Spotlight

December 21, 2025 In Cohort, Service, Social Impact, Spotlight

Why I Chose the Fellowship: 5 Fellows Share Their Perspective

As your college experience progresses, it becomes increasingly important, and frequently more difficult, to decide how to apply all that you’ve learned toward your first job and career. Your education has expanded to the point where you know a lot of things about a lot of things, and it seems like there are endless options and doors awaiting you. Or, you’ve specialized so much that you’re excited to dive right in and are just looking for the perfect role.

Whether you’re a generalist or a specialist, when you find a good opportunity, how do you know it’s the right one?

Here are our 5 first-year Fellows’ perspectives, and why they ultimately chose the FAO Schwarz Fellowship:

Debora Camacho, Smith College,
Fellow at iMentor in New York City

The FAO Schwarz Toy Store has a long history of bringing joy into children’s lives, and being able to extend this same joy by joining a nonprofit organization that focuses on social impact, leadership, and education is what instantly drew me to apply.

After listening from current fellows and reading about alums—there is amazing work being done all across the Fellowship network. The Fellowship emphasizes that there are bigger-issues at hand, and focuses on ways to both raise awareness of those bigger and complicated issues and also support meaningful and impactful ways to address them.

Being able to be part of a cohort of future social impact leaders means I’ll have the opportunity to work and learn alongside others who are also passionate about making a difference. I’m excited to be part of a community that listens to diverse experiences, ideas, and challenges each other, ultimately allowing us all to grow.

Jenevieve Joseph, Spelman College,
Fellow at Hudson River Park’s River Project in New York City

I was drawn to the FAO Schwarz Fellowship because of its commitment to fostering joy among youth. The older I get, the more I reflect fondly on those who supported my journey into the outdoors, and working with the Fellowship allows me to support others the same way.

During our current digital era, deliberately fostering community is so vital. The fellowship allows working alongside future social impact leaders. The insights and experiences each fellow will be able to share will demonstrate the social impact interests of individuals across the nation. Each individual within the cohort has taken a different route to the social impact field and I am eager to learn more about their work and what drew them to this vocation.

The opportunity to be an FAO Schwarz Fellow is not one I take lightly. I am grateful for the opportunity to do direct work that benefits the community while simultaneously learning and growing in a city so far from my hometown.

Delaney Kenney, Haverford College,
Fellow at Museum of Science in Boston

I was drawn to the FAO Schwarz Fellowship because it provided the opportunity for me to pursue my dream job as a science museum educator while joining a network of mentors who will support both my professional and personal growth. As a college senior, I was nervous about entering the workforce without a support system there to guide me. The Fellowship instantly dispelled those fears because it specifically recruits graduating seniors, serving as a bridge between college and the “real world,” and supports Fellows through this transition. This fellowship especially stood out to me because it places importance on both social impact and professional development.

I am so excited to be in a position in which I can make a meaningful impact on my community. Being part of the FAO Schwarz Fellowship’s cohort of future social impact leaders provides me with the opportunity to grow alongside my peers as we learn from the experiences of our mentors to effectively implement programs that will enact lasting positive change in our communities. Being part of the cohort will allow each of us to multiply our efforts as we draw from each other’s strengths, insights, and experiences to take on, and solve, both common challenges and those unique to our different communities.

Raeva Bali, University of South Carolina,
Fellow at Trust for Public Land in Philadelphia

As an Environmental Studies major, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career path that would allow me to apply the sustainability and environmental frameworks I learned in my undergraduate studies to real-work experience. As I researched the FAO Schwarz Fellowship, I was immediately drawn into the fact that these Fellowship positions all focus on social impact and making a difference. I was amazed by all of the host organizations and their missions, so the fact that I would be able to work with these organizations and receive professional development was incredibly appealing to me!

The professional development opportunities, connections I will build with other Fellows and Alumni network, and experience I will gain through my work with the Trust for Public Land are all appealing factors that being part of this cohort will allow me to gain.

Shoshanna Hemley, Williams College,
Fellow at Boston Collegiate Charter School in Boston

I went to a normal public school in the middle of the country and somehow ended up at one of the most elite liberal arts colleges in the country. I would not have made it there if it were not for the amazing teachers and mentors who had knowledge of the system and helped empower and uplift me. Boston Collegiate Charter School serves students who may not have had the opportunity for that empowerment without the guidance of the school, and that is something I want to be a part of in order to give back for the mentorship I received.

In today’s political climate, non-profits are under attack, and being able to do work that aligns with your morals is rare. I knew that I wanted a chance to further my career in a way that is in line with my commitment to social justice and prepares me to lead in this field that is becoming increasingly difficult to enter. I want to be able to advance my ambition without sacrificing my values. I knew that the FAO Schwarz Fellowship was the way to do that.

If you think the Fellowship may be the right first step toward launching your career in social impact, join us for an upcoming info session, and check out our 2026-2028 Fellowships. Applications are due February 1, 2026 at 9pm ET.

SHARE THIS STORY

November 28, 2025 In Social Impact, Spotlight

A Conversation with Molly Ladd from the FAO Schwarz Family Foundation

This year, the FAO Schwarz Family Foundation turns 35 and the Fellowship turns 20. We sat down with Molly Ladd, the Chair of the FAO Schwarz Family Foundation, to reflect on these milestones.

The Fellowship program was originally imagined as a way to build on an incredible family legacy—tell us a little about the history of the FAO Schwarz Family Foundation.

