The Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service (FELPS) 2027 is now accepting applications from outstanding early-career professionals committed to building meaningful careers in public service. Hosted by the New York University (NYU) Changemaker Center, FELPS is a highly respected cross-sector leadership development program designed to help the next generation of public service leaders strengthen their leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and intentionally shape their long-term careers while continuing to work full-time.

Since its establishment in 2005, the Fellowship has supported emerging leaders across government agencies, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic institutions, think tanks, and other public service organizations. Rather than requiring participants to leave their jobs, FELPS allows Fellows to continue serving their communities while engaging in a structured leadership development journey that combines expert instruction, career coaching, mentorship, networking, and reflective learning.

Applications for the 2027 cohort are currently open, and all completed applications, including supervisor recommendations, must be submitted by 12:00 PM EST on September 24, 2026.

What is the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service (FELPS)?

The Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service (FELPS) is a premier leadership development initiative offered through the NYU Changemaker Center.

The fellowship recognizes young professionals who have already demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the public and provides them with the tools, relationships, and experiences necessary to become more effective leaders throughout their careers.

Unlike academic degree programs, FELPS focuses entirely on professional growth, helping Fellows think strategically about leadership, career development, and long-term public impact.

Importantly, the fellowship:

• Is not limited to NYU graduates
• Is not open exclusively to NYU students
• Welcomes qualified professionals regardless of where they completed their education
• Is specifically designed for individuals already working full-time in public service in the New York City area.

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History of the FELPS Program

The Fellowship was founded in 2005 as a program of NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

Today, it operates under the NYU Changemaker Center as part of the university’s broader commitment to strengthening leadership within New York City’s public service community.

Over nearly two decades, FELPS has developed a strong reputation for helping early-career professionals clarify their leadership identity while expanding their understanding of the many career paths available in public service.

Purpose of the Fellowship

FELPS is built around a simple but powerful idea:

Great public service leaders require continuous professional development, thoughtful career planning, and meaningful relationships.

The program helps Fellows:

• Renew their commitment to public service
• Build intentional career plans
• Develop leadership skills
• Expand professional networks
• Learn from experienced public service leaders
• Reflect on their professional growth
• Prepare for long-term leadership roles

Rather than offering technical job training, FELPS focuses on helping participants become more intentional, reflective, and effective leaders.

Program Goals

The fellowship aims to help participants:

• Strengthen their commitment to public service
• Explore long-term leadership opportunities
• Build stronger professional networks
• Improve career planning skills
• Gain greater confidence as emerging leaders
• Learn directly from experienced practitioners
• Better understand the evolving public service landscape

How FELPS Supports Emerging Leaders

The fellowship is centered around four major pillars.

1. Reconnecting with Purpose

Participants revisit the motivations that inspired them to pursue public service.

Through guided reflection, Fellows:

• Reexamine personal values
• Clarify professional goals
• Renew their commitment to serving communities
• Identify meaningful future career directions

2. Career Networking

Networking is a central component of the fellowship.

Participants connect with:

• Senior public service leaders
• Government officials
• Nonprofit executives
• Policy experts
• Philanthropic leaders
• Fellow emerging professionals

These relationships often continue long after the fellowship concludes.

3. Dynamic Conversations

FELPS encourages thoughtful discussions about:

• Leadership
• Public systems
• Career choices
• Professional challenges
• Ethical decision-making
• Future opportunities

Participants are continually encouraged to ask:

“What’s next?”

4. Reflective Career Development

The fellowship creates structured opportunities for self-assessment and reflection.

Participants learn how to:

• Evaluate their strengths
• Identify growth areas
• Build intentional career plans
• Align professional goals with personal values

Fellowship Duration

The 2027 Fellowship runs from:

November 2026 through May 2027.

Approximately 20 Fellows are selected each year to participate in this highly competitive leadership program.

Program Structure

Throughout the fellowship, participants engage in a blend of:

• Evening workshops
• Weekend sessions
• Career exploration activities
• Networking events
• Community service activities
• Small-group discussions
• Mentorship sessions

Fellows typically meet approximately three times each month through in-person workshops and activities.

What Fellows Will Experience

Participants engage in numerous learning activities throughout the fellowship.

These include:

Learning from Public Service Experts

Senior leaders share insights about:

• Leadership journeys
• Career decisions
• Public service challenges
• Professional growth
• Lessons learned

Leadership Self-Assessment

Participants evaluate:

• Leadership strengths
• Knowledge base
• Professional competencies
• Areas for improvement

Career Planning

Working in small cohort groups, Fellows develop:

• Five-year career plans
• Leadership goals
• Professional development strategies
• Actionable career roadmaps

Mentorship

Experienced Career Guides provide:

• Personalized advice
• Career coaching
• Professional feedback
• Leadership insights

Networking

Participants build relationships with:

• Fellow participants
• Alumni
• Mentors
• Public service leaders
• Cross-sector professionals

The FELPS Career Development Framework

The fellowship guides participants through four foundational questions.

