Training the next generation of civic leaders
For over 80 years, the Fellows Program has equipped emerging leaders with the tools, knowledge, and networks to create positive change for a lifetime.
Fellows Program in Public Affairs (FPPA)
The Fellows Program is the gold standard in public affairs training, with a proven track record of advancing civic engagement and impact and accelerating the careers of remarkable emerging leaders.
Using the Bay Area as a classroom, Fellows practice essential leadership skills to forge connections across sectors, navigate challenges, and learn new strategies to create tangible change.
The Fellows Program in Public Affairs is a full-time, 7-month immersive leadership development program that prepares emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks that transform them as individuals.
Fellows emerge from the program positioned to succeed in a variety of settings, having build capacity in the following areas:
- In-depth Knowledge of Numerous Public Affairs Related Subjects
- Communication, Group Facilitation & Critical Thinking Skills
- A Lifelong, National Network of 15,000+ Alumni
- The Mindset Needed to Approach Situations & People With Curiosity and Develop a Deeper Understanding of Society & Institutions
The Fellowship runs annually from August to March. Fellows are selected from a competitive national application pool.
What you’ll experience
- Rotate through Professional Placements
Gain hands-on experience and perspective as you rotate through five placements in different sectors. Each Fellow will work in a for-profit business, a nonprofit organization, a government agency, and at an organization in the sector of the Fellow’s choosing. - Dive Deep into Regional Issues during Focus Weeks
Past Focus Weeks have centered on Media, Agriculture, State Government, Public Finance, Healthcare, and Organized Labor. - Practice the Art of Inquiry through Leadership Interviews
Participate in closed-door interviews with influential cross-sector leaders. Fellows get a candid glimpse into how leaders navigate challenges and and opportunities over the course of their careers. On average, Fellows will interview 50+ leaders throughout their fellowship. - Build your Coro Toolkit at Weekly Seminar
Conducted on Tuesday evenings and all day Friday, seminar is a facilitated learning experience where Fellows acquire tools, skills, and competencies focused on effective and ethical leadership practices.
The Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs is designed for emerging leaders and is open to anyone who has completed a bachelor’s degree; candidates with at least 1-3 years of post-college work experience are especially encouraged to apply.
We seek bright, passionate individuals committed to being ethical leaders and making a positive impact. Candidates should have intellectual curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to work with others. People from all academic, professional, political, and personal backgrounds are welcome to apply.
Step 1: Online Application
The online application includes demographic information, a resume, two letters of recommendation, two essays, and a one minute video testimonial.
Step 2: Application Review
Coro alumni, staff, and partners review and score applications. The average of these scores determines which applicants will be invited to attend Selection Day as Finalists.
Step 3: Notification
Coro notifies applicants of their application status in February. If you are invited to Selection Day (our interview process), you will be informed of next steps.
Step 4: Selection Day
A full-day, immersive experience to determine which applicants will be invited to join the Fellows Program in Public Affairs. Each Coro center operates its own Selection Day. San Francisco’s will likely be in person and usually takes place in the beginning of March.
The center you mark as your first preference will receive priority to invite you to Selection Day. If you are not chosen at your first choice center, it is possible that you could receive an invitation to Selection Day at another center.
Stipend
The Fellowship is 100% tuition free. Coro Northern California provides all Fellows with a monthly stipend to defray living expenses during their time in the program. Coro Northern California also offers a monthly allowance to assist with health insurance. Upon acceptance of the Fellowship, every cohort member automatically receives the same stipend, up to $3,000 – untaxed.
Employment Restrictions
Due to the intensive nature of the program, Fellows are not permitted to be employed (full-time or part-time) during the Fellowship.
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Learn about the Coro experience directly from our alumni.