The FAO Schwarz Family Foundation has always been grounded in the enduring values of education, imagination, wonder, and social awareness. Over the years, we’ve supported a wide range of nonprofit organizations—beginning with early gifts to Wellesley College, the Museum of the City of New York, and the American Museum of Natural History in honor of the FAO Schwarz store founders.

Today, the Foundation continues to support high-impact nonprofits committed to meaningful social change and greater educational equity and opportunity. The organizations we focus on not only address existing social challenges with skill and innovative thinking, but also develop and implement lasting solutions that change lives and strengthen the communities we treasure. The Fellowship is a critical part of that commitment. It’s a way we can accelerate social change and the development of the next generation of nonprofit leaders.

The Fellowship has certainly grown in the past 20 years. How do you describe the Fellowship program today?

It’s a remarkable program—one of the few domestic Fellowships focused squarely on social change. It has grown from a small local program to 84 Alumni Fellows working in many areas of the social impact sector. My quick response about the program is that it’s an intensive, two-year experience for recent college graduates interested in social impact and leadership. But I know that it goes well beyond that and that our Fellows are motivated, inspirational, and deeply committed.

Take Ellie Sanchez, for example. She was a Fellow at Generation Citizen from 2015-2017, went into public service, and now serves as Chief of Staff for a Boston city councilor. That trajectory shows the Fellowship’s power to shape change leaders. What is exciting is that every Fellow has their own version of this story.

We meet Fellows at a pivotal point in their lives—right after college, often with little to no work experience. The Fellowship’s structure, mentorship, and peer support give them a strong start. But it’s not just about those two years. They gain a foundation and then go on to do big things, both inside and outside the organizations where they began.

That kind of long-term impact is what makes this work so rewarding. Our focus has always been on getting these talented and committed Fellows out into the world.

"It is the concept of building the future. At its core, the Fellowship is about developing the next generation of nonprofit leaders. We work to attract passionate college seniors with leadership potential and show them that there’s a real career path in this sector."

What stands out most to you with respect to the impact of the Fellowship—on host organizations, on Fellows, and on the broader nonprofit sector?

It is the concept of building the future. At its core, the Fellowship is about developing the next generation of nonprofit leaders. We work to attract passionate college seniors with leadership potential and show them that there’s a real career path in this sector.

The Fellows bring a wealth of knowledge, ideas, energy and perspective to their roles. That’s incredibly valuable to a social change organization. Over the past three years, 80% of Fellows were offered permanent roles at their host organization after the completion of the Fellowship.

We’ve also found that the host organizations are eager to participate in the Fellowship program as it helps to attract top talent, who are young and passionate about their mission. Often smaller organizations might not have the brand recognition to compete, but the Fellowship can give them access to a strong talent pool with applicants from over 150 colleges and universities each year. This is how you start to effect change.

From the beginning, the Fellowship has emphasized the goal of developing social impact leaders. Can you talk about this particular focus on leadership?

The challenges leaders face today are immense. From the rapid rise of AI to the realities of climate change to the complexities of social division and polarization, there are multiple issues that demand courage and clarity. Fellows might not be ready to tackle all these challenges immediately, but the goal is to prepare them for their journey by giving them a strong foundation for continuous growth. We’re helping develop leaders who are not only capable of, but committed to, meaningful change.

Leadership is about making change happen with the tools you have—and that’s the spirit we cultivate. What makes a good leader today won’t necessarily hold true in a decade. That’s why the Fellowship continues to evolve along with the changing needs of our host organizations. We work with host organizations, listen to current Fellows, and stay connected with alumni to ensure the experience remains relevant and grounded in real-world leadership.

Seeing where some of our Fellows started and where they are now gives me hope. Our Fellows, including our alumni, are the future leaders of the nonprofit space. And that’s one of our most important metrics: 92% of Fellows are still working in social impact.

"We choose to partner with nonprofit organizations that can provide both a life-changing direct service experience as well as a strategically focused experience, which allows Fellows to lead."

One of the central tensions in social impact is whether we are addressing immediate needs or working towards long-term solutions. The Fellowship seems designed to explore the balance.

Yes, that’s a question that we as a Foundation and the Fellows think about constantly. The Fellows are the ones embedded in the work. We trust the Fellows and host organizations to explore that tension meaningfully. It’s fundamental to achieving social impact.

At the Foundation level, we choose to partner with nonprofit organizations that can provide both a life-changing direct service experience as well as a strategically focused experience, which allows Fellows to lead. For example, a Fellow might spend one day working with preschool students and the next on advocacy—and it’s this mix of experiences that gives them a richer, multidimensional perspective.

Last year the Fellowship received applicants from more than 100 different colleges and universities. What’s your perspective on the growing interest in this Fellowship?

We continue to see a great deal of interest in the FAO Schwarz Fellowship program, which is, of course, exciting. Not only is the number of applications increasing, but we’re also hearing from a more diverse pool of applicants—and from a wider range of colleges and universities—than ever before. That’s inspiring. For a program with a relatively small footprint, I think we’re punching above our weight.

The Fellowship’s increasing prestige has also made it possible for us to partner with a wide range of hosts, including well-known organizations like the Museum of Science in Boston, the Museum of the City of New York, and Audubon Mid-Atlantic. But the interesting thing is that a candidate might be drawn in by a well-known organization, but then discover a smaller organization that resonates better with them.

Overall, I think the Fellowship program proves that nonprofit work is not only meaningful, but also powerful, viable, and possible. The ripple effect is real. The more awareness we can create about what it means to lead in the social impact sector, the better. That’s a win, in my opinion.

