New York City Urban Fellows Program (2026–2027): How to Apply, Eligibility, Stipend, and Key Dates

At a glance

• Program length: Nine months (September 8, 2026 – May 14, 2027)

• Stipend: $36,184 (taxable) + health insurance (no dental/vision)

• Who should apply: Recent BA/BS grads (degree earned Spring 2024–Spring 2026)

• Application deadline: Monday, January 12, 2026 — 6:00 p.m. EST

• Location: New York, NY (placements across City agencies)

• Sponsoring/administrator: City of New York; Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS)

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What is the NYC Urban Fellows Program?

The New York City Urban Fellows Program—sponsored by the City of New York and administered by DCAS—is a nationally recognized, highly competitive nine-month fellowship that immerses recent graduates in urban policy, public administration, and city operations. Fellows are placed across Mayoral offices and City agencies, contribute to live projects, and learn directly from public-sector leaders through a curated seminar series.

Why it stands out

• Impactful placements: Fellows work on priority policies and operations at agencies citywide.

• Leadership seminars: Hear from senior City officials, alumni, and public/private sector leaders.

• Career outcomes: Alumni move into leadership roles across government, nonprofits, and the private sector.

• Cohort experience: Fellows join a diverse national cohort committed to public service.

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Benefits and compensation

• Stipend: $36,184 for the fellowship term

• Health insurance: Coverage provided by the City (vision/dental not included; some options may require payroll deductions)

• What’s not covered: Housing, relocation, student loans, financial aid, or scholarships are not provided by the program.

Program dates: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 – Friday, May 14, 2027

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Eligibility (2026–2027 cohort)

Eligibility is determined by the date you completed your undergraduate degree (BA/BS) from a four-year institution.

You are eligible if you:

• Received (or will receive) your bachelor’s degree between Spring 2024 and Spring 2026

• Can work full-time for the entire nine-month fellowship

• Can demonstrate work authorization in the United States for the full fellowship period (the program does not sponsor visas)

You are not eligible if you:

• Earned your bachelor’s before January 2024, or

• Earn your bachelor’s in Summer 2026

A master’s degree does not affect eligibility; it is based solely on the bachelor’s completion date.

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2026–2027 application timeline

• January 12, 2026 (by 6:00 p.m. EST): Applications due

• Mid–Late February 2026: Email notifications on application status

• March 2026: Finalist interviews (virtual)

• April 2026: Final decisions (offers, alternates, not selected)

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How to apply (step-by-step)

1. Click “Apply Now” and enter your email to receive a unique application link.

2. Confirm eligibility (the system won’t allow ineligible applicants to proceed).

3. Complete applicant info and upload required documents (see below).

4. Enter three references (at least one current/former supervisor). The system will email them instructions automatically.

5. Review & submit before January 12, 2026 — 6:00 p.m. EST. You can save progress and return via your emailed link, but once submitted you cannot edit.

Required documents

• Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended (latest term included).

  • If selected, official transcripts and proof of graduation will be required.

• Resume (one page): Include roles (paid/unpaid), titles, organizations, and dates.

• Two essays (include your name on each page):

  1. Personal Statement (up to 750 words): Why Urban Fellows? What will you contribute and gain? Reflect on leadership, service, teamwork, and experiences shaping your public-service goals.

  2. Policy Recommendation (up to 1,000 words): Identify a critical policy issue, its impact on New Yorkers, and propose an implementation plan. Present both sides and argue why your proposal improves on current approaches.

Word limits are enforced. If you exceed them, your application will not be reviewed.

References: what to expect

• Three references required; at least one supervisor.

• References assess initiative, motivation, and public-sector fit.

• After you enter their contact info and click Next, the system automatically emails them upload instructions.

• If you must replace a reference, email urbanfellows@dcas.nyc.gov with the old and new contact details.

• You’ll receive three separate confirmation emails as each letter arrives—follow up if any are missing.

Confirmation emails you should receive

1. Your portion complete (application + required documents submitted)
   2–4. Reference confirmations (one per letter)

2. Final confirmation (all components received)

If you do not get the final confirmation, your application is incomplete and will not be reviewed. It’s your responsibility to ensure everything arrives by the deadline.

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Selection and interviews

• Interview invitations: Late February (via email)

• Format: Virtual (March)

• Final notifications: Early April 2026 (offers, alternates, not selected)

• Deferrals: Not permitted. If still eligible, you may reapply in a future cycle with updated materials.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?
No. You must, however, be able to verify employment eligibility in the U.S. for the entire fellowship. The program does not sponsor work visas.

Is there an age limit?
No, provided you meet the bachelor’s degree date requirements and all other eligibility criteria.

Can I reuse essays if I reapply?
You may reapply if still eligible, but you must submit a new application and revised materials.

Are housing or relocation costs covered?
No. Fellows are responsible for housing and relocation.

How much are fellows paid?
A $36,184 taxable stipend for the nine-month term. Health insurance is provided (vision/dental not included; some options may have payroll deductions).

When does the fellowship start and end?
September 8, 2026 – May 14, 2027.

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Program snapshot

• Program type: Full-time, paid city government fellowship

• Focus areas: Urban policy, program operations, city management, public administration

• Learning format: Agency placement + leadership seminars + volunteer service

• Outcomes: Policy experience, professional network, alumni leadership pipeline

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Contact

NYC Urban Fellows Program
NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS)
Address: 1 Centre Street, Room 2425, New York, NY 10007
Phone: 212-386-0058
Email: urbanfellows@dcas.nyc.gov

Application is Now Open.

• Apply Now for Urban Fellows
• Urban Fellows Program Information
• Urban Fellows Eligibility Requirements
• Urban Fellows Application Instructions (pdf)
• Urban Fellows Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
• Meet the 2025-2026 Urban Fellows
• Urban Fellows Alumni Corner