Urban Leaders Fellowship (Summer 2026)

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

• 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
• 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
• 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)
• 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)
• 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.