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Lead the Change

The FAO Schwarz Fellowship Program

An intensive, transformative two-year experience in the world of social impact

Applications for the
2023 cohort are now closed.

Sign up to get notified when we announce the 2024-2026 Fellowship and host organizations.

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A former FAO Fellow and her colleague pose in a political building after advocating for early childhood education with Jumpstart.
A former fellow with The Food Trust in Philadelphia poses while at an event empowering students.
A former fellow poses with a young student in a classroom, who is holding up a piece of art she created.

Learn

Launch a social impact career.

FAO Schwarz Fellows are recent college graduates working in paid positions 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. 

Boston, Massachusetts Skyline at Back Bay district.
Aerial view of the New York skyline on a sunny afternoon.
Love Statue in Philadelphia, with scenic fountain against a cloudy sky.Philadelphia

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.

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

Applications for the next cohort are now CLOSED!  Applications for the next cycle will be due by February 10, 2024 11:59 P.M. ET. 

Learn More

Applicants must be college seniors at accredited four-year institutions at the time of application and be eligible to work in the United States for the duration of the Fellowship.

A group of Fellows posing together in Philadelphia.

#LeadTheChange

Meet The Fellows

The FAO Schwarz Fellowship program has hosted over 65 Fellows since its founding in 2008.

Meet the Fellows
Clara Monk
Ryan Telingator
Samantha
Joe
Serena Salgado
Charlotte Blackman
Abi Mlo
Kira Azulay
Khari Graves, arms folded

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."
Dawn Lavallee, FAO Schwarz Fellow 2016
Dawn Lavallee, FAO Schwarz Fellow 2016Regional Partnerships Manager, Playworks New England, Boston, MA
"When I started my Fellowship, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, and now I spend nearly every waking moment of my life thinking about education, education reform, and student advovacy. I would not be the person I am today without the Fellowship, and I will forever be grateful!"
Joe Rosales, FAO Schwarz Fellow 2016Director of College Counseling, Student Leadership Network, NYC
"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."
Jen Benson, FAO Schwarz Fellow 2017
Jen Benson, FAO Schwarz Fellow 2017Watershed Program Specialist at Hudson River Watershed Alliance
"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!"
Maley Mullin Parilla, FAO Schwarz Fellow 2012
Maley Mullin Parilla, FAO Schwarz Fellow 2012Social Worker, The Carroll School, Boston, MA
“My Fellowship was a launch-pad for a long-term role as a Program Manager with my host organization—and what I hope will be a creative, innovative and brave career in nonprofit leadership.”
Sarah Kacevich, FAO Schwarz Fellow 2016Program Director, Farrington Nature Linc (Greater Boston area)
"The Fellowship gave me the opportunity to work in a situation that was driven by my investment in youth development. I have been able to take that investment with me into a more formal international school setting to strengthen my overall teaching and curriculum development."
Michael McNeill-Martinez, FAO Schwarz Fellow 2014Secondary English Teacher, Rome International School, Italy
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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.
Subsequently 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. Current Fellows are working at the nonprofits included here.

New York City
New York City
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Philadelphia
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Boston
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Philadelphia
Year Up
New York City
New York City
Museum of Science
Boston
Boston
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Boston

From the Fellows' Blog

Are you the next FAO Schwarz Fellow?

Join us for our next online info session and hear directly from current Fellows who will help you learn more about the Fellowship and how to apply. You can also find us on social media at @faofellows. 
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Fellows posing for a photographer