Looking ahead to the next 20 years, what do you see as the biggest opportunities or challenges for the Fellowship?

Going forward, we want to continue to bring together exceptional future leaders with strong host organizations. Of course, we’d love to do more, but as a small foundation, we’re mindful of our limits. Still, we do a lot with what we have—we’re small but mighty.

We’ll keep enhancing the program structure to allow both our hosts and our Fellows to grow and succeed. We’ll also look for ways to nurture and facilitate a community of alumni Fellows, in person and online, and support Fellows learning from each other throughout their careers.

Our Fellows are already helping write the next chapter—founding new organizations and leading at others. As they step into new leadership roles, I know they won’t shy away from the tough stuff. They have the confidence, passion, and clarity to lead the change we need.

SHARE THIS STORY

September 10, 2025 In Announcements, Spotlight

The FAO Schwarz Fellowship Announces Seven Fellowship Positions for 2026

BOSTON – September 10, 2025. The FAO Schwarz Family Foundation has selected five leading nonprofit organizations to host seven 2026-2028 FAO Schwarz Fellowships.

Brooklyn Public Library in New York City and The Trustees in Boston were both selected to host Fellows for the first time. Reading Partners, 826 Boston, and Audubon Mid-Atlantic are returning Fellowship hosts. Reading Partners and 826 Boston will host two Fellows each, and the rest of the organizations will host one, for a total of seven Fellowship roles.

"The Fellowship is designed to support recent college graduates in their passion and desire to create a better world."

— Priscilla Cohen, Executive Director, FAO Schwarz Family Foundation

Three of this cycle’s hosts have previously hosted Fellows. Reading Partners will be hosting its sixth and seventh Fellows, Audubon Mid-Atlantic will be hosting its third Fellow, and 826 Boston will be hosting its second and third Fellows.

The Fellowships are two-year paid positions that develop the leadership skills of recent college graduates pursuing careers in social impact.

“We are proud to offer engaging and meaningful Fellowships in partnership with these leading nonprofits, where our Fellows will develop critical skills they need to launch their careers in social impact, ” said Priscilla Cohen, Executive Director of the FAO Schwarz Family Foundation. “The Fellowship is designed to support recent college graduates in their passion and desire to create a better world.”

The FAO Schwarz Fellowship is one of the few domestic fellowship programs focused on leading social change. It is a selective national Fellowship program designed for college seniors interested in social impact careers. Fellowship positions are paid, two-year experiences working at leading nonprofit organizations in Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia.

Hear from this year’s hosts about the ways their Fellows can contribute to their organization’s work and communities they serve:

“At the heart of 826 Boston’s mission is the commitment to amplifying the voices of young leaders and sharing their incredible stories,” said Corey Yarbrough, Executive Director, 826 Boston. “With the exciting addition of two FAO Schwarz Fellows, we’re eager to build on this mission. These Fellows will play a crucial role in helping us write and share more student stories, while also providing personalized support to guide students on their writing and leadership journeys.”

“The person who takes this role gets the rewarding opportunity to interact, in a deep and meaningful way, with the young people of Philadelphia. As I have continued to grow and develop my career in Environmental Education, I can see with more clarity than ever that interacting with youth is the single greatest impact we can have on birds in the future,” said Damien Ruffner, Program Manager, Audubon Mid-Atlantic.

“As an organization dedicated to providing educational and outreach services in every neighborhood in Brooklyn, this partnership will enable the Library to reach individuals who most need our resources. The FAO Schwarz Fellow will become a pivotal young leader on our Satellite Services team,” said Linda E. Johnson, President & CEO, Brooklyn Public Library.

“Having FAO Schwarz Fellows as part of our staff is an invaluable resource,” said Primo Lasana, Executive Director, Reading Partners New York City. “Their passion, knowledge, and eagerness to make a difference is evident in all the work that they do. They’re a huge asset to our team.”

“The Trustees are delighted to welcome and mentor a Fellow to expand the work of our Waterfront Ambassadors youth program and Mobile Adventures outdoor educators, deepening community relationships with a focus on environmental justice, and piloting a new curriculum for the Urban Outdoors. This Fellowship offers meaningful work that advances equity, improves access to nature, and fosters leadership capacity—making a real difference in the communities we serve,” said Ryan Thomas, Director of Urban Resilience, The Trustees.

Since the Fellowship’s founding in 2006, there have been over 80 FAO Schwarz Fellows. Nearly 80 percent of Fellows have been hired by their host organizations over the last three years, 62 percent of all alumni have gone on to graduate programs, and 92 percent of all alumni continue to work in the social impact sector.

Applications for the next cohort open on November 1 and are due February 1, 2026 at 9:00pm ET. Interested students are invited to attend one of the Fellowship’s online info sessions to learn more. Visit faoschwarzfellowship.org for more information.

SHARE THIS STORY

October 4, 2024 In Announcements, Spotlight

Announcing the FAO Schwarz Fellowship Host Organizations for 2025

BOSTON – October 1, 2024. The FAO Schwarz Family Foundation has selected five leading nonprofit organizations to host the 2025-2027 FAO Schwarz Fellowships. The host organizations selected this year are Hudson River Park’s River Project (New York), iMentor (New York), which are both first-time hosts, Museum of Science (Boston), Boston Collegiate Charter School, another first-time host, and Trust for Public Land (Philadelphia). They will each host one new Fellow.

“We know that young people have the passion and potential to create a better world, and the Fellowship is designed to help them get there.”

