Matching
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.
The Matching Pathway is designed for candidates who want GFA's support in finding an eligible government role to begin their public service careers. Through GFA's matching process, candidates are connected with potential government opportunities before beginning the full two-year Fellowship experience.
Ready to start your career in government?
Breaking into government can be difficult, especially when you're unfamiliar with public-sector hiring processes. The Matching Pathway gives you support navigating that process while connecting you with government opportunities that align with your skills, interests, and goals.
"The transition [from graduate school to government] felt seamless where I felt more supported in my role compared to my peers. I felt empowered to learn and ask question which led me to build relationships that maybe I would not have had if I went straight into full time work without the Fellowship. "
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Dontae Richards, 2024 Fellow
"GFA is a good way to get into state government work, it can be very hard to apply for these roles. I did not think I would have gotten this kind of role because of how strange the process is. GFA was very helpful in getting people into those interview rounds when they might not have otherwise."
Stephenie Thorne, 2024 Fellow
Program
Requirements
Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application.
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 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.
Be willing to serve in cities and states across the country of identified high need.
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 FAQs.
Selection
Process
The Matching Pathway selection process is designed to help us learn more about your experiences, skills, and motivation for public service while also identifying opportunities that may be a strong fit for you. Candidates who submit a complete application may move through the following stages:
Submit Your Application
Complete your application by February 5, 2027. We strongly encourage you to apply early, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and review capacity is limited.Written Application Review
Our team reviews applications to learn more about your experiences, skills, interests, and motivation for public service. Written application decisions will be shared by February 22, 2027.Group Interview
Selected candidates will participate in a group interview between March 8 and March 26, 2027.Matching
Candidates who advance through the selection process may be considered for eligible government opportunities based on their skills, interests, experiences, and available roles. Matching will take place from April through May 2027. Because available roles vary based on agency needs, advancing through the selection process does not guarantee placement in a specific role, city, or state.Begin the Fellowship
Fellows will attend Summer Institute from June 14–20, 2027, before beginning their government roles on or after June 21, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Our Partnerships team invests a lot of effort into selecting the agencies they partner with. They prioritize agencies that appreciate the perspectives of young talent, create a supportive work environment, and provide full-time salary and benefits for our Fellows.
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Fellows are government employees and their salaries range from $45,000 to $75,000 annually. Benefits vary but typically include paid time off and insurance, plus any other benefits dependent on the agency. Salaries depend on a number of factors including but not limited to location, agency, cost of living, and your level of experience.
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Yes! You have some flexibility in negotiating a start date but are expected to begin your Fellowship and job in July. Most Fellows start their roles right after Summer Institute (late June or early July). Please answer all questions about your availability openly and honestly on your application and let us know if there are extenuating circumstances that could impact your start date. If your availability changes, please inform your GFA contact as soon as possible. Regardless of start date, you are committing to a minimum of two years in your agency (with the possibility of extension).
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Fellows should expect to work in person unless otherwise outlined in their agency’s policies. Most state agencies have returned to in-person or hybrid operations. GFA requires Fellows to live in the state they are matched.
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GFA does supply relocation assistance for Fellows on a case-by-case basis. You may also reach out to your host agency to check the procedures of your new workplace for relocation assistance. We can work with you to determine the need once you have accepted a Fellowship placement.
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There is one case study group interview that candidates will participate in. At each stage of the selection process, we send update emails to let you know if you are moving forward in the selection process. If you become a finalist and are matched with a role, you will interview with one of our partner government agencies. Please check your email regularly (including spam folders) for updates from us. If you do not hear back, please reach out to apply@govforamerica.org.
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The group case interview is a 2-hour virtual working session where you and a team of other candidates collaborate to address a challenge you could face while working in government. You do not need to prepare for this interview or bring anything specific, but GFA does provide a candidate packet ahead of the interview to provide an introduction to the case. You should be prepared to be on video and fully engaged for the entire interview.
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There is nothing you need to do to prepare for the group case interview. Here are a few things we look for in interview participants:
Ability to think on your feet
Creative problem-solving
Ability to collaborate with team members
Capacity to consider implications for equity
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The 2027 application will open on December 14th, 2026 and is due on February 5th, 2027. Candidates will be notified if they are selected to participate in the group case study interview by February 22nd, 2026. All candidates invited to the group interview stage will be completing their group interviews during the weeks of March 8th to March 26th, 2027. Those who advance from Group Interviews to the Finalist stage will be notified by March 31st, 2027. You will know your status in the application process as you progress through each stage.
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We do our best to match you based on the regional preferences listed on your application and during the interview process. However, your placement and match are also determined by the type of roles available and your aligned skillset and experience. The more open you are to moving to a variety of states, the more likely you are to be matched.