Student Eligibility

To be eligible for a Community Impact Fellowship, you must be in your senior or co-term year at Stanford. US citizenship is recommended to apply for this fellowship; work permit requirements vary by employer. We encourage applicants from any field of study, issue area interests, and levels of experience. 

Student Application Information

Applications must be submitted via SOLO. Applications material include the following:

• One letter of recommendation: Your letter of recommendation should be written by someone who can attest to your fitness for a professional work environment, your ability to think creatively, and your leadership.

• A cover letter or statement of interest (per position): A cover letter or statement of interest is required for each position you apply for. Your letter or statement should demonstrate that you understand the position and employer, possess relevant skills, and would be a good fit for the job.

• A resume

• An unofficial transcript

Program Timeline

• December: Employers submit job descriptions to be included in the Community Impact Fellowship Opportunity Board;

• February: Students apply for opportunities;

  • Note: We encourage applicants to apply to multiple opportunities to maximize the likelihood of securing a Community Impact position.

• March: Employers review applications, conduct interviews, and make final hiring decisions;

• May: Attend the Cardinal Careers New Fellows Orientation (late May);

• Summer/Fall: Fellows begin working at host organization.

Fellowship Components

The Cardinal Careers Community Impact Fellowship program aims to:

1. Recruit talented students to work in public service

2. Assist public interest organizations in finding qualified staff

3. Engage alumni working in and committed to public service

Student Fellowship Requirements

By accepting a Community Impact Fellowship, you commit to the following program requirements:

• Attend Cardinal Careers New Fellows Orientation (late May);

• Complete a workshop on the Principles of Ethical and Effective Public Service;

• Participate in regional professional development sessions throughout the fellowship term;

• Participate in quarterly check-in meetings with the Community Impact Fellowship coordinator to discuss your individual fellowship experience, share your work and projects, make program recommendations and provide advice to incoming fellows;

• Provide the program with a year-end report detailing the fellowship experience and activities.