Fellowship Application

Govern For America Fellowship Application
Govern For America is searching for the next generation of public servants to create a more responsive government that better reflects and serves our communities. We envision a world where public servants use their power in government and grounding in community to ensure public systems achieve greater opportunity for all people. As a Fellow, you’ll work at the intersection of policy and practice on strategic priorities and innovative projects. Whether you’re combating the effects of COVID-19, working to end mass incarceration, or expanding access to high-quality pre-K, government is where we see leadership in action.

Apply to be a GFA Fellow if you value:
- Progress - You care about making an impact and being in the action. You want to embark on a career path that provides ample opportunity for meaningful work and personal growth.
- Creative Solutions - You have solved problems in creative ways when presented with unique challenges and don't rely on cookie-cutter solutions. You are willing to take initiative, meet challenges, and adapt to new situations.
- Leading with Equity - You believe that people should be at the center of policymaking. You’re committed to dismantling oppressive systems and ensuring that impacted and marginalized communities have a seat at the table.
- Telling Stories to Mobilize Action - You are a strong communicator with exceptional interpersonal skills and a high EQ. You can use your personal story and experiences to build coalitions and inspire others.
- Using Data to Make Choices - You make informed choices using data and evidence to improve outcomes.
- Thinking Strategically - You can articulate a clear vision, navigate conflict, and bring partners to the table with your high-quality analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Working with Diverse Teams - You work well in collaborative environments and are trusted by your team members.
We recommend answering the long-form questions in a separate document and copying and pasting them into this form. This form also allows you save your progress if you are not ready to submit. The application below is meant for us to understand your interest in the Govern For America Fellowship as well as assess how you might contribute to the Fellowship and the work of our government partners.

Additionally, the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT has made it increasingly important to express your unique thoughts and ideas, and demonstrate your written communication skills accurately. If using AI to help with this application, please keep the following in mind:
- Feel free to use AI for brainstorming, research, and proofreading. These tools can enhance your writing and research skills.
- Do not use AI to write any part of your application. We want to learn about you and your abilities. Any application that appears to be AI-generated will not be considered.
To be considered for the 2025 Fellowship Cohort, applicants must:
- Be authorized to work in the United States for 2 years (GFA does not provide sponsorship for Fellows).
- Must have completed an undergraduate degree or be on track to earn an undergraduate degree by June 2025.
- Be available to begin the Fellowship in late June 2025 and attend Summer Institute in person from June 24th through July 2nd.
- Demonstrate a passion for public service and a desire to ignite your career in the field.
- Be willing to serve in cities and states across the country of identified high need. Current placements include Connecticut, Colorado, Maryland, and Michigan.
More questions? Check out our FAQs.

Note: Application updates will come from apply@govforamerica.org. Please add this email to your contacts to reduce the chance of important emails landing in your spam folder.

Govern For America is committed to equal employment opportunities. Every Fellow has the right to work in an environment free from all forms of discrimination. We recruit Fellows 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.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Preferred First Name
Optional
Primary Email*
Please enter a valid email address.
Secondary Email
Please enter a valid email address.
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Gender*

FemaleMaleTransgender FemaleTransgender MaleNon-binaryGender NonconformingPrefer not to answer at this timeOther
Pronouns*

She/HerHe/HimThey/ThemShe/TheyHe/TheyPrefer not to answer at this timeOther
Current Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Current State of Residence*
Please select your current state of residence.
If you selected "other," please enter your current country, if outside the US, or state of residence.*
Please enter a value.
Eligibility question: Are you a US Citizen, Permanent Resident, DACA Recipient or have US Sponsorship for the next 2 years (e.g., H-1B visa status)?*

YesNo
In what city/town did you grow up?*
Please enter a city name.
In which state did you grow up?*
Please select the state you grew up in.
If you selected "other," please enter the country, if outside the US, or state where you grew up.*
Please enter a value.
What language(s) besides English do you speak?
Please enter any languages that you speak. If none, leave blank. Separate entries with ;
Which option(s) best describes your racial identity?*

