designed to jumpstart your career as a leader of social change.
Connect
Be part of a passionate cohort.
As an FAO Schwarz Fellow, you’ll join a cohort of talented leaders that includes a growing alumni network. Retreats and other events give you a chance to get to know other Fellows and explore a broad range of social issues.
Lead
Develop your leadership skills.
The Fellowship builds leadership skills, deepens your knowledge and includes opportunities for networking with social impact leaders. You’ll be challenged to explore difficult problems and reflect on their causes.
The FAO Schwarz Fellowships are designed to develop leaders committed to creating social change.
Direct Service & Special Projects
By combining direct service and strategic projects, the Fellowship experience deepens the Fellow’s knowledge of social challenges and builds skills and expertise.
Paid Positions in Three Cities
The Fellowships are paid two-year positions with benefits at leading nonprofit host organizations in Boston, New York City and Philadelphia.
Mentoring & Professional Development
The program includes professional development and leadership training through regular retreats, mentoring and special community experiences.
A Valuable Network for Life
The Fellowship cohort connects future leaders to an extensive network of alumni Fellows and other social innovation leaders.
#LeadTheChange
Meet The Fellows
The FAO Schwarz Fellowship program has hosted 65 Fellows since its founding in 2008.
What Fellows Are Saying
"The time I spent as a Fellow taught me so much about the amazing organizations that are out there and the different ways that organizations are run. It changed the way I think about the nonprofit sector and has led me to pursue a career in nonprofit capacity building."
"The Fellowship has had a huge impact on my personal and professional development. I've gained skills, mentors and an incredible group of friends. I hope to give back a fraction of what it has and continues to give to me."
"I'm grateful for the professional development I received. So many aspects of the program set me up for success. The Fellowship was the jumpstart to my career. It helped me find my way to social work—which I'm pretty sure is where I am supposed to be!"
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FAO Schwarz Fellows since 2008
Students from every part of the country and and over 40 colleges have been selected as Fellows since our founding.
Hired by their Fellowship Hosts
Many Fellows choose to stay on in leadership roles at their host organizations.
Currently pursuing graduate degrees
Others use the Fellowship as a launch pad for graduate or professional degree programs
Building Careers in Social Impact
Almost all our Fellows choose careers where they can continue to lead the change!
Fellowship Host Organizations
FAO Schwarz Fellows work at high-impact nonprofit organizations known for their results and the quality of their programs. New hosts for the next cycle are announced in November.
Philadelphia
Boston
New York City
Boston
New York City
Philadelphia
New York City
Philadelphia
New York City
Boston
Are you the next FAO Schwarz Fellow?
We host a series of online info sessions to help you learn more about the Fellowship. Sign up to get an email when the new cycle is announced or find us on social media at @faofellows.
You can also sign up to receive Fellowship news, reminders and other updates by email.
