John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service

John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service logo

The John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service is the first student fellowship with the City devoted specifically to emergency management. For more than 10 years, the program has proudly provided 10 graduate students in the New York City area with the opportunity to complete a nine-month, paid fellowship in an agency of New York City government or a nonprofit organization. 

Sponsored by NYC Emergency Management, the program was established by the family and friends of the late John D. Solomon, an accomplished journalist on homeland security and a devoted public servant. An active member of his local NYC Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), John was a passionate advocate of emergency preparedness and resilience, and originated "In Case of Emergency, Read Blog - A Citizen's Eye View of Preparedness."

In recognition of his many contributions, NYC Emergency Management created the John D. Solomon CERT Award for Exemplary Service in Emergency Preparedness Education in 2011, and in 2012, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) established the national John D. Solomon Preparedness Award. Also in 2012, NYC Emergency Management initiated the John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service, and had its first graduating class. Since then, the program continues to grow.

  • Watch the 2023 graduation to learn more about the graduates' accomplishments.

Who Are the Fellows?

John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service program infographic

Fellows are students who reside in the New York City metropolitan area and pursue graduate degrees in public administration, public health, emergency management, public safety, public policy, and other related fields. Fellows commit roughly 15 to 20 hours per week at their assigned agency/organization. During their time, fellows engage in a wide variety of activities, including representing their assigned agency at community and local government meetings, undertaking various individual and agency-directed projects, organizing and participating in community service projects, and working towards enhancing the preparedness and resilience of New York City. Fellows will receive a $10,000 stipend for their successful participation in the program.

The 2024-2025 academic year marks the 13th year of the fellowship program. Since it has started, more than 90 alumni and fellows have contributed more than 40,000 service hours to New York City agencies and nonprofit organizations. More than half of fellowship alumni have moved on to careers in New York City and New York State government, while the remaining alumni have found exciting careers in nonprofit and private organizations around the world.

To learn more about the fellows and their work, follow the fellowship on LinkedIn.

Participating Agencies

  • NYC Emergency Management
  • NYC Department of Environmental Protection
  • NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
  • American Red Cross in Greater New York
  • NYC Fire Department
  • NYC Police Department
  • NYC Housing Authority

Application and Additional Information