Why Public Service?

Participants reflect on:

• Their motivation
• Career purpose
• Long-term aspirations
• Public impact

What’s in My Leadership Toolbox?

Fellows assess:

• Skills
• Knowledge
• Experiences
• Leadership strengths

Who’s in My Network?

Participants strengthen professional relationships while learning how to leverage networks effectively.

What’s My Career Map?

Through mentorship and career guidance, Fellows gain a deeper understanding of career pathways within public service.

Program Activities

The fellowship includes numerous professional development opportunities, including:

• Leadership workshops
• Career coaching
• Group discussions
• Networking sessions
• Reflective exercises
• Community engagement
• Mentorship meetings
• Career planning activities

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Who Can Apply?

Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements.

Educational Requirements

Applicants should:

• Have graduated from an undergraduate institution within approximately the last 2–4 years
• Typically possess 2–4 years of full-time professional work experience
• Not generally have already completed an advanced professional degree, although exceptions may exist depending on individual circumstances.

Employment Requirements

Applicants must:

• Hold a full-time paid public service position
• Work in the New York City area
• Remain employed in public service throughout the fellowship
• Work in person in or near New York City

Internships and part-time employment do not qualify.

In-Person Participation

Participants must:

• Be physically located within commuting distance of lower Manhattan
• Attend all required sessions in person
• Participate in the mandatory orientation

Remote participation is not permitted.

Visit HERE for more information for applicants.

Public Service Fields Eligible

Professionals working in a wide range of sectors are encouraged to apply, including:

• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Philanthropic foundations
• Offices of elected officials
• Think tanks
• Corporate social responsibility programs
• Public-private partnerships

The fellowship welcomes emerging leaders across the full spectrum of public service.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated commitment to public service
• Leadership potential
• Volunteer and work experience
• Interest in understanding public systems
• Willingness to engage in collaborative learning
• Professional growth potential

Program Expectations

Successful Fellows are expected to:

• Attend the mandatory orientation
• Participate in all fellowship sessions
• Complete weekly assignments
• Engage actively in discussions
• Share knowledge with peers
• Build lasting professional relationships

Assignments typically require two to three additional hours per week outside scheduled sessions.

Program Fee

Although much of the fellowship cost is subsidized by NYU and generous supporters, Fellows are required to contribute a program fee.

For the 2027 cohort:

• Program Fee: $650
• Payment Due: October 29, 2026

Applicants are encouraged to seek financial support from their employers.

Unfortunately:

• Scholarships are not available.
• Payment plans are not offered.

Application Process

Applicants should follow these steps:

Step 1: Review Eligibility

Ensure you satisfy all eligibility requirements and can attend all required sessions.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Applicants must submit:

• Online application
• Resume
• Short personal statement

Step 3: Supervisor Recommendation

After submitting the application:

• A recommendation link is sent to the applicant.
• The applicant’s current direct supervisor must complete the recommendation form.

Recommendations from professors, former supervisors, or colleagues are not accepted.

Click HERE to submit your application!

Important Dates

Applicants should take note of the following timeline:

• Applications Open: Currently Open
• Application Deadline: 12:00 PM EST, September 24, 2026
• Acceptance Notification: October 14, 2026
• Program Fee Due: October 29, 2026
• Mandatory Orientation: November 7, 2026 (9:00 AM–3:00 PM EST)
• Program Duration: November 2026 – May 2027

Why You Should Apply

The NYU Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service offers much more than traditional leadership training.

Participants gain:

• Leadership development
• Career coaching
• Professional mentoring
• Cross-sector networking
• Career planning support
• Exposure to experienced public service leaders
• A lifelong professional network
• Practical leadership skills that can accelerate careers in public service

For professionals committed to making a lasting impact in government, nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and related sectors, FELPS provides an outstanding platform for long-term leadership growth.

Click HERE to learn more about the NYU Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service (FELPS) 2027.

Conclusion

The NYU Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service (FELPS) 2027 is an exceptional opportunity for early-career public service professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership capacity while continuing to serve their communities. Through a seven-month blend of workshops, mentorship, career planning, networking, and reflective learning, Fellows gain the skills, relationships, and confidence needed to navigate complex public service careers and create meaningful impact.

Hosted by the NYU Changemaker Center, the program equips participants to reconnect with their purpose, expand their professional networks, and develop intentional career strategies that will shape their future as leaders in public service. With a highly competitive cohort of approximately 20 Fellows each year, applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials early, secure their supervisor’s recommendation, and submit all required documents before the 12:00 PM EST deadline on September 24, 2026.

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