— Priscilla Cohen, Executive Director, FAO Schwarz Family Foundation

Museum of Science will be hosting its third Fellow. Trust for Public Land will be hosting its second. The Fellowships are two-year paid positions that develop the leadership skills of recent college graduates pursuing careers in social impact.

“We are thrilled to offer professional experiences in partnership with these leading nonprofits, where talented recent graduates can develop the skills they need to lead the change, and get paid while doing so,” said Priscilla Cohen, Executive Director of the FAO Schwarz Family Foundation. “We know that young people have the passion and potential to create a better world, and the Fellowship is designed to help them get there.”

These roles offer recent college graduates a chance to contribute to the success of their organizations by increasing their capacity and impact while being paid. Host organizations intentionally represent a diverse array of sectors, from the environment to education, and beyond. Fellows will also have the opportunity to collaborate and compare the different approaches their organizations take to creating impact.

Hear from this year’s hosts about the ways their Fellows can contribute to their organization’s work and communities they serve:

Carrie Roble, VP of Estuary & Education at Hudson River Park Trust shared, “Through programs like the FAO Schwarz Fellowship, Hudson River Park hopes to prepare tomorrow’s environmental leaders with the skills and networks needed to foster a more equitable, innovative and resilient future for New York City and our connected waters.”

“I am excited to host an FAO Schwarz Fellow – to continue to do work in alignment with iMentor’s mission to support young people in achieving their highest aspirations – both for the fellow and the students in our program,” said Olufemi Watson, Director of Program at iMentor NYC.

“We can’t wait to have another FAO Schwarz Fellow bring their enthusiasm for STEM education and passion for youth engagement to our team of educators,” said Adrian Melia, Manager, In-Gallery Learning at the Museum of Science. “As we re-envision our youth programs on-site and in the community, the FAO Schwarz Fellow will be a crucial thought partner as we deepen relationships and engage in new, thoughtful ways.”

Sarah Morland, Chief Academic Officer at Boston Collegiate Charter School, said “Boston Collegiate’s Fellow will alternate between direct work with students and supporting our broader collaboration and dissemination work, allowing the Fellow to experience firsthand the immense efforts it takes to support student growth and the immense efforts it takes to reimagine education.”

“Our mission goes beyond simply building parks and schoolyards – it’s about igniting excitement, fostering connections, and increasing collaboration within our communities,” shared Elizabeth Class-Maldonado, Pennsylvania Program Director at the Trust for Public Land. “It is this shared passion and dedication that truly transforms our outdoor spaces into vibrant hubs of community life, health, equity, and resilience where every voice is heard, and every individual is empowered to shape their environment. We are thrilled to have an FAO Schwarz Fellow play an important part in realizing this impact across Philadelphia.”

Since the Fellowship’s founding in 2006, there have been 80 FAO Schwarz Fellows. Nearly 41 percent have been hired by their host organizations, 59 percent have gone on to graduate programs, and 95 percent continue to work in the social impact sector.

Applications for the next cohort open on November 1 and are due February 1, 2025 at 9:00pm ET. Interested students are invited to attend one of the Fellowship’s online info sessions to learn more. Visit faoschwarzfellowship.org for more information.

SHARE THIS STORY

A young woman at a fork in a path with two options

September 12, 2024 In Spotlight

Internship or Fellowship. What’s in a Name?

Even though the terms are used interchangeably, internships and fellowships are different.

Internships and fellowships offer opportunities to gain professional experience, and both can enhance your résumé so that it’s more interesting to future employers and graduate schools. But taking what you learn in college and applying it in real-world situations isn’t easy. A good internship or fellowship will guide you through the “learning-to-doing” transition and help you effectively and meaningfully put your skills and knowledge to use. Understanding the differences will help you to craft a more thoughtful, targeted plan for life after graduation and help you make good decisions about which experiences will benefit you most.

Internships help you choose a career. Fellowships help you advance in a career.

Internships often work as trial periods for students interested in working at a particular company or in a particular field. Others may be required as part of a college major—communications, education, business and some health care majors often require an internship component. In such cases, internships may be unpaid but include college credit. The Department of Labor requires all internships with “for-profit” organizations be paid; nonprofits continue to offer unpaid internships.

Academic fellowships are usually research based, while non-academic fellowships are typically designed for recent graduates who already have a strong interest in a specific sector and want to accelerate their careers. Some fellowships may even require candidates to provide evidence of experience and potential for significant achievement.

Because most fellowships are selective, a fellowship adds luster to your résumé. It can help you skip over an entry-level job or launch a career in a sector where there are few entry-level opportunities. Both fellowships and relevant internships help you stand out from other candidates when you are ready to apply to graduate school.

Students undertake internships and fellowships at different times in their education.

The most important difference between internships and fellowships may be one of timing. Internships vary widely and are available at almost any time over the course of your education—often as early as high school. Fellowships, however, are less common and most often timed to a certain age or milestone. Many fellowships require candidates to have at least a bachelor’s degree (others are only for those who have already completed a graduate degree).

Internships are widely available. Fellowships are rarer and harder to find.

Many businesses and organizations (nonprofit, government and for-profit) offer well-designed internship experiences—the UN, Facebook, the Obama Foundation and NASA are all good examples. Other placements may be less formal or structured. Even businesses and organizations that don’t regularly offer internship programs, may take on an intern from time to time to assist with a specific set of tasks or provide a special opportunity.

