Lead for NC applications open until April 13, 2026

Lead for North Carolina is a full-time paid fellowship in local government for recent college graduates. Fellows receive a $35,000 stipend for their 11-month service, a nearly $7,000 SEGAL Education Grant to pay back student loans or apply to graduate tuition, health insurance, student loan deferment and forbearance, graduate application fee waivers, graduate application support, professional coaching and support. Students work on transformative projects in local government ranging from economic development, planning, environmental resiliency, capital finance and budgeting, citizen engagement, and more!

Applications for prospective fellows are due by April 13, 2026. In late April, prospective fellows will interview with current fellows, program alumni and UNC School of Government faculty and staff. In May, finalists will interview with local governments for positions. Those chosen will participate in the Summer Academy from July 8-24, 2026 and begin their year of service in August 2026.