Lead for NC fellowship for graduates

Lead for North Carolina connects promising young leaders with our state’s local governments. This innovative fellowship program supports communities and strengthens public institutions, while creating a new generation of extraordinary public servants. This program is open to recent graduates with their bachelor’s degree.

Through Lead for North Carolina, fellows:

  • gain new perspectives and an appreciation for local government
  • recognize the most pressing issues facing their communities
  • learn how to enact communal and systemic change
  • establish relationships with partner organizations, governments, and universities
  • engage with a growing alumni network of passionate leaders

Each fellow receives:

  • Living allowance of $35,000 distributed over 11-month contract
  • Health insurance through the CorpsNetwork
  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,300, which may be used to finance graduate education or pay back qualified student debt
  • Student loan deferment and interest forbearance
  • Graduate credits from UNC-Chapel Hill, valued at more than $3,600; these credits may also be transferred to another graduate institution
  • My AmeriCorps membership, providing access to free legal counsel, therapists, financial advisors, life coaches, and more
  • AmeriCorps and Lead for North Carolina alumni network access

The timeline:

  • February 1-April 11, 2025: Applications open for prospective fellows
  • April: Prospective fellows interview with current fellows, program alumni, and UNC School of Government faculty and staff
  • May: Local governments interview incoming fellows for positions. Following interviews, fellows are matched with local governments for the upcoming fellow cycle
  • June: If needed, local governments assist fellows with identifying and securing housing
  • July: Summer Academy for fellows takes place at the School of Government. The 2025-2026 Cohort 7 Summer Academy will take lace from July 9-25.
  • August: Fellows begin a year of service in their host jurisdiction

Learn more and apply on the Lead for NC website.