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2027 Govern For America Fellowship: Applicant-Sourced Pathway

Govern For America
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Join the Movement!

The Govern For America Fellowship is a competitive two-year program for emerging public sector leaders ready to build lasting careers in government and public service. Through hands-on leadership training, dedicated mentorship, and a national community of peers, Fellows gain the skills and support to drive meaningful change from within public institutions and organizations working alongside them.

Your role. Your path. The same Fellowship.

About the Applicant-Sourced Pathway

The Applicant-Sourced Pathway is designed for candidates who want to take the lead in finding and securing their own eligible role before beginning the Fellowship. Rather than participating in GFA's matching process, candidates conduct an independent job search and identify an opportunity that aligns with their skills, interests, and career goals. Candidates who advance through GFA's selection process must secure an eligible role by the pathway deadline in order to participate in the Fellowship.

You do not need to have a role secured when you submit your application. However, you will not participate in GFA's matching process. If selected to advance, you will be responsible for conducting your own job search and securing a qualifying role that meets GFA's requirements by April 20, 2027. Candidates who do not secure a qualifying role by this deadline will not be able to participate in the 2027 GFA Fellowship.

What You May Do in Your Role

Applicant-Sourced Fellows may work in a wide range of positions depending on the role they secure. Roles may vary significantly in title, responsibilities, employer, salary, and organizational structure. Qualifying roles must focus on one or more of the following subject areas:

  • Education
  • Economic Mobility
  • Workforce Development
  • Health
  • Human Services
  • Housing

Depending on your role, you may:

  • Conduct research, policy analysis, or program evaluation.
  • Use data and evidence to improve programs, services, and outcomes.
  • Manage projects, initiatives, or strategic priorities.
  • Develop or implement programs and policies.
  • Build partnerships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, community members, and other stakeholders.
  • Engage communities and incorporate resident perspectives into decision-making.
  • Communicate complex information and translate ideas into action.
  • Identify opportunities to improve systems and better serve communities.

What You'll Do as a Fellow

Once your qualifying role is secured, you will join the full two-year GFA Fellowship experience. Over two years, Fellows receive intensive leadership development, dedicated mentorship, and support from a national community of peers. You will participate in professional development, peer learning, networking, and gatherings designed to strengthen your ability to lead and create meaningful change.

As a Fellow, you will:

  • Build and practice GFA's Core Leadership Competencies.
  • Participate in structured leadership and professional development.
  • Learn alongside a cohort of emerging public sector leaders.
  • Receive mentorship and coaching.
  • Build relationships with peers, public policy experts, and government leaders.
  • Participate in networking, community-building, and peer learning opportunities.
  • Join GFA's broader alumni community after completing the Fellowship.

What You'll Get

  • Two years of structured leadership and professional development.
  • Training centered around GFA's Core Leadership Competencies.
  • Dedicated mentorship and coaching.
  • A national community of peers working across government and public service.
  • Access to GFA's network of public policy experts and government leaders.
  • Travel and accommodations for required in-person Fellowship gatherings.
  • Ongoing alumni engagement and support as you continue building your public service career.

Applicant-Sourced Fellows are responsible for securing their own qualifying role. GFA does not guarantee employment, place candidates into roles, or conduct the job search on behalf of Applicant-Sourced candidates.

Qualifying Roles

To participate in the Applicant-Sourced Pathway, you must secure a role that:

  • Focuses on one or more of the following subject areas: Education, Economic Mobility, Workforce Development, Health, Human Services, or Housing.
  • Is located within one of GFA's eligible geographies listed below.
  • Is a position within government or at a nonprofit organization that works directly with government.
  • Allows you to participate fully in all required Fellowship gatherings and programming.

Eligible geographies for the 2027 Fellowship include:

  • Arizona: Tucson
  • California: Fresno, San Rafael, San Francisco's Mission District, and Oakland
  • Colorado: Northern Denver area
  • Connecticut: Norwalk and Stamford
  • Delaware: Wilmington
  • Florida: Orlando
  • Kentucky: Berea and Appalachian Kentucky
  • Maryland: Baltimore
  • Massachusetts: Boston
  • Minnesota: St. Cloud and Northfield
  • Ohio: Akron and Dayton
  • Oklahoma: Tulsa
  • Oregon: Portland
  • Rhode Island: Providence
  • South Carolina: Spartanburg
  • Tennessee: Memphis and Shelby County
  • Texas: San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas
  • Utah: Salt Lake City
  • Washington: Tacoma and Seattle
  • Wisconsin: Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee

How to Apply

Candidates apply to the GFA Fellowship during the regular application period and indicate that they are pursuing the Applicant-Sourced Pathway. You do not need to have a qualifying role secured at the time you apply. We strongly encourage you to apply as early as possible because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and review capacity is limited. Applying earlier gives your application the best opportunity to be considered.

2027 Applicant-Sourced Pathway Timeline

  • December 2026–February 2027: Apply to the GFA Fellowship and indicate that you are pursuing the Applicant-Sourced Pathway.
  • February–April 2027: Candidates who continue in the selection process independently identify and pursue an eligible role.
  • April 20, 2027: Your qualifying role must be secured by this date to participate in the 2027 Fellowship.
  • June 14–20, 2027: Attend Summer Institute in person.
  • On or after June 21, 2027: Begin your role and Fellowship experience.

We strongly encourage you to apply as early as possible because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and review capacity is limited. Applying earlier gives your application the best opportunity to be considered.

Training Dates

Fellows participate in two in-person gatherings and six virtual gatherings for professional and leadership development. Travel and accommodations for required in-person events are provided by GFA. Fellows must be available for the following dates and may need to coordinate time away from work with their supervisors:

  • Summer Institute, In Person: June 14–20, 2027
  • Year 1 Fall Gathering: September 9–11, 2027
  • Year 1 Winter Gathering: December 2–4, 2027
  • Year 1 Spring Gathering: March 2–3, 2028
  • Year 2 Fall Gathering: September 14–16, 2028
  • Year 2 Winter Gathering: December 7–9, 2028
  • Year 2 Spring Gathering: March 8–9, 2029
  • Summer Institute Graduation, In Person: June 28–July 1, 2029

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the 2027 Applicant-Sourced Pathway, applicants must:

  • Have completed an undergraduate degree or be on track to earn an undergraduate degree by June 2027.
  • Be available to begin the Fellowship in mid to late June 2027 and attend Summer Institute in person from June 14–20, 2027.
  • Demonstrate a passion for public service and a desire to build a career in the field.
  • Be prepared to conduct an independent job search.
  • Secure a qualifying role by April 20, 2027.
  • Ensure that the role meets GFA's requirements for issue area, employer type, and geographic location.
  • Be available to participate fully in all required Fellowship gatherings and programming.

We actively encourage applicants who have been traditionally underrepresented in government leadership, including people of color, first-generation college students, women, gender non-conforming individuals, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Govern For America is committed to equal opportunities in employment. Every Fellow has the right to participate in an environment free from all forms of discrimination. We welcome eligible applicants without regard to color, religion, race, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, military status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, age, or any other status protected by law.