National Urban Fellows Program

The National Urban Fellows’ Academic & Leadership Development Program is designed for mid-career professionals who are committed to social impact careers in the Government, Non-Profit, Philanthropic and Corporate sectors. Individuals best matched to fulfill the organization’s mission will demonstrate leadership skills with potential for further growth and a passion to advance public policy, racial equity, and social impact. Fellows should embody NUF’s guiding values: integrity, dignity, courage, solidarity, and racial equity. Successful candidates will also possess a strong work ethic, self-discipline, grit, and an openness to learning.

The program provides an intensive and immersive 14-month leadership development journey that includes a graduate-level education at the McCourt School and a hands-on leadership residency under the mentorship of a senior leader at a partner organization. Students accepted into the NUF program will receive a full-tuition scholarship from the McCourt School of Public Policy.

The program named the McCourt School as its academic home in 2018. In August 2020, 27 Fellows became the first cohort of students to graduate through the McCourt School partnership.

The National Urban Fellows and McCourt School partnership is built on shared commitments to social justice, service to others, and strengthening the pipeline of diverse public sector leaders.

The NUF program includes three main components:

1. A customized NUF Master of Policy Management degree program at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy
2. A nine-month fellowship residency under the mentorship of a committed senior leader at a host institution in the private, public, or non-profit sector
3. Ongoing racial equity and leadership training and coaching by NUF staff

Fellows will also attend NUF’s annual leadership conference in January, and have opportunities to network with NUF alumni throughout the 14-month program cycle.

Is the GRE required for acceptance into the National Urban Fellows’ Academic & Leadership Development Fellowship Program?

No, Graduate Record Exam scores are not required by Georgetown University nor the NUF Program.

Is there an age restriction for applying to the program?

There is no age restriction for applying to the program; however, the National Urban Fellows’ Academic & Leadership Development Fellowship Program is designed for mid-career professionals who possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in a public service, management and/or leadership capacity.

Are applicants required to undergo a security and background investigation?

Upon acceptance into the National Urban Fellows program, some Fellows may expect to undergo a security and background check as required by the mentorship host organization they are assigned to.

How do I apply?

Applicants need to submit an application through NUF first. The NUF application deadline is January 16, 2024. Those who advance to the semifinal stage will be invited to submit an application to the McCourt School.

• U.S. Citizenship, Lawful US Permanent Residency or DACA Recipient
• Bachelor’s Degree
• At least 5 years of professional work experience
• Leadership capacity with potential for further growth
• Demonstrated commitment to advance social impact, public policy, and racial equity

• Meet the admission requirements of Georgetown University – 3.0 GPA*
• $150 Application Fee
• $500 non-refundable registration fee due upon acceptance and enrollment in NUF program
• Ability to relocate, as required by mentorship

*exceptions may be made to the minimum GPA requirement on a case-by-case basis

To learn more about the NUF program please visit the program website.