Urban Fellows Program 2026–2027 | Paid Fellowship in New York City Government

Urban Fellows Program 2026–2027 | Paid Fellowship in New York City Government

About the Urban Fellows Program

The Urban Fellows Program (UFP) is a prestigious, nine-month fellowship that offers recent college graduates the opportunity to launch their careers in public service through hands-on experience in New York City government.

Administered by the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), the Urban Fellows Program places talented individuals in Mayoral offices and City agencies, where they work directly on critical policy, operations, and programmatic initiatives that shape the city’s future.

If you’re passionate about urban policy, government, leadership, and community impact, this fellowship provides the perfect foundation for your professional journey.

Urban Fellows Program 2026–2027 Summary

Host Organization	City of New York (Department of Citywide Administrative Services - DCAS)
Location	New York City, USA
Category	Graduate Fellowship / Public Service Internship
Duration	9 Months (September 2026 – May 2027)
Eligible Countries	All (must be eligible to work in the U.S.)
Reward	$36,184 Stipend + Health Insurance
Focus Areas	Public Policy, Urban Development, Government Operations, Leadership
Application Deadline	January 12, 2026 – 6:00 p.m. EST
Application Link	Click Here to Apply

Program Overview

The Urban Fellows Program was established to introduce recent graduates to the challenges and rewards of public service. Fellows work full-time at New York City government agencies, contributing to projects that make tangible differences in the lives of New Yorkers.

These projects may include:

Designing public policy initiatives.
Conducting program evaluations and research.
Supporting community engagement and outreach.
Developing and analyzing budgets and performance metrics.
Working alongside senior officials in Mayoral offices or City departments.

Each Fellow’s assignment aligns with their skills, academic background, and interests, allowing for personalized professional growth.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for the 2026–2027 Urban Fellows Program, applicants must:

Hold a Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) earned between Spring 2024 and Spring 2026.
Demonstrate a strong interest in public policy, urban issues, and community development.
Possess excellent communication, research, and analytical skills.
Be legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the fellowship.
Show commitment to public service, civic engagement, and social impact.

This fellowship is open to applicants from all academic disciplines, including but not limited to political science, economics, sociology, environmental studies, and public health.

Benefits of the Urban Fellows Program

Urban Fellows receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support professional and personal growth:

1. Competitive Compensation

$36,184 annualized stipend for the 9-month program.
Health insurance coverage provided by the City of New York.

2. Real-World Policy Experience

Full-time placement in a New York City government office or agency.
Direct exposure to policy formulation, program management, and civic leadership.

3. Professional Development

Weekly seminars and leadership workshops with government leaders, policy experts, and public service professionals.
Training sessions focused on project management, strategic planning, and data-driven decision-making.

4. Networking Opportunities

Access to a robust alumni network spanning government, nonprofits, academia, and the private sector.
Regular engagement with senior city officials and public service mentors.

5. Career Launchpad

Many alumni go on to graduate programs (e.g., public policy, law, and urban planning) or leadership positions in government, NGOs, and international organizations.

What Fellows Do

During the fellowship, participants may work on a range of impactful projects such as:

Affordable housing and sustainability initiatives
Public health and social services programs
Transportation and infrastructure planning
Technology and data governance
Youth development and education policy

The fellowship’s immersive structure allows participants to see how city government operates on a day-to-day basis from shaping legislation to implementing programs that affect millions.

Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated based on:

Academic achievement and leadership experience
Demonstrated commitment to public service
Analytical and problem-solving abilities
Clarity of purpose and motivation in the personal statement
Writing proficiency and communication skills

The selection process is competitive, as the Urban Fellows Program attracts top graduates from universities across the United States and abroad.

How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow the steps below to apply for the Urban Fellows Program 2026–2027:

Visit the official application page:
👉 Click Here to Apply
Review the program requirements and ensure eligibility.
Prepare the following documents:
- Resume/CV
- Official transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
- Personal statement outlining your commitment to public service and career goals.
Complete the online application before the deadline:
🗓 January 12, 2026 (6:00 p.m. EST)
Submit your application and monitor your email for updates regarding interviews and next steps.

Key Dates

Event	Date
Application Opens	October 2025
Application Deadline	January 12, 2026 – 6:00 p.m. EST
Interviews	February – March 2026
Final Selection	April 2026
Fellowship Begins	September 2026
Fellowship Ends	May 2027

Why You Should Apply

The Urban Fellows Program is not just a job it’s a launchpad for leadership. It offers young professionals the chance to:

Work alongside New York City policymakers and innovators.
Build a foundation in public administration, social impact, and governance.
Join an influential alumni network shaping cities, nations, and global policy.
Be part of a historic program that has been nurturing leaders in public service for over five decades.