Lead the Change

The FAO Schwarz Fellowship Program

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

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.

We support these ambitions by funding paid positions at high-impact nonprofit organizations for recent college graduates interested in careers in social change.

How to Apply

The application period for the next cohort begins in November when we announce the new Fellowship positions.

Applications for the 2022-2024 cycle are due February 10, 2022. To learn more about the Fellowship, we encourage you to sign up for one of our online info sessions.

Learn

Launch your 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.

Fellowship positions include:

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.

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.

#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."

"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!"

"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!"

“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.”

"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."

FAO Schwarz Fellows since 2006

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!

Current

Fellowship Host Organizations