That’s not possible with a fellowship, though there may be a few exceptions in scientific research. There are far fewer fellowships than there are internships. Fellowships are more structured, more competitive and often more selective. ProFellow, which compiles a database of fellowships, lists just 1,300 different fellowships, while job market experts estimate at least 1.5 million internships are filled each year.

The process of applying for a fellowship is different from that of applying for an internship.

When you apply for an internship, you follow a path similar to the path you might take when you apply for a job. You submit a cover letter and a résumé, and you might have an interview or two. You might also need references. Then you accept the job and negotiate your hours and pay. There may or may not be a deadline.

Fellowships, however, run the gamut—some may be like applying for a job while others may require multiple interviews, an essay or reflection, as well as several letters of recommendations or references, academic transcripts, a résumé (or CV in the case of an academic fellowship) and more. In some cases you may even need to propose a project plan to pursue. You will usually know all the details of benefits and salary well in advance of applying. There is almost always a deadline for competitive Fellowships.

Internships may last for only a few months and are part time. Fellowships have set durations and are often designed to be full-time experiences.

Internship durations are varied and will be based on the availability of the intern and the needs of the employer. Fellowships vary in length from a few months to a few years, but the duration is usually set in advance.

Competitive fellowships are often full time, although fellowships designed for working professionals are part-time. Internships, on the other hand, usually reflect a lower level of mutual commitment because the intern is still learning.

Most fellowships include a salary or a stipend, while internships are sometimes unpaid or offer an hourly wage.

Interns are almost always paid hourly, although unpaid internships focused on college credit are also available. While an unpaid internship may be a great way to spend your summer, not everyone can afford to work for free. On the other hand, working for college credit may be extremely valuable to students who are planning to graduate early.

In most cases, fellowships offer a set stipend or wages and benefits. Fellowships are almost always paid and do not include academic credits.

Expectations of interns and fellows are different.

If you’re an intern, your coworkers won’t expect you to be an expert at anything. What they will expect is curiosity, a willingness to learn and the confidence to roll up your sleeves and pitch in. Your colleagues and mentors will assume they are there to teach you, answer your questions and give you advice.

If you’re a fellow, however, you’ll be expected to be more independent and professional. People will want to hear what you have to say, and they will have feedback on your ideas. They will assume you already have something to offer—even if you have never worked in the field before.

During a fellowship, fellows often develop strong, lifelong connections among their cohort.

Fellowship programs are often designed for people at a particular time in their lives or careers. Because of their shared experience, the fellows develop a lively cohort spirit. Some programs work to enhance that spirit by planning professional development or retreats for the cohort as a group. Such shared growth encourages professional and social collegiality. The cohort connection often plays a major role in the fellowship experience.

While some internships include a cohort experience and even some professional development, this isn’t a common feature of most internships, as they’re often a more independent experience.

Internships and fellowships enhance networking in slightly different ways

Both internships and fellowships give you opportunities to form professional relationships that may be valuable in the future. But the distinction of an internship fades after a few jobs, as employers become more interested in your work history. You would be unlikely, for example, to include an internship on a resume after a few years. Fellowships have more staying power and a competitive fellowship can be part of your resume for life.

Applications for Fellowships are opening soon. Learn more about available fellowships and internships that can help you jumpstart a career.

To find an internship or fellowship, college students should talk with their academic and career advisers. Many colleges have designated fellowship advisers. Career advisers sometimes have knowledge of both internships and fellowships.

You can find nationally competitive fellowship opportunities on sites like ProFellow, your own college’s directory of fellowships and Handshake. Your college adviser can also help you identify opportunities. Other sources include The International Fellows Network, a LinkedIn networking group of more than 1,800 former fellows from a wide range of fellowships, which is a great place to get advice!

Don’t overlook the fellowships that are offered by your own college or university. Some have fellowship programs in specific departments. Once you explore opportunities at your own university or college, look for fellowships at other academic research institutions as a number of these fellowships are not limited to students at that institution.

No student should assume that they won’t qualify for a highly selective scholarship, internship or competitive fellowship award. Start exploring the opportunities, and you’ll quickly see how opportunities to put what you are learning into action in real life will help you gain a more nuanced understanding of social challenges, meaningful research, teamwork and leadership.

Good luck!

SHARE THIS STORY

June 17, 2024 In Announcements, Spotlight

2024-2026 Fellows in the News

Incoming FAO Schwarz Fellows Shraddha Patel (University of Louisville), Anya Henry (Harvard University), Alex Gabriel (Susquehanna University), and Julie Kleaver (Temple University) have each been recognized by their respective college publications for their selection as FAO Schwarz Fellows for 2024-2026.

Both Shradda and Alex and are the first seniors from their universities to receive this selective award.

Shraddha Patel awarded prestigious FAO Schwarz Fellowship, a first for UofL
University of Louisville (2024)

Sociology Major Julie Kleaver Receives FAO Schwarz Fellowship
Temple University (2024)

Senior in art history awarded FAO Schwarz Fellowship in social impact
Susquehanna University (2024)

Anya Henry ’24 receives FAO Schwarz Fellowship
Harvard College (2024)

FAO Schwarz Fellowship

SHARE THIS STORY

October 31, 2023 In Announcements, Spotlight

Seven FAO Schwarz Fellowships in Social Impact Open for Applications

BOSTON — November 1, 2023. The FAO Schwarz Family Foundation announces that seven new paid two-year Fellowships in social impact hosted by leading nonprofit organizations are now open for applications.

