The Coro Fellowship uses the city as a classroom to train the next generation of change makers. Today’s complex urban environments present constantly evolving challenges and opportunities, creating an increasing need for versatile leaders with the ability to forge connections and lead across the non-profit, business and government sectors. Competitively selected applicants will join an intimate cohort of 12 participants for the nine-month program, with each cohort encompassing a wide range of communities, interests, ideologies and experiences. Cohorts work in 5 different cities, Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and St. Louis.
“Coro kicked off my career in public policy and government relations. Successfully moving public policy issues, whether it be passing health care reform or developing more affordable housing, requires a clear understanding of how various interest groups will line up. You cannot simply view it with one lens. Coro provided me with the opportunity to learn this important skill.”
– Paul Hernandez, Vice President, Fenton ‘96
A little about the fellowship:
Fellows complete independent projects in partnership with local agencies in focus areas such as business, government, organized labor, non-profits, and media.
Fellows conduct interviews with prominent decision-makers in various industries. Through the group interviews, Fellows learn about the challenges and opportunities within each sector and gain important skills in collaboration and asking effective questions. These confidential interviews allow the interviewee to speak more freely and give the Fellows a more accurate portrayal of what is really going on in each sector.
1-2 times per week, fellows meet with the Fellows Program Trainer for leadership training and an opportunity to debrief with other fellows about the independent work they are doing in the field.
Each center participates in State Government Week, featuring an on-site visit to the state capitol, including meetings with state legislators, executive branch officials, lobbyists, journalists, and state department directors and other statewide officials. In some years, Fellows in Eastern Coro locations have also included a National Affairs Week in Washington, D.C. to meet with U.S. legislators as well as journalists, lobbyists, academics and other government officials.
“Coro profoundly altered the way I think about how to lead an organization and how to do good in the world. It has given me the tools to not only manage a large and complicated organization, but to keep it cutting edge nationally.”
– Greg Berman, ’93 (Wesleyan ’89), Executive Director, Center for Court Innovation
Financials:
The financials of the program varies by city. Some programs, such as the Los Angeles chapter, charge tuition, while others, such as Pittsburgh, offer tuition scholarships and a living stipend. Check out each location to decide if it’s right for you. When you apply, you can select your preference for your top choice locations, and of course the more open you are to different cities, the more likely you are to be accepted.
To Apply:
1) Learn more and talk to current Coro Fellows with one of the upcoming webinars:
Live interview with Matt Podolin, San Francisco alumnus and San Francisco city and county employee
Date: December 9
Time: 12:00 PM PST
Live! Coro Southern California interviews alumnus Terry O’Day, Stanford graduate, UCLA MBA, and Santa Monica city councilmember
Date: December 15
Time: 1:00 PM PST
Coro Pittsburgh interviews alumnus
Date: January 4
Time: 11:00 AM PST
2) Fill out an Interest Form.
3) Apply online by January 20, 2016.
You will need:
– Resume
– Transcript/s (Official or unofficial are accepted)
– 3 personal essays (4 if applying to New York)
– 2 letters of recommendation
Need help with you application? Make an appointment at the Patricelli Center for Social Entrepreneurship.