Applications for NYU Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service (FELPS) 2027 are Now Open

Application Deadline: September 24, 2026

About the Fellowship

The Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service (FELPS) is a professional development programme for early-career public service professionals. The programme provides participants with leadership training, networking opportunities, and career guidance to help them advance in their public service careers. The fellowship emphasises in-person community building, with sessions held in New York City. Participants engage in discussions about systems operating in the public service space, develop leadership skills, and chart a five-year career path with FELPS staff and guides.

Eligibility Requirements

• Recent Graduates: Applicants must be recent graduates (within the last 2-4 years) from an undergraduate institution. There is no specific age limit, but accepted Fellows will have graduated from their undergraduate institutions (regardless of graduate work) in approximately the last two to four years and possess approximately two to four years of full-time work experience. The curriculum is not designed for participants with significantly more work experience.
• Graduate School Considerations: Most applicants will not have attended graduate school prior to the fellowship but are still deciding if graduate education is in their plans and, if so, which professional programmes.
• Employment Requirements: Applicants must be employed full-time in a public service position in the New York City area at the time of application, and must stay in a public service position throughout the fellowship (although they may change public service employers during the fellowship). Internships and part-time positions (including multiple part-time positions) do not meet this requirement.
• In-Person Engagement: An important part of FELPS is the in-person community with fellows and alumni. Applicants must work full-time in a paid public service position within or near NYC. Fellows must be physically located in/around NYC (or within commuting distance from lower Manhattan) beginning with orientation in November and remain throughout the seven-month programme. Remote participation is not possible.
• Other Commitments or Conflicts: Applicants must not be participating in another significant fellowship, development programme, or attending graduate-level classes. They must have time to both attend evening sessions and complete assignments between sessions.
• Time Commitment: Applicants must commit to attending the mandatory Orientation on November 7, 2026, and approximately three monthly sessions starting at 6:00 PM. They must also make time to meet all deadlines and complete assignments, including reading and writing exercises (approximately two hours per week). Applicants should confirm their availability for all sessions by reviewing the programme schedule before applying.
• Technology Needs: The Fellowship may have a virtual session at some point, and participants will need to be comfortable using Zoom. Fellows must have consistent internet access, a device with a camera, and comfort participating via video (audio-only will not suffice).

Programme Details

• Orientation: November 7, 2026 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST) – mandatory
• Sessions: Approximately three monthly evening sessions starting at 6:00 PM
• Duration: Seven-month programme
• Location: New York City area (in-person)
• Programme Fee: $650 (reduced from $800)
• Acceptance Notification: October 14, 2026
• Fee Due: October 29, 2026

Selection Criteria

Selection of Fellows is based on the following criteria:

• A demonstrated commitment to public service through relevant work and volunteer experience
• Experience of, and/or potential for, advanced leadership
• Commitment to discussing the systems that operate in the public service space
• Willingness to authentically engage with other members of the fellowship in conversations

Programme Fee

The programme fee is $650, reduced from the previous $800. Fellows are encouraged to seek funding from their organisations to participate, but each Fellow is ultimately responsible for the payment. Payments can be made via check or credit card. The fee must be paid in full by October 29, 2026, to participate. The bulk of the programme cost for each Fellow is subsidised; the full cost would otherwise be more than $2,500 per Fellow. Scholarships or payment plans are not available.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The FELPS programme provides early-career public service professionals with leadership training, networking opportunities, and career guidance to help them advance in their careers. By bringing together a cohort of emerging leaders, the fellowship creates a supportive community for discussing the systems that operate in the public service space and developing the skills needed for advanced leadership.

For recent graduates with approximately two to four years of full-time public service experience in the New York City area, this fellowship offers:

• Leadership development through structured sessions and assignments
• A supportive peer network of emerging public service leaders
• Career guidance to chart a five-year career path
• In-person community building in the New York City area
• A subsidised professional development opportunity at a reduced fee

Application Deadline: September 24, 2026 (12:00 PM EST): Applications, including recommendations, are due by this deadline. Late applications or recommendations will not be accepted.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review Eligibility and Programme Schedule
Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and review the programme schedule to confirm your availability for all Fellowship sessions. Only apply if you are able to attend the orientation and all sessions in full and in person.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form
As part of the application, you will be asked to include your resume and a short personal statement. The entire application must be completed in one sitting. You may wish to review the application form and personal statement prompt and then return to the form once you have collected all of the necessary information.

Step 3: Submit a Recommendation Form
After submitting your application, you will receive a link to share with your supervisor for their recommendation. This must be submitted by September 24, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST. Out of fairness to all candidates, late submissions cannot be accepted. Recommendations cannot be submitted until a completed application is received.

Step 4: Reserve November 7, 2026 for Orientation
All applicants should reserve 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 7, 2026, for the mandatory Orientation. Attendance is mandatory for the entirety of the orientation. No exceptions will be made. If you are unable to attend all of Orientation, please apply for the programme next year.

Step 5: Acceptance Notification
Decisions will be communicated by October 14, 2026. Those accepted will receive the necessary information about how to pay the programme fee, which is due by October 29, 2026.

Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official NYU FELPS Page