How to Apply

Applications open in Nov 1. The application requires a cover letter, responses to a few simple questions, and a résumé. Host organizations screen résumés and applications, conduct interviews with candidates, and select their Fellow.

We encourage you to learn as much as possible about the host organizations and review the Fellowship positions that interest you carefully before applying.

Getting started...

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.

Selection for the Fellowship is competitive. If you’re interested in applying for a Fellowship position, here are some tips:

Applications for the 2025 cohort open November 1, 2024.
Make sure you are eligible for the Fellowship. You must be graduating from an accredited 4-year college or university between December 2024 and June 2025, and you must be able to work in the United States for the duration of the Fellowship.
We announce our new hosts in September and share details of each new Fellowship by Nov 1, when applications open.
Learn more about the Fellowship experience. You can do this by reading our blog, attending an info session, or signing up for our newsletter.
Plan to get your application in before the deadline on Feburary 1, 2025 at 9:00 pm ET. Applying is easy. Just complete the form on the host's page, upload your résumé and a cover letter and submit.
Please make sure your documents are in PDF format before uploading. We cannot guarantee that your documents will be visible unless they are PDFs.

To learn more about the Fellowship or about the application process, please visit the our FAQ. Email us if you have additional questions.

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.

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.

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

Host organizations select Finalists, send decisions to applicants, and complete the selection process.

Summer

Fellowships begin.

Info Sessions & "Ask Me Anything" Events

We host online info sessions and “Ask Me Anything” events throughout the year for interested students and college career and fellowship advisers. We strongly urge prospective Fellows to attend an info session.