Black (African American)Black (African)Black (Afro-Caribbean)Middle-EasternAsian (South)Asian (East)Latine and/or LatinxHispanicIndigenous (North American)Indigenous (Central or South America)Alaska NativeFirst NationsNative HawaiianPacific IslanderWhite (European American)Multiracial/BiracialPrefer not to answer at this timeOther
GFA recruits and connects recent college graduates to high-impact government roles with a focus on elevating proximate leaders, individuals who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and individuals from underrepresented populations. If you identify with any of the following, please select all that apply.*

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color)Part of the LGBTQ+ communityFirst-Generation College StudentPell Grant RecipientI do not identify with any of these thingsPrefer Not to Answer
Have you completed an undergraduate degree or are you on track to earn an undergraduate degree by June 2025?*

YesNo
Are you currently an undergraduate student?*

YesNo
Undergraduate University*
Undergraduate University (airtable)
If your university is not listed, please enter it below.*
Please enter the entire name of the university.
Major*
Major (airtable)
Major*
If your major is not listed, please enter it here.
Minor*
Minor (airtable)
Minor*
If your minor is not listed, please enter it here.
What undergraduate degree type will you/did you receive?*

Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of ScienceBachelor of Fine ArtsOther
Undergraduate School City*
Please enter the city where your undergraduate university is located.
Undergraduate School State*
Please select the state where your undergraduate university is located.
If you selected "other," please enter the country, if outside the US, or state where your undergraduate university is located.*
Please enter a value.
Are you or have you been a graduate student?*

YesNo
Graduate University*
Graduate University (airtable)
If your university is not listed, please enter it below.*
Please enter the entire name of the university.
What graduate degree will you/did you receive?*
Please enter the name of the degree.
Graduate School City*
Please enter the city where your graduate university is located.
Graduate School State*
Please select the state where your graduate university is located.
If you selected "other," please enter the country, if outside the US, or state where your graduate university is located.*
Please enter a value.
U.S. Armed Forces Status*
In which branch did you serve?*
Resume*

Resumes should be submitted in PDF format. To provide a clearer understanding of your work experience, please indicate the average number of hours worked per week for each position listed on your resume.
Cancelof
Please select all of the technical skills in which you have working proficiency:*

ExcelPythonLINKSStatistical Analysis System (SAS)JavaGoogle SuiteArcGISQGISJavaScriptPowerBIAsanaGoogle SheetsScalaSalesforceRStataGeographic Information Systems (GIS)Structured Query Language (SQL)MATLABRubyTableauLinuxAirtableMicrosoft OfficeHTML/CSSStatistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)Other
In which policy area(s) are you most interested?*

EducationHealth/Human ServicesEnergy/Environmental ProtectionBroadband/Information TechnologyCorrections/Public SafetyTransportation/InfrastructureBudget/FinanceHousing/Community Development
Explain your policy choices in a short paragraph.*
GFA matches Finalists to positions based on their experiences and skillset, which may result in a match outside of your main policy interests. Are you open to a placement outside of the policy areas you selected above?*

Yes, I am open to roles outside of the policy areas I selected.No, I am only interested in the policy areas I selected.
Please select your first choice region where you would accept a job offer with the Fellowship from the list below.*

NortheastMidwestWestSoutheastSouthwest
Please select your second choice region where you would accept a job offer with the Fellowship from the list below.*

NortheastMidwestWestSoutheastSouthwest
Explain your regional choices in a short paragraph. You may use this space to specify particular states of interest, but we will also collect that information at a later point in our selection process.*
GFA may provide candidates the opportunity to relocate to a new city or state where your talent is highly needed. The more open you are to relocating, the more flexibility we have to match you to a role. We also acknowledge and respect our candidates' desires to remain in their home states. Please note your willingness or unwillingness to relocate for a job placement below. If you move forward in the selection process, we will use this information in our matching process.*

