Urban Leaders Fellowship (Summer 2026)

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About this opportunity

The Urban Leaders Fellowship is a paid summer fellowship that recruits the best and brightest for an intensive, seven-week experience in ten premier cities. During the fellowship, our fellows spend half of their time researching and writing critical policy proposals for a partner elected official, supporting the elected official’s development of high-quality legislation.

Duration: 7 weeks (Summer 2026). Format: Full‑time fellowship in selected U.S. cities. Program Features:

Policy Project: Fellows partner with elected officials to research and draft policy proposals.
Community Impact Project: Fellows collaborate with local organizations on initiatives addressing education, equity, housing, or public health. Leadership Development: Weekly seminars, mentorship, and networking with civic leaders. Cities: Past cohorts have been hosted in Denver, Dallas, Oakland, Nashville, Washington D.C., Kansas City, and more. Benefits:
Stipend provided
Hands‑on leadership experience
Networking with policymakers and community leaders

Who can apply

Professional Experience:
At least 2 years of professional experience + bachelor’s degree, OR
At least 5 years of professional experience without a bachelor’s degree
Preferred: 7–10 years of work experience for many regional partners
Skills & Characteristics:
Motivated, self‑starter with initiative
Strong collaboration and problem‑solving skills
Humility and openness to diverse perspectives
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Commitment to personal reflection and professional development
Desire to accelerate leadership in policy and practice
Team player able to build relationships with diverse stakeholders
Logistics:
Must have a U.S. physical address and transportation to placement activities
Must be able to fully participate in the 7‑week in‑person program
Must have financial capacity and support (ULF does not provide scholarships or transitional funding)
Citizenship:
Eligible: U.S. citizens and DACA recipients
Not eligible: International candidates (as of July 2022, ULF no longer accepts applicants without a current U.S. visa)
Onboarding:
All applicants are conditionally accepted until completion of May 2026 onboarding and successful placement in a partner organization by the first week of June 2026.

About this opportunity

Duration: 7 weeks (Summer 2026). Format: Full‑time fellowship in selected U.S. cities. Program Features:

Policy Project: Fellows partner with elected officials to research and draft policy proposals.
Community Impact Project: Fellows collaborate with local organizations on initiatives addressing education, equity, housing, or public health. Leadership Development: Weekly seminars, mentorship, and networking with civic leaders. Cities: Past cohorts have been hosted in Denver, Dallas, Oakland, Nashville, Washington D.C., Kansas City, and more. Benefits:
Stipend provided
Hands‑on leadership experience
Networking with policymakers and community leaders

Who can apply

Professional Experience:
At least 2 years of professional experience + bachelor’s degree, OR
At least 5 years of professional experience without a bachelor’s degree
Preferred: 7–10 years of work experience for many regional partners
Skills & Characteristics:
Motivated, self‑starter with initiative
Strong collaboration and problem‑solving skills
Humility and openness to diverse perspectives
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Commitment to personal reflection and professional development
Desire to accelerate leadership in policy and practice
Team player able to build relationships with diverse stakeholders
Logistics:
Must have a U.S. physical address and transportation to placement activities
Must be able to fully participate in the 7‑week in‑person program
Must have financial capacity and support (ULF does not provide scholarships or transitional funding)
Citizenship:
Eligible: U.S. citizens and DACA recipients
Not eligible: International candidates (as of July 2022, ULF no longer accepts applicants without a current U.S. visa)
Onboarding:
All applicants are conditionally accepted until completion of May 2026 onboarding and successful placement in a partner organization by the first week of June 2026.