How to Apply
Getting Started
Applications open on November 1. The application requires a rรฉsumรฉ and your response to four short essay questions, which ask about your interest in being a Fellow and your interest in a particular host organization, your experiences and accomplishments, and why you would be a good fit. We encoruage you to prepare your answers in advance of applying.
You can find a generic pdf version of the application here. [LINK]
A cover letter is not required.
Host organizations screen rรฉsumรฉs and applications for their Fellowship position(s), conduct interviews with candidates, and select their Fellow.
We strongly encourage you to learn as much as possible about the host organizations and review the Fellowship positions that interest you carefully before applying.
Expectations
The FAO Schwarz Fellowship is an intensive, transformative two-year experience in the world of social impact. FAO Schwarz Fellows have always been highly motivated and passionate recent college graduates who are committed to social change and social justice leadership.
Successful candidates have demonstrated leadership in their college communities and have a proven record of academic success. They seek to immerse themselves in an experience that will challenge them, train them and empower them to lead in social impact careers.
Application and Selection
Selection for the Fellowship is competitive. If you’re interested in applying for a Fellowship position, here are some tips:
- Applications for the 2026 cohort open November 1, 2025.
- Review the individual Fellowships, compensation and work requirements carefully. Links to each of the different Fellowship descriptions are in top menu, or you can click on their logos at the top of the page or at the bottom of this section. You may apply to one or more positions.
- Make sure you are eligible for the Fellowship. You must be graduating from an accredited 4-year college or university between November 2025 and summer 2026, and you must be able to work in the United States for the duration of the Fellowship.
- We announce new hosts in September and share details of each new Fellowship by November 1, when applications open.
- Prepare your answers to the application questions in advance. You can find a link to a pdf of the application here: LINK
- Learn more about the Fellowship experience and the host organizations. You can do this by reading our blog, attending an info session, or signing up for our newsletter.
- Please make sure your rรฉsumรฉ is in PDF format before uploading. We cannot guarantee that your document will be visible unless it is a PDF.
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.
Key Dates
November 1
We announce the new Fellowship positions and host organizations. Application period opens.
December & January
We offer online info sessions and AMA events on Instagram to give prospective Fellows an opportunity to learn more about the Fellowship positions and ask questions before completing the application. SEE PDF HERE. [LINK]
February 1
Application deadline for all Fellowship positions are due by 9:00 P.M. ET.
March
Hosts will screen and interview prospective candidates by the end of the month.
April
Summer
Fellowships begin.
Info Sessions & "Ask Me Anything" Events
We host online info sessions and โAsk Me Anythingโ events throughout the year for interested students and college career and fellowship advisers. We strongly urge prospective Fellows to attend an info session.ย
2026-2028 Host Organizations
To learn more about the 2026-2028 Fellowship positions or about the application process, please visit our FAQ. Two of this year’s hosts are each offering 2 different positions. Email us if you have additional questions. Applications are due by February 1.ย