Yes, I am flexible and willing to relocate.I may be willing to relocate - it depends on the role!No, I am not flexible and unwilling to relocate.
Please complete the following questions to help us understand which of our four fellowship pathways—Data, General Policy, Health, or Environment—best aligns with your interests and strengths. If you move forward in the selection process, your responses will help guide our matching process to ensure the best fit for your fellowship experience. There are no right or wrong answers and your responses will not impact your application decision.
Your city is planning to implement a new transportation initiative to reduce traffic congestion. Which of the following would you prioritize in your recommendation?*

Drafting policy guidelines to ensure the initiative aligns with existing city regulations.Evaluating the potential impact of reduced traffic on public health, particularly air quality.Assessing the environmental benefits of reduced vehicle emissions and increased green spaces.Analyzing traffic flow data to determine the most congested areas and peak times.
Your task force is developing a response plan for an anticipated increase in extreme weather events. Which approach do you recommend?*

Implementing environmental resilience and green stormwater strategies to mitigate the impact of extreme weather.Updating building codes and zoning laws to enhance resilience to extreme weather.Preparing public health campaigns to address potential health crises, such as heatwaves or flooding.Using climate data models to predict the frequency and intensity of future weather events to ensure state agencies are prepared for potential impacts.
Your city council is considering a ban on single-use plastics. What aspect would you focus on highlighting in your proposal?*

Evaluating the impact of plastic waste on local wildlife and ecosystems.Analyzing data on plastic consumption and waste management to support the ban.Crafting the policy language to ensure it’s enforceable and comprehensive.Assessing the potential health benefits of reducing plastic waste in the community.
A public health crisis has emerged due to water contamination in a rural area. What is your first course of action?*

Investigate the source of contamination and its impact on the local environment.Coordinate with healthcare providers to address immediate public health concerns.Review state water quality regulations to ensure compliance and identify gaps.Analyze historical data on water quality and contamination incidents in the region.
You are leading a project to improve access to nutritious food in underserved communities. What strategy do you propose?*

Develop policy incentives for grocery stores and farmers' markets to operate in these areas.Work with public health agencies to educate the community about nutrition and healthy eating.Identify local food producers to improve the local economy and lower the environmental impact of food transportation.Analyze demographic and socioeconomic data to identify the most affected communities.
A natural disaster has displaced thousands of residents in your state. How do you prioritize your response?*

Coordinate with public health officials to provide emergency care packets (first aid kits, sanitizing wipes, toothbrushes, etc) to displayed individuals.Use data to track the movement of displaced populations and allocate resources effectively.Assess the environmental damage caused by the disaster and plan for restoration.Ensure emergency policies are in place to provide shelter and resources to displaced residents.
Your state wants to reduce carbon emissions by 50% over the next decade. What key action would you recommend?*

Analyze emission data trends to set realistic and achievable reduction targets.Focus on policies that protect and restore natural carbon sinks, such as forests and wetlands.Research and communicate the public health benefits of reducing carbon emissions to improve public support.Implement policies that incentivize the use of renewable energy sources.
For the following questions, please keep answers to 150-300 words. We encourage you to utilize the full word count to ensure we get a clear and thorough understanding of your perspective. There is a word minimum of 150 words.
GFA is searching for emerging leaders who believe that government can be a powerful avenue for change. What has inspired you to work in government as a Govern For America Fellow, and what unique contribution would you make to the GFA community?*

0/300
You've just joined your ideal state agency as a GFA Fellow. What agency do you work for and what is the first project you decide to focus on in your new role? Why did you choose that project, how would you begin to go about understanding the issue, and what skills do you bring that makes you an asset on your team?*

0/300
How will Govern For America help you achieve your short and long-term professional goals?*

0/300
Can you speak to a time when you were the first to do something in your family or community and how that experience has shifted your perspective on equity and access?*

0/300
Though this application captures much of what makes you a dynamic candidate for our Fellowship, we understand it is not exhaustive. What else should we know about you that will help show why you will be a successful GFA Fellow?*

0/300
How did you hear about GFA?*
If other, how did you hear about GFA?*
How did you hear about GFA? (airtable)
Can GFA share your contact information with other public service opportunities?*

YesNo
Application Cycle*
Should be Empty:

Govern For America Fellowship Application