“The Foundation has always believed that young people have the desire and potential to imagine and create a better world, and the Fellowship is designed to help them become the leaders they hope to be.”

— Priscilla Cohen, Executive Director, FAO Schwarz Fellowship

The Fellowship program provides opportunities for new college graduates interested in social impact careers to work at organizations that are deeply committed to social justice and equity. Through a combination of direct service and leadership challenges, professional development and mentoring, Fellows gain first-hand experience leading change and learn how effective nonprofits create lasting and measurable progress.

Priscilla Cohen, Executive Director, FAO Schwarz Family Foundation, said, “The Foundation has always believed that young people have the desire and potential to imagine and create a better world, and the Fellowship is designed to help them become the leaders they hope to be.”

The new Fellowship positions are available to college seniors graduating from accredited four-year colleges between December 2023 and June 2024 who are eligible to work in the United States for the duration of the two-year Fellowship.

Every Fellowship position is uniquely designed to provide a recent graduate with a strong interest in social change the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the drivers of inequality, explore different approaches used in addressing social challenges, and develop leadership and professional skills that will help them launch successful careers in social justice.

The host organizations selected for the next cohort are 826 Boston (Boston) which is a first-time host, Audubon Mid-Atlantic, The Clay Studio, The Food Trust (Philadelphia), and the Museum of the City of New York (New York City). They will each host one new Fellow. Reading Partners (New York City) will host two Fellows in New York. Click on their names to learn more about Fellowship positions that will be available to the next cohort.

Primo Lasana, Executive Director of Reading Partners said, “FAO Schwarz Fellows have become an invaluable resource to Reading Partners NYC and even our national organization. Our most recent fellow joined the staff team at RPNYC and currently is a staff member at our national organization.”

The seven Fellowships for 2024 – 2026 include direct service opportunities in STEM and environmental education, healthy food and food security, arts education, cultural experiences and early literacy and reading. Fellows will engage in key projects that include expanding popular programs, developing strategic partnerships in the community, and creating and implementing communications strategy.

Fellows who start their Fellowship during the summer of 2024 will receive total compensation of approximately $90,000 plus benefits and professional development over the course of the two-year Fellowship.

Selection is competitive and by application. Since the Fellowship’s founding in 2006, there have been 73 FAO Schwarz Fellows. Nearly 41 percent have been hired by their host organizations at the completion of their Fellowship, 59 percent have gone on to graduate and professional education programs, and 95 percent continue to work in the social impact sector.

Applications are due by February 5, 2024 at 9:00 pm ET. Interested students can apply online at the Fellowship website and are strongly encouraged to attend one of the Fellowship’s online info sessions.

Visit faoschwarzfellowship.org for more information.

SHARE THIS STORY

October 2, 2023 In Announcements, Spotlight

Announcing the FAO Schwarz Fellowship Host Organizations for 2024

BOSTON — September 28, 2023. The FAO Schwarz Family Foundation has selected six leading nonprofit organizations to host the 2024-2026 FAO Schwarz Fellowships. The host organizations selected this year are 826 Boston (Boston) which is a first-time host, Audubon Mid-Atlantic, The Clay Studio, The Food Trust (Philadelphia), and the Museum of the City of New York (New York City). They will each host one new Fellow. Reading Partners (New York City) will host two Fellows in New York.

“The Foundation has always believed that young people have the desire and potential to imagine and create a better world, and the Fellowship is designed to help them become the leaders they hope to be.”

— Priscilla Cohen, Executive Director, FAO Schwarz Fellowship

The Food Trust will be hosting its fifth Fellow. The Museum of the City of New York, which was among the first organizations to host a Fellow in 2006, will be hosting its seventh Fellow and Reading Partners will welcome its fourth and fifth Fellows. The Fellowships are two-year paid positions that develop the leadership skills of recent college graduates pursuing careers in social impact.

“We’re proud to offer these paid, professional experiences with our country’s leading nonprofits where talented recent graduates can develop the skills they need to lead the change,” said Priscilla Cohen, Executive Director. “The Foundation has always believed that young people have the desire and potential to imagine and create a better world, and the Fellowship is designed to help them become the leaders they hope to be.”

The two-year paid experience offers new college graduates a chance to play key roles in some of society’s most successful and innovative social change organizations while increasing the host’s capacity and impact. The diversity of organizations selected as hosts provides Fellows with an overview of the nonprofit landscape in a variety of sectors as well as opportunities to collaborate and compare the strategies and leadership approaches organizations use in their work.

This year’s hosts are enthusiastic about the ways their Fellows can contribute to their work in the communities they serve:

Carolyn Navikonis, Senior Director of Impact at 826 Boston said, “We’re thrilled to have an FAO Schwarz Fellow join the 826 Boston team. This Fellowship will boost our ability to offer a wide range of outstanding programs and provide individualized support to students across Boston as they grow as writers and leaders.”

Damien Ruffner, Program Manager from Audubon-Mid-Atlantic, which is currently hosting a Fellow, said, “The FAO Schwarz Fellow is vital to Audubon’s commitment and outreach into North Philadelphia. Our Fellow provides a consistent presence in the community, solidifying us as an integral community partner, creating a sustained and lasting impact on current and future generations of North Philadelphia residents.”

The Clay Studio is thrilled to again partner with the FAO Schwarz Family Foundation to host a Fellow,” said Josie Bockelman, Deputy Director of The Clay Studio. “As an organization, we strongly believe it is critical to be a part of developing the next generation of non-profit professionals through direct work experience.”

