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 “lead the change.”
Few such programs are available—especially programs that include a living wage.
The FAO Schwarz Fellowship is a nationally competitive, paid Fellowship designed specifically for 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 and social impact leaders.
More than 90 percent of our Fellows go on to careers in social change.
“The FAO Schwarz Fellowship is a great opportunity for students seeking professional experience that centers on service and social impact. Many of my students want careers that are meaningful and create positive change in the world, and I am always delighted to suggest the FAO Schwarz Fellowship to them.
"This unique program, with its attention to leadership development, and its focus on problem-solving, is the perfect way to launch a bright young person’s purposeful career.”
Dr. Katerina P. King
Director of Fellowships at Williams College
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
Accept new roles with host organizations after Fellowship
Have completed or are enrolled in graduate programs
Employed in education or social impact sector
Eligibility
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.
Successful applicants have a strong interest in issues of inequality and social justice as well as a strong academic record and significant leadership experience. Our Fellows have graduated from a diverse range of colleges and universities with a wide 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."
Jason Roberts
Associate Director for Outreach & Communications
Northwestern University Office of Fellowships
Questions
Please email us at contact@faoschwarzfellowship.org. You are also welcome to join one of our info sessions. 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.
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
Macalester College
New York University
Northwestern University
Oberlin College
The Pennsylvania State University
Smith College
Southwestern University
Spelman College
SUNY Geneseo
Swarthmore College
Susquehanna University
Temple University
Tufts University
Union College
University of California (Berkeley)
University of California (Los Angeles)
University of Louisville
University of Michigan
University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
University of Pennsylvania
University of Texas (Austin)
Vanderbilt University
Washington & Lee University
Washington University in St. Louis
Wellesley College
Wesleyan University
Whitman College
Williams College
Please use this description for your Fellowship Directory.
UPDATED DESCRIPTION (September 2024)
The FAO Schwarz Fellowship in social impact provides graduating seniors interested in careers in social change opportunities to develop their leadership potential and professional skills.
Fellowship positions are paid, two-year experiences working at leading nonprofit organizations in Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia both in direct service roles and in leading key program initiatives.
In addition to compensation and benefits, Fellowships include professional development, retreats, mentoring, and cohort experiences. Between five to seven new Fellowship positions are typically available each year.
Hosts are announced in early fall. Applications for the next cohort open November 1 and are due February 1. The Fellowship offers info sessions online throughout the year for interested candidates and college fellowship advisers
faoschwarzfellowship.org
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