Incumbent Pathway
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.
This pathway is designed for current government employees who want to complete the full GFA Fellowship experience while remaining in their existing roles. Participants engage fully in the program curriculum and community.
Become a Fellow, make an impact, and ensure every community has a voice at the table.
Start your journey
“Growing up, I never imagined myself working in government. Through my work with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), I’ve seen how research and data can be used to advocate for communities that have long been overburdened and overlooked. But the moments that have mattered most to me have been the ones spent face-to-face with people— students in rural Colorado classrooms building their first environmental sensor, residents sharing their stories, colleagues working toward a healthier future for our community. I believe change happens when we meet people where they are—when science is not just published, but translated, and when systems are reimagined from the inside out.”
Izzy Wallace, 2025 Incumbent,
Environmental Policy Modeler/Research Scientist
Colorado Dept. of Public Health & environment
GFA believes that developing a community of public sector leaders helps Fellows stay engaged, improve their commitment to public service, and help them learn from one another. Fellows will participate in quarterly gatherings centered around GFA’s Fellowship curriculum, networking opportunities, peer coaching, and other community events.
GFA’s 2-year Fellowship curriculum is structured around skills-based training and GFA’s 9 Core Leadership Competencies:
The Program
High Emotional Intelligence
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Communication & Storytelling
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Courage & Risk-Taking
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Vision
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Equity
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Character
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Collaboration
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Mobilizing Others
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Planning
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High Emotional Intelligence ● Communication & Storytelling ● Courage & Risk-Taking ● Vision ● Equity ● Character ● Collaboration ● Mobilizing Others ● Planning ●
To be considered for the 2027 Fellowship Program as a current government employee, applicants must:
Be employed in a government role in one of our partner state geographies. You may be employed at the state level or in a local government agency in or near the named city; and
Work in government agencies any of the following subject areas: Education, Economic Mobility, Workforce Development, Health, Human Services, and Housing.
Be available to attend all program gatherings on the dates specified below.
Submit a complete application by the deadline of April 9th, 2027.
Requirements
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Tucson
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Fresno
San Rafael
San Francisco (Mission District)
Oakland
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Northern Denver Area
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Norwalk
Stamford
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Wilmington
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Orlando
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Berea
Appalachian Kentucky (approx center)
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Baltimore
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Boston
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St. Cloud
Northfield
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Akron
Dayton
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Tulsa
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Portland
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Providence
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Spartanburg
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Memphis
Shelby County
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San Antonio
Austin
Dallas
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Salt Lake City
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Tacoma
Seattle
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Kenosha
Racine
Milwaukee
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.
Training Dates
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
Upcoming Application Info Session:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Incumbent Fellows remain in their current government role for the full two-year Fellowship. GFA does not match Incumbent Fellows with a new role or find a different position for them. You will continue your regular responsibilities while participating in the GFA Fellowship's professional development, leadership development, and community experiences.
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No. Incumbent Fellows must meet the Fellowship's eligibility requirements, including requirements related to location, government sector, and subject area. Review the eligibility information and map above to see whether your current role qualifies.
The Fellowship is also designed primarily for early-career public service professionals. The program may not be the right fit for executives or professionals who are further along in their careers.
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The Incumbent Pathway is open to eligible employees working in qualifying government roles and locations. Your specific agency, role, and area of work must meet GFA's requirements. Review the eligibility information above for details.
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Yes, you will be responsible for receiving permission to participate in the program along with necessary contracting and/or agreements. We’ll ask for your supervisor’s information during the application process, but we will not contact them without your permission. If you are selected, GFA’s Government Partnerships team can also support you in communicating with your supervisor and advocating for your participation in the Fellowship. We want to help you navigate the process of balancing your Fellowship commitments with your current role.
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No. The Incumbent Pathway does not require you to change positions or leave your current role. You will remain employed in your existing position while participating in the Fellowship. GFA's programming is designed to complement your professional responsibilities and support your growth as a public sector leader.
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You can continue in the Incumbent Pathway as long as you remain in a qualifying role. If you change positions during the Fellowship, your new role would need to meet the Fellowship’s eligibility requirements. GFA cannot guarantee that we will be able to identify or provide you with another qualifying role if you leave your current position, so we encourage you to contact the GFA team before making a job change during the Fellowship.
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Yes. Incumbent Fellows participate in the same two-year GFA Fellowship experience as Fellows in the other pathways. This includes GFA's professional development, leadership development, mentorship, and Fellow community. The primary difference is how you enter the Fellowship: Incumbent Fellows enter with an existing eligible government role and do not participate in GFA's matching process.
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No. Incumbent Fellows do not participate in GFA's matching process. You enter the Fellowship through your existing eligible government role and remain in that role throughout the program.
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The GFA Fellowship is designed primarily for early-career public service professionals who are looking to strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, and deepen their impact in government. While eligibility is not based solely on years of experience, the Fellowship may not be the best fit for executives or professionals who are well-established in senior or late-career roles.