Government Fellowship Programs in New York City

New York City Government Fellowships

Become part of a group of young scholars who study how decisions are made and services delivered in New York City. Gain experience with government agencies, legislative offices and nonprofit organizations.

Each school’s Fellowship selection committee nominates a predetermined number of students to the program. The nominees are interviewed for placement and matched with a State Agency or Authority.

Empire State Fellows

The Empire State Fellowship is a full-time leadership training program that prepares the next generation of New York State policymakers. The two-year fellowship pays $85,000 a year and includes professional development opportunities.

Fellows are assigned to host executive-branch agencies, where they advance the operational aspects of large policy initiatives. The program has seen its alumni move on to senior roles in state government.

Applicants for the Empire State Fellowship are usually mid-career professionals. The program aims to attract individuals from groups underrepresented in policy-making positions, including Black, Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander persons; women; and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

Carey Gabay is a 2024-2026 Empire State Fellow placed in the Governor’s Counsel’s Office. Her work focuses on issues of violence prevention, economic equality, and community development — policy areas that Gabay has championed throughout her career. She is also working to implement strategies aimed at improving the quality of life for incarcerated individuals.

New York City Council Fellows

The New York City Council Fellows program offers a year-long, paid fellowship for people interested in a career in local government. The program provides up-close experience with municipal operations, including legislative policymaking and constituent services in one of the nation’s most diverse cities. Fellows spend nine months in a City agency, working closely with their assigned host and participating in a series of workshops.

Empire State Fellows work on challenging policy-making issues in State agencies, authorities, and the Executive Chamber. The full-time leadership training program attracts talented professionals and provides them with a unique opportunity to impact New York State’s public agenda.

The Housing Fellows rotate through placements in HPD and HDC, gaining exposure to affordable housing development, renovation, preservation, finance, and management. The program has a strong track record of creating future leaders for the field of community development. Fellows often take on permanent roles in their communities or in related City departments. The LGBTQ+ Fellowship recruits biennially.

New York State Senate Fellows

The Empire State Fellowship Program offers college graduates an opportunity to learn about and participate in the policy-making process of New York state government. Fellows serve full-time and receive a salary of $85,000, as well as generous health and other benefits.

Fellows are placed in the office of an elected member of the Senate and generally work on a variety of issues. Fellows have the opportunity to network with other staff members, legislators, interest advocacy groups and constituents. They also observe the legislative process from the initial proposal of a bill to its passage.

Applicants must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong time management and organizational abilities. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, and must be eligible to work in the United States after graduation and for the entire fellowship period. The application process includes a letter of recommendation from two individuals who are familiar with your professional and academic work.

Urban Fellows

The highly competitive Urban Fellows program combines work in Mayoral offices and City agencies with an intensive seminar series that explores current urban issues. Students selected to participate in the fellowship receive a nine-month stipend.

Each year, students are placed with NYC community boards to assist them in meeting their neighborhood’s needs and challenges. This unique opportunity exposes students to the breadth of New York City government and provides them with an opportunity to develop their public service skills.

The Bohnett Fellowship, supported by the David H. Bohnett Foundation, enables outstanding masters students to gain hands-on experience with the challenges of city governing. The fellowship includes a full tuition scholarship, internship opportunity, and stipend for the duration of the student’s graduate program.

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