Incumbent Application

Govern For America Incumbent 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 2026 Fellowship Cohort, applicants must:
- Be located in one of our partner state geographies and work in a relevant subject area. Current subject areas include Water, Education, Workforce Development, Health, Human Services, and Housing. Only health placements are available in Missouri and cannot be located in Kansas City.
- Be available to attend all program gatherings on the dates specified below.
- Submit a complete application by the priority deadline of January 26th, 2026, or the final deadline of March 3rd, 2026.
- More information can be found here.
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.
Name*

First NameLast Name
Preferred First Name
Optional
Primary Email*
Please enter your current government (work) 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 2026?*

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
What is your current title?*
What department do you work in?*
Choose the position title that best aligns with the duties of your current role.*

Data AnalystProgram ManagerFiscal Analyst
General GFA Descriptions (for reference):

Data Analyst: They help utilize and manage data sets to come to conclusions which will help shape policy and functionality of certain projects. Data Analysts can help an agency identify fraud, analyze data to help others better understand a problem, or predict future outcomes of legislation or governmental projects. GFA Data Analysts understand the intersection of data science and policy and the importance of both when it comes to creating meaningful change.

Fiscal Analyst: They ensure that systems are working as efficiently, effectively, and as human-centered as possible using their unique understanding of numbers, budgets, and/or their ability to translate government programs and regulations into opportunities to improve human-centered government service. GFA Fiscal Analysts understand that without data, creative thinking, and results-based decision making, the government cannot deliver on the promises it has made to its residents.

Program Manager: They ensure that programs are serving their intended audience in the most effective way possible, communication between stakeholders is effective, and people are at the center of every design choice. GFA Project Managers understand that without both data and the perspectives of city, county, and state residents, government programs can’t serve their audience effectively.
Please select all of the technical skills in which you have working proficiency:*

Microsoft ExcelGoogle SuiteMicrosoft OfficeGoogle SheetsRPythonStataGeographic Information Systems (GIS)Structured Query Language (SQL)JavaTableauSalesforceStatistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)HTML/CSSStatistical Analysis System (SAS)MATLABAsanaJavaScriptMicrosoft Power BIArcGISAirtableOtherLinuxAdobe ProductsQGISLinksCanvaRubyQualtricsScalaNGP VANWordPressC++MailChimpSlackCGithubNVivoZoomEViewsMathematicaMinitabREDCapWixAmazon Web ServicesApache HadoopDedooseFigmaSAPBlackbaud CRMBloomberg TerminalConstant ContactDropboxEndNoteHiveHootsuiteiMovieJiraMicrosoft SharePointRaiser's Edge NXTSearch Engine OptimizationSocial ExplorerSquarespaceUser Experience (UX)/User Interface (UI) DesignVisioWeeblyADP PayrollApache HiveApache SparkApple softwareApricot Social SolutionsArchivesSpaceAspen TechnologyAutoCADAutodesk MayaBashBlenderBoxBrandwatchC#CitrixCivic ChampsCivis AnalyticsClaimsProClearPathClioCovidenceCrowdTangleCucumberCybergrantsCypressDBeaverDiamondEllucian ColleagueEnduraFlourishFusion 360GCPGeoDaGephiGitGolangHMISHubspotIPUMSJAMOVIJD EdwardsJMP Statistical DiscoveryKerasLabVIEWLaTeXLearning Management System (LMS)LexisNexisLibWizardLuaMatplotlibMimsy XGMonday.comMongoDBMplusOCamlOmekaOSINTOxMetrics 8PowerShellQuickBooksQuorumRustsalesforceSéanceSeleniumSigmaSitecoreSlateSmartcatSquizStraterSurferTensorFlowTradeMapTrados StudioTrelloUnixVI-SPDATVimYAMLZotero
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
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*
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Govern For America Incumbent Application