“The Food Trust is thrilled to once again welcome an FAO Schwarz fellow to our team, as we work together toward our mission of delicious, nutritious food for all,” said Mark Edwards, President & CEO of The Food Trust. “As with any organization, our most valuable asset is our talented, passionate staff, and we feel strongly that young leaders inject invaluable energy, enthusiasm, and creativity into the social impact space.”

“I’ve worked with two phenomenal Fellows who have contributed to all aspects of our programs,” said Sydney Stewart, Manager of Student Learning and Experience at the Museum of the City of New York. “Our current Fellow designed one of our most popular STEAM-based field trip experiences. We know that our next fellow is bound to bring passion and insight to the work they do and to create rich and meaningful experiences for our audiences.”

Finally, Primo Lasana, Executive Director of Reading Partners said, “FAO Schwarz Fellows have become an invaluable resource to Reading Partners NYC and even our national organization. Our most recent fellow joined the staff team at RPNYC and currently is a staff member at our national organization.”

Since the Fellowship’s founding in 2006, there have been 73 FAO Schwarz Fellows. Nearly 41 percent have been hired by their host organizations, 59 percent have gone on to graduate programs, and 95 percent continue to work in the social impact sector.

Applications for the next cohort open on November 1. Interested students are invited to attend one of the Fellowship’s online info sessions to learn more. Visit faoschwarzfellowship.org for more information.

SHARE THIS STORY

July 11, 2023 In Social Impact, Spotlight

How the Unique Benefits of the Fellowship Enhance Opportunities for both Fellows and Nonprofit Host Partners

The Fellowships are designed not only to support the development of young social impact leaders, but also to increase the capacity of their nonprofit host organizations.

Last year, Fellows really did "lead the change" by working to pass legislation, helping to create and expand key programs to better serve their communities, and growing host's partnership networks.

Here are just a few examples of their recent accomplishments:

Ryan Telingator, FAO Schwarz Fellow ’23 at Jumpstart in Boston, collaborated with partners and advocated for legislation in Massachusetts that would increase educator compensation, provide direct-to-provider funding to stabilize programs, and increase the state’s financial assistance to families to help make programs more affordable. (see blog postwritten by Ryan). Recently, in collaboration with his supervisor, he successfully lobbied for Jumpstart to receive a “historic” $350,000 in the Massachusetts state budget, enabling them to expand their programming and impact throughout the state.

His supervisor shared: “Even after a leadership transition at Jumpstart, Ryan continued to lead this effort, securing additional support for the budget amendment with an increased ask of $450,000. Ryan’s leadership within the Common Start Coalition, advocating for accessible and affordable early care and education (ECE), has also been instrumental. Despite initial setbacks in passing the Common Start bill, Ryan and the coalition remained committed to reintroducing it in this session, and their efforts have led to two bills aligned with the Common Start vision in the House and Senate. Ryan’s dedication to lobbying legislators and raising awareness about ECE has been impeccable. He currently holds a significant leadership position on the coalition’s steering committee.”

Ryan has spoken at the State House for a briefing, provided policy resources to journalists and coalition members, met with Governor Healey’s staff, and contributed to a historical budget increase for ECE.

Nia Atkins, FAO Schwarz Fellow ‘23 at Year Up in New York City, led the Year Up NY/NJ site’s Learning Community “Look Back, Look Ahead” meetings since August 2022. Her supervisor shared, “These meetings are key moments for the Year Up NY/NJ staff community to gather and reflect on the journey of our participants after a class has graduated from the program. Nia has done an excellent job of sifting through the key performance data of our cohorts such as retention, attrition rates, and job conversion data. The Look Back/Look Ahead report and meeting also supplies qualitative data about our participant’s experience throughout both their Learning and Development and Internship phases which gives staff a valuable snapshot of how our young people performed and felt while going through this journey with us.”

To execute these meetings and ensure valuable data was captured and analyzed, Nia collaborated closely with both the Program and Internship teams, and improved and streamlined the data visualization aspect to make the information more accessible. Additionally, Nia served as a coach to young adults in the program, mentoring participants through the program, and supporting them with interview preparation, resume improvement, public speaking, and presentation skills (see blog post written by Nia).

"The Fellowship exerience can be a truly transformative—not just for our Fellows, but also for our host partners"

Priscilla Cohen, FAO Fellowship Program Executive Director

Kira Azulay, FAO Schwarz Fellow ’23 at the Museum of Science in Boston, led two youth events as part of a new High School Science Series program focused on the themes of mental health and climate justice. Kira was responsible for securing and hosting guest speakers, creating an educator guide for teachers, and coordinating logistics for on-site set-up and evaluation. At each event, there were about 200 high school students in attendance who were able to ask questions of the panelists and then participate in hands-on projects at the Museum. Kira reflected on her experience as an FAO Schwarz Fellow in this video.

Kira has increased the Museum’s capacity to invest in youth development and intentionally think about their practices when engaging with young people. Her supervisor shared, “In Year 1 of her Fellowship, Kira researched and cataloged youth organizations in Massachusetts and other states to help us better understand how various organizations support youth through education and employment opportunities. She also curated a literature review related to working with youth which we hope to use as a resource for potentially forming a youth council in the future. In Year 2 of her Fellowship, Kira had the chance to develop and lead content and events for youth as part of our High School Series Program. Both events afforded Kira the opportunity to put youth engagement strategies to practice as she sought to find topics, speakers, and activities that would both interest and resonate with youth.”

