Scholarships & Opportunities

The nine-month paid fellowship for college graduates combines work in Mayoral offices and City agencies with volunteer service opportunities and a seminar series that explores current urban issues impacting public policy. The program is designed to introduce a diverse group of America’s finest college students and graduates to local government and public service. Program participants come from all over the country to work in New York City. The fellowship runs from September through May and includes a stipend ($31,563 in 2023) and health insurance.

Applicants must be recent college graduates who are eligible to work in the U.S.

The application deadline is typically mid-January.

College graduates can apply for a one-year fully paid fellowship at the White House. Selected individuals typically spend a year working as a full-time, paid Fellow to senior White House Staff, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top-ranking government officials. Fellows also participate in an education program consisting of roundtable discussions with leaders from the private and public sectors, and potential trips to study U.S. policy in action both domestically and internationally. Fellowships are awarded on a strictly non-partisan basis.

Fellows must be college graduates and U.S. citizens.

The written application typically opens in early November and closes in early January. The written application can take 25 hours to complete and includes multiple recommendations and six essays. 100 Finalists will be invited to regional interviews followed by a weekend of interviews in D.C.

Applications open November 1, and are typically due early-to-mid January

The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service provides up to $50,000 in financial aid over two years, a $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing to pursue a summer work-travel experience between junior and senior year of college plus a $2,000 travel credit every year for 10 years after graduation (totaling $20,000). Lastly, students will be invited to attend an annual summit each fall and meet a network of leaders.

The scholarship is for college sophomores who have demonstrated a commitment to public service and plan to pursue a career in public service upon graduation. Students need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or a DACA recipient.

Applications typically close in mid-June

Choose from a free 2-week immersion or free 6-week self-paced virtual summer program that teaches girls the computer science skills that students need to make an impact in their community while preparing for a career in tech. Participants will get exposure to tech jobs, meet women in tech careers, and join a supportive sisterhood.

All high school students who identify as girls or non-binary can apply, and no prior computer science experience is required.

Low-income students may be eligible for $500 and tech support.

Visit the website for up-to-date deadlines.

The Career Prep program provides Fellows with 18 months of one-on-one career coaching, job search guidance, a professional network, and six in-person (mandatory) weekend seminars over twelve months. High-achieving college sophomores from underrepresented communities (Black, Latinx, and Native American) who are interested in careers in business or technology are eligible to apply. U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents (including DACA participants) can apply.

Visit their website for application deadlines.

Merit-based scholarships of up to $35,000 over four years plus an annual, four-day “Mentoring and Leadership Conference“ in New York City and other events throughout the year. Scholars benefit from a comprehensive, four-year program that includes career guidance, internship and permanent job placement, travel abroad, and leadership and practical life skills training.

Open to U.S. citizens from minority backgrounds with financial need, demonstrated leadership potential, and dedication to community service.

Applications typically open early September and close mid-January.

A range of scholarships from one-time $2,500 awards to multi-year $20,000 awards for low-income, first-generation college students of Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity. Open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or legal permanent residents and residents of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau.

The application typically opens early September and the deadline is late January.

APIA has a second scholarship (AANAPSI) for API students who attend universities that serve Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander students (see list of universities here).

$20,000 scholarship plus academic support including access to teletherapy for 500 students with financial need who are members of certain college access programs.

Application typically opens October 1 and are due December 1

Undergraduate scholarship (up to $55,000 per year) for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities.

Applications typically open September 1 and are due mid-November.

Full-tuition leadership scholarships plus college support for nominated high school students who demonstrate leadership and academic potential.

Nominations are accepted in the spring and summer before senior year begins, and then fill out an application in the fall. Students can ask their high school counselors to nominate them.