The Dinah F.B. Cohen Fellowship Program is a paid professional development and leadership initiative designed to empower college students and recent graduates with disabilities. The program focuses on building practical skills, leadership capacity, and career readiness while honoring the legacy of Dinah F.B. Cohen.
This fellowship is particularly committed to supporting young adults with disabilities, especially those who belong to multiply-marginalized groups—individuals who experience overlapping forms of discrimination and social exclusion due to multiple minority identities.
The program provides meaningful hands-on experience, mentorship, and financial compensation through a structured short-term fellowship engagement.
Overview of the Dinah F.B. Cohen Fellowship Program
The fellowship aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional experience for individuals with disabilities by offering structured exposure to real-world work environments.
Key objectives include:
- Strengthening professional and leadership skills among participants
- Providing equitable access to career development opportunities
- Supporting inclusion of people with disabilities in leadership spaces
- Promoting representation of multiply-marginalized communities in professional environments
Participants are selected through a competitive national review process and engage in a short-term, paid fellowship experience.
Fellowship Structure and Duration
Selected fellows will participate in a structured professional program that includes:
- Approximately 65 total hours of fellowship work
- Duration: September to December 2026
- Weekly commitment: 5–6 hours per week
- Program length: Approximately 12 weeks
This flexible structure allows participants to balance academic, professional, or personal commitments while gaining meaningful experience.
Financial Support and Stipend
The fellowship is a paid opportunity. Upon successful completion of all fellowship requirements, participants will receive:
- A total stipend of $1,500
This compensation is provided as recognition of the fellow’s time, contributions, and successful completion of the program.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
General Eligibility
- Must be a college student or a recent graduate
- Must have a documented disability
- Must be eligible for employment in the United States without requiring visa sponsorship or visa approval
Additional Considerations
- Strong encouragement for individuals from multiply-marginalized backgrounds
- Applicants from groups experiencing overlapping systems of discrimination are highly encouraged to apply
Selection Process and Timeline
The fellowship follows a structured national review process:
- Application Deadline: July 31st, 2026 at 9:00 PM EST
- Review Period: August to September 2026
- Notification Period: Late August to early September 2026
- Fellowship Period: September to December 2026
Applicants are evaluated through a competitive selection process, and only selected candidates will be invited to participate.
Benefits of the Fellowship
This program offers several professional and personal development advantages, including:
- Paid professional experience in a structured environment
- Leadership development opportunities
- Exposure to real-world organizational work
- Skill-building in communication, teamwork, and project execution
- Networking opportunities with professionals and peers
- A $1,500 completion stipend
- Enhanced career readiness for future employment opportunities
Application Information
Interested candidates can apply through the official fellowship page:
Dinah F.B. Cohen Fellowship Program Application
Applicants are encouraged to prepare strong application materials highlighting their academic background, lived experiences, leadership potential, and motivation for joining the fellowship.
Why This Fellowship Matters
This fellowship is more than a short-term professional opportunity. It represents a commitment to inclusive leadership development by ensuring that individuals with disabilities—especially those from underrepresented and multiply-marginalized backgrounds—have access to structured, paid career-building experiences.
By participating, fellows not only gain skills but also contribute to a broader movement toward equity, representation, and inclusion in professional spaces.
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Fellowship opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
