NYU Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service (FELPS) 2027: Leadership Development Program for Early-Career Public Service Professionals in New York City
Overview
The Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Public Service (FELPS) is a leadership development program hosted by the NYU Changemaker Center. Founded in 2005 as a program of NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, it supports early-career professionals in government, nonprofits, philanthropy, think tanks and other public service organizations while they keep working full time. It is open to qualified professionals regardless of where they studied, and it centers on professional growth rather than academic credit.
The 2027 cohort of about 20 Fellows runs from November 2026 through May 2027. Fellows meet roughly three times a month in person for evening workshops, weekend sessions, career exploration, networking, community service, small-group discussions and mentorship. Activities include hearing from senior public service leaders, a leadership self-assessment, and building a five-year career plan with guidance from experienced Career Guides. Assignments take about two to three extra hours per week.
Who can apply
Applicants should have finished an undergraduate degree within roughly the last 2-4 years and typically have 2-4 years of full-time work experience. Those who already hold an advanced professional degree are not generally selected, though exceptions may exist. Fellows must hold a full-time paid public service job in the New York City area, stay employed throughout, and live within commuting distance of lower Manhattan. Internships and part-time work do not qualify, and remote participation is not permitted. Attendance at every session and the mandatory orientation is required.
What you get
Fellows gain leadership development, mentoring, career planning support and cross-sector networking with senior leaders, government officials, nonprofit executives, policy experts and alumni. NYU and supporters subsidize much of the cost, but Fellows pay a program fee of $650, due October 29, 2026. Employers are encouraged to help with the fee. Scholarships and payment plans are not offered.
How to apply
Applicants submit an online application with a resume and a short personal statement. A recommendation link is then sent to the applicant, and the current direct supervisor must complete it. Recommendations from professors, former supervisors or colleagues are not accepted.
Key dates
The application, including the supervisor recommendation, is due by 12:00 PM EST on September 24, 2026. Acceptance notifications go out on October 14, 2026. The mandatory orientation takes place on November 7, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EST.