Vanessa Barragán, FAO Schwarz Fellow ’24 at The Food Project in Boston, focuses in part on community engagement through their Build-A-Garden program, where they support Boston residents in growing their own food through the installation of raised garden beds (see blog post written by Vanessa). Her supervisor shared that Vanessa is “doing an incredible job managing the Build-a-Garden program. Building on her work, The Food Project plans to double its impact, moving from 50 installations per year to 100 installations per year. ”

Sophie Becker-Klein, FAO Schwarz Fellow ’24 at Audubon Mid-Atlantic in Philadelphia, has grown partnerships with schools in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood where she is providing weekly lessons on environmental education (see blog post written by Sophie). Sophie’s supervisor wrote: “Sophie and I, through a series of meetings, developed a school-year schedule for her teaching Audubon lessons in class at our priority schools. These lessons included birds and bird migration, Healthy Watersheds and healthy Delaware River, bird adaptations, and Weather vs. Climate were specifically chosen by Sophie to encompass the full range and impact of Audubon. Sophie will be interacting with all grades in these schools. This is the first time Audubon Mid-Atlantic has had the resources to fully commit to multiple schools and this work could not be done without Sophie.”

SHARE THIS STORY

Spotlight

Debora Camacho, Smith College,
Fellow at iMentor in New York City

Jenevieve Joseph, Spelman College,
Fellow at Hudson River Park’s River Project in New York City

Delaney Kenney, Haverford College,
Fellow at Museum of Science in Boston

Raeva Bali, University of South Carolina,
Fellow at Trust for Public Land in Philadelphia

Shoshanna Hemley, Williams College,
Fellow at Boston Collegiate Charter School in Boston

This year, the FAO Schwarz Family Foundation turns 35 and the Fellowship turns 20. We sat down with Molly Ladd, the Chair of the FAO Schwarz Family Foundation, to reflect on these milestones.

The Fellowship program was originally imagined as a way to build on an incredible family legacy—tell us a little about the history of the FAO Schwarz Family Foundation.

The Fellowship has certainly grown in the past 20 years. How do you describe the Fellowship program today?

What stands out most to you with respect to the impact of the Fellowship—on host organizations, on Fellows, and on the broader nonprofit sector?

From the beginning, the Fellowship has emphasized the goal of developing social impact leaders. Can you talk about this particular focus on leadership?

One of the central tensions in social impact is whether we are addressing immediate needs or working towards long-term solutions. The Fellowship seems designed to explore the balance.

Last year the Fellowship received applicants from more than 100 different colleges and universities. What’s your perspective on the growing interest in this Fellowship?

Looking ahead to the next 20 years, what do you see as the biggest opportunities or challenges for the Fellowship?

The FAO Schwarz Fellowship Announces Seven Fellowship Positions for 2026

Announcing the FAO Schwarz Fellowship Host Organizations for 2025

Internship or Fellowship. What’s in a Name?

Even though the terms are used interchangeably, internships and fellowships are different.

Applications for Fellowships are opening soon. Learn more about available fellowships and internships that can help you jumpstart a career.

2024-2026 Fellows in the News

FAO Schwarz Fellowship

Seven FAO Schwarz Fellowships in Social Impact Open for Applications

Announcing the FAO Schwarz Fellowship Host Organizations for 2024

Quick Links

Recent Posts

Follow us at @faofellows

Download the whitepaper

Spotlight

Debora Camacho, Smith College, Fellow at iMentor in New York City

Jenevieve Joseph, Spelman College, Fellow at Hudson River Park’s River Project in New York City

Delaney Kenney, Haverford College, Fellow at Museum of Science in Boston

Raeva Bali, University of South Carolina, Fellow at Trust for Public Land in Philadelphia

Shoshanna Hemley, Williams College, Fellow at Boston Collegiate Charter School in Boston

This year, the FAO Schwarz Family Foundation turns 35 and the Fellowship turns 20. We sat down with Molly Ladd, the Chair of the FAO Schwarz Family Foundation, to reflect on these milestones.

The Fellowship program was originally imagined as a way to build on an incredible family legacy—tell us a little about the history of the FAO Schwarz Family Foundation.

The Fellowship has certainly grown in the past 20 years. How do you describe the Fellowship program today?

What stands out most to you with respect to the impact of the Fellowship—on host organizations, on Fellows, and on the broader nonprofit sector?

From the beginning, the Fellowship has emphasized the goal of developing social impact leaders. Can you talk about this particular focus on leadership?

One of the central tensions in social impact is whether we are addressing immediate needs or working towards long-term solutions. The Fellowship seems designed to explore the balance.

Last year the Fellowship received applicants from more than 100 different colleges and universities. What’s your perspective on the growing interest in this Fellowship?

Looking ahead to the next 20 years, what do you see as the biggest opportunities or challenges for the Fellowship?

Even though the terms are used interchangeably, internships and fellowships are different.

Applications for Fellowships are opening soon. Learn more about available fellowships and internships that can help you jumpstart a career.

FAO Schwarz Fellowship

Quick Links

Recent Posts

Follow us at @faofellows

Download the whitepaper

Debora Camacho, Smith College,
Fellow at iMentor in New York City

Jenevieve Joseph, Spelman College,
Fellow at Hudson River Park’s River Project in New York City

Delaney Kenney, Haverford College,
Fellow at Museum of Science in Boston

Raeva Bali, University of South Carolina,
Fellow at Trust for Public Land in Philadelphia

Shoshanna Hemley, Williams College,
Fellow at Boston Collegiate Charter School in Boston