The GFA Fellowship is a competitive two-year program for emerging public sector leaders ready to build lasting careers in government. Through hands-on leadership training, dedicated mentorship, and a national community of peers, Fellows gain the skills and support to drive meaningful change from within public institutions.

The Applicant-Sourced Pathway is designed for candidates who want to take the lead in finding and securing their own eligible role before beginning the Fellowship. Rather than participating in GFA's matching process, candidates identify an opportunity that aligns with their skills, interests, and career goals and enter the Fellowship through that role.

Applicant-Sourced Pathway

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Ready to take the next step on your terms?

You don't have to rely on GFA's matching process to find your place in public service. Whether you already have a new role lined up or want to find an opportunity that fits your goals, the Applicant-Sourced Pathway gives you the flexibility to lead your own job search and choose the opportunity that's right for you.

Your role. Your path. The same Fellowship.

How to Apply

Apply to the GFA Fellowship

December 2026–February 2027

Submit your application during GFA's regular application period and indicate that you are pursuing the Applicant-Sourced Pathway.

Secure your role by the deadline

April 20, 2027

Your eligible role must be secured by April 20, 2027 to participate in the 2027 GFA Fellowship.

Find and secure your role

February–April 2027

If selected to continue in the process, you'll identify and pursue an eligible role that aligns with your interests, skills, and career goals.

Begin the Fellowship

July 2027

Once your role is confirmed, you'll join the two-year GFA Fellowship and participate in the same professional development, leadership development, mentorship, and community experience as all Fellows.

Fellow Spotlight

Arjun led the development of a vacancy scoring system by collaborating with multiple departments and analyzing the city’s vacant property inventory, with a focus on historically disinvested neighborhoods. By breaking down data-sharing silos and incorporating best practices from other cities, Arjun enabled more accurate identification of vacant properties. This work streamlined policy implementation and empowered both city staff and residents to address vacancy challenges, demonstrating strong influence in research, evaluation, and data-driven decision-making.

Arjun Novotny-Shandas, 2024 Kansas City Housing Fellow

Requirements

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  • Must have completed an undergraduate degree or be on track to earn an undergraduate degree by June 2027.

  • Be available to begin the Fellowship in mid to late June 2027 to attend Summer Institute in person from June 14th through June 20th.

  • Demonstrate a passion for public service and a desire to ignite your career in the field.

  • Conduct an independent job search and secure a qualifying role by April 20, 2027.

We actively encourage applicants who have been traditionally underrepresented in government leadership including people of color, first-generation college students, women, Gender Non-Conforming Individuals, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. 

We strongly encourage you to apply as early as possible because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and review capacity is limited. This helps ensure that every application can be reviewed fully and thoughtfully. While we will do our best to review all applications submitted by the deadline, applying earlier gives your application the best opportunity to be considered.

For more information about the application and selection process, visit our general FAQs.

To participate in the Applicant-Sourced Pathway, you must secure a role that:

  • Focuses on one or more of the following subject areas: Education, Economic Mobility, Workforce Development, Health, Human Services, or Housing.

  • Is located in one of the geographies shown below.

  • Is a position within government, or is a position at a nonprofit organization that works directly with government.

  • Be available to attend all program gatherings on the dates specified below.

Qualifying Roles

    • Tucson

    • Fresno

    • San Rafael

    • San Francisco (Mission District)

    • Oakland

    • Northern Denver Area

    • Norwalk

    • Stamford

    • Wilmington

    • Orlando

    • Berea

    • Appalachian Kentucky (approx center)

    • Baltimore

    • Boston

    • St. Cloud

    • Northfield

    • Akron

    • Dayton

    • Tulsa

    • Portland

    • Providence

    • Spartanburg

    • Memphis

    • Shelby County

    • San Antonio

    • Austin

    • Dallas

    • Salt Lake City

    • Tacoma

    • Seattle

    • Kenosha

    • Racine

    • Milwaukee

Fellows participate in two in-person gatherings, and six virtual gatherings for professional development. Fellows will not pay for their travel and accommodations for in person events. Fellows must be available on the following dates, and will need to request time for training with supervisors:

  • Summer Institute (In-Person): June 14-20, 2027

  • Y1 Fall Gathering: September 9-11, 2027

  • Y1 Winter Gathering: December 2-4, 2027

  • Y1 Spring Gathering: March 2-3, 2027

  • Y2 Fall Gathering: September 14-16, 2028

  • Y2 Winter Gathering: December 7-9, 2028

  • Y2 Spring Gathering: March 8-9, 2029

  • Summer Institute Graduation (In-Person): June 28-July 1, 2029

Training Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

  • No. You do not need to have an eligible role secured when you apply. You will apply to the GFA Fellowship during the regular application period and, if you advance through the selection process, have until April 20, 2027 to find and secure an eligible role.

  • Yes. The Applicant-Sourced Pathway may be a good fit if you already have a specific agency, community, issue area, or type of work in mind and want to take the lead in finding an eligible role.

  • No. Applicant-Sourced Fellows find and secure their own eligible roles rather than participating in GFA's matching process. The Applicant-Sourced Pathway gives you the flexibility to explore and pursue eligible opportunities beyond the roles available through GFA's matching partners.

  • Item description

  • The Applicant-Sourced Pathway is designed for candidates who want to lead their own job search. GFA does not match you with a role through this pathway, so you are responsible for identifying, pursuing, and securing your own eligible position. However, we will send you resources and tips that will be helpful in your search.