How to Apply

The John D. Solomon Fellowship for Public Service provides an opportunity for ten graduate students in the New York City area to complete a nine-month paid fellowship at a New York City government agency or nonprofit organization. Each fellow will receive a $4,000 stipend, will be placed within the emergency management unit at their assigned agency, and will participate in special programs with other fellows. (Fellows commit roughly 15 to 20 hours per week to their assigned agency/organization.) 

Fellows will have the opportunity to work on projects that focus on emergency preparedness and resilience, and involve collaboration with New York City government agencies, community-based organizations, and other key partners. They will also be given access to, and encouraged to complete, the New York City Emergency Management certificate program. Through their work, fellows will gain invaluable, first-hand experience working with City agencies and nonprofit organizations in the critical and growing field of emergency management.

Eligibility

• A commitment to New York City and to public service.
• A strong interest in emergency management and community resiliency.
• Superior academic achievement and relevant prior work experience.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently, and in highly collaborative environments.
• A proactive, "can-do" attitude and strong desire to learn.
• Proficiency using major social media platforms, conducting internet research, and using Microsoft Office.
• First-hand knowledge of New York City's neighborhoods and community-based organizations preferred, but not required.

Applicants must be in a graduate or PhD program from September to May during the application year (e.g., September 2020 to May 2021) to be eligible for the fellowship. Degree programs in public administration, public health, emergency management, public safety, and public policy are preferred, but all qualifying graduate students will be considered.

This is an in-person fellowship. While there are no residency requirements, applicants must be able to commute to New York City at least two to three days per week for the duration of the fellowship.

To Apply

The application period for the 2021-2022 class is now open.

Application Timeline

Monday, January 25 - Application period opens

Monday, March 22 - Applications due (by midnight)

Monday, March 29 – Finalists are selected and notified

Thursday, April 8 – Webinar with agencies and finalists

Monday, April 12 – Finalist and supervisor pre-interview rankings are due

Thursday, April 15 – Notify finalists and supervisors of their interview schedule

Week of April 19-28 – Virtual interviews conducted

Thursday, April 29 – Supervisor and finalist post-interview preferences due

Monday, May 3 – Friday, May 7 – Finalists notified of placement and 2021-2022 class announced

Wednesday, September 8 - Fellows attend Kick Off and begin at agencies