ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP
Information for College Fellowship & Career Advisers
For students interested in careers in social justice and equality, it can be hard to find domestic fellowship opportunities in the social impact/nonprofit sector that will challenge them, train them and empower them to โlead the change.โ
Few such programs are availableโespecially programs that include a living wage.
The FAO Schwarz Fellowship is a nationally competitive, paid Fellowship designed specifically forย future social impact leaders. The Fellowship offers an intensive, transformative two-year experience in the world of social impact. It includes professional development, mentoring and a far-reaching network of alumni Fellows, host organizations ย and social impact leaders.
More than 90 percent of our Fellows go on to careers in social change.ย
โThe FAO Schwarz Fellowship is a great opportunity for students seeking professional experience that centers on service and social impact....This unique program, with its attention to leadership development, and its focus on problem-solving, is the perfect way to launch a bright young personโs purposeful career.โ
Launching Social Impact Careers
You can find FAO Schwarz Alumni Fellows in nonprofit leadership roles in a variety of sectors, including education, STEM and environmental education, mentoring, the arts, food security community development, government, urban planning and public policy.
FAO Schwarz Fellows since 2008
Fellows offered roles with their host organizations over the last 3 years
Have completed or are enrolled in graduate programs
Employed in education or social impact sector
The 2026-2028 Fellowship Hosts
Click on logos for details on each Fellowship position.
Eligibility
Applicants must be college seniors graduating between November 2025 – summer 2026 from an accredited four-year institution at the time of application and be eligible to work in the United States for the duration of the Fellowship.
Successful applicants have a strong interest in issues of inequality and social justiceย as well as a strong academic record and significant leadership experience. Ourย Fellows have graduated from a diverse range of colleges and universities with a wideย range of majors.
"There is a lot to like about the FAO Schwarz Fellowship. Very few awards pay as well as this one does, which undoubtedly makes it easier for students to follow ... their hearts to pursue work that prioritizes social impact."โ
Questions
Please email us atย contact@faoschwarzfellowship.org. You are also welcome to join one of our info sessions. ย Info sessions are open to college and career advisers as well as to students who wish to learn more about the Fellowship. Register in advance.
โThe Fellowship has had a huge impact on my personal and professional development. Iโve 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.โ
Alma mater
FAO Schwarz Fellows include graduates of a diverse range of colleges and universities.
Fellow Colleges
Amherst College
American University
Boston College
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Brown University
Carleton College
College of William & Mary
Columbia University
Cornell University
CUNY Queens
Dartmouth College
Emory University
Grinnell College
Franklin & Marshall College
Hamilton College
Harvard University *
Haverford College *
Macalester College
New York University
Northwestern University
Oberlin College *
Penn State University
Smith College *
Southwestern University
Spelman College *
SUNY Geneseo
Swarthmore College
Susquehanna University *
Temple University *
Tufts University
Union College
UC Berkeley
UCLA
University of Louisville *
University of Michigan
University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
University of Pennsylvania
University of Texas (Austin)
University of South Carolina *
Vanderbilt University
Washington & Lee Universityย
Washington Univ. St. Louis *
Wellesley College *
Wesleyan University
Whitman College
Williams College *
* Current Fellow
Please use this description for your Fellowship Directory.
UPDATED DESCRIPTION (June 10, 2025)
The FAO Schwarzย Fellowship is a selective national Fellowship program for college seniors interested in social impact careers. The Fellowship positions are paid, two-year experiences working at carefully selected nonprofit organizations in Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia.
These roles combine direct service with strategic projects that give Fellows a chance to deepen their understanding of social issues, gain leadership experience in managing program initiatives, and explore how nonprofits work to respond to community needs and create lasting change.
Between five to seven new Fellowship positions are typically available each year.
In addition to compensation and benefits, Fellowships include professional development, two four-day retreats each year, mentoring, and cohort experiences. More than 90 percent of former Fellows continue to work in social impact.
Host organizations and roles are announced in early fall. The Fellowship offers online info sessions throughout the year for interested candidates and college fellowship advisers.ย
The application period for the next cohort opens on November 1. The application deadline is February 1.
For more information, please visit faoschwarzfellowship.org.
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