Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs
Website: Coro
Description
The Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs is a full-time, nine month, graduate-level experiential leadership training program that prepares diverse, talented and committed individuals for effective and ethical leadership in the public affairs arena. Unconventional by traditional academic standards, the Fellows Program is rigorous and demanding, an unparalleled opportunity for personal and professional growth. The Fellows Program is offered in Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco and St. Louis.
Coro introduces program participants to all aspects of the public affairs arena, preparing them to translate their ideals into action for improving their own communities and beyond. Coro Fellows learn to see the big picture - the community as a whole - and appreciate the varying perspectives that characterize our cities, states, and nation. Through field placements, group interviews, seminars, focus weeks, individual and group projects, they develop:
- hands-on project experience
- an understanding of complex public issues
- leadership skills in inquiry, problem-solving, communication, organization analysis, and consensus-building.
- political acumen to get things done
- professional growth and personal transformation.
- extensive personal and professional networks
Sixty-eight Fellows are chosen nationally each year through a highly competitive selection process, including a day-long assessment at each center’s city. The Fellows represent a broad range of academic, work, cultural, racial and economic backgrounds, ages and interests. What they share is an unwavering commitment to civic engagement.
Eligibility
Coro Fellows are diverse, talented individuals committed to positive change in their communities throughout their lives and careers. They are emerging innovators in business, policy and government who demonstrate exceptional leadership through their accomplishments, curiosity and civic involvement.
Fellows are brought together by a common interest in creative leadership and civic engagement, and building strong connections that will support them as they drive impact in their cities and organizations.
Applicants may include individuals who have recently completed their undergraduate or graduate degrees, as well as those with several years of work experience. Competitively selected applicants will join an intimate cohort of 12 participants for the nine-month program, with each cohort encompassing a wide range of communities, interests, ideologies and experiences.
- graduate
Procedure
- Applicants complete a brief Interest Form that creates a user account and provides Coro with basic contact information. Start an application online at www.corofellowship.org
- The online Application includes:
- additional background information
- uploading a current resume (not to exceed two pages)
- uploading three required essays, plus a supplemental essay for New York applicants
- Contact information for two people providing letters of recommendation
- Applicants arrange to have two letters of recommendation submitted directly to the Coro Center they are applying through (as determined by the state assignments above).
- Applicants have their college and graduate institutions mail academic transcripts directly to the Center they are applying through (as determined by the state assignments above).
History
Coro was founded in San Francisco in 1942 when W. Donald Fletcher, an attorney, and Van Duyn Dodge, an investment counselor, launched an exploration of the world of public affairs. Their premise was based on the realization that, unlike law, business or medicine, post graduate training in the area of leadership was non existent.
As the need for leadership training grew to national proportions, Coro began to explore new territories and established centers in Los Angeles (1957), St. Louis (1972), Kansas City (1975), New York (1980), and Pittsburgh (1999). Although most centers operate independently with its own board of directors and fundraising, they remain unified in their mission, methods, and goals under the Coro National umbrella.
Contact Information
Coro Center for Civic Leadership – San Francisco
601 Montgomery Street, Suite 800
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 986-0521 x103
corosfapply@coro.org
Accepts applications from individuals in Alaska, California (Northern), Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington & Wyoming.