Emerging Leader Fellowship Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does a Fellowship differ from a regular staff position?
The Junior Fellowship is intended to provide the Fellow with the opportunity to lead a project and gain valuable learning experience. Unlike a staff position which includes day-to-day tasks related to the ongoing operations of the organization, a Fellowship is a focused project with discrete goals that can be achieved in one year. Furthermore, opportunities for professional development should be built into project goals and pursued throughout the year. These opportunities include accompanying partner organization staff to meetings that will help inform the Fellow's work, attending conferences, and making contacts with leaders in the field. It also includes developing a research paper, program model, or final report that can be attributed to the Fellow. Junior Fellows are also invited to attend workshops and meetings sponsored by Stoneleigh.
2. What is the duration of the Fellowship?
The Junior Fellowship lasts for one year. The next Junior Fellows will begin on July 1, 2011 and will end on June 30, 2012.
3. What is the salary for the Fellowship? Does this include benefits and if so, what kind?
The fellowship includes salary and benefits. The salary is be determined by the organization together with the applicant. Final budgets are approved by Stoneleigh.
4. How many Fellowship awards will you be granting at one time?
We have no set number of awards for each cycle. However, we anticipate granting an average of 2 - 3 Fellowships per year.
5. How are projects advertised?
Stoneleigh advertises projects that meet our Selection Criteria on our Web site. We also send information to colleges and universities, as well as other organizations working in these fields. Partner organizations with approved projects are encouraged to publicize the opportunity through their own networks.
6. Will Stoneleigh Foundation post all the project abstracts that are submitted?
Only those projects that meet our Selection Criteria will be posted on our website and advertised locally. Organizations with projects that are not selected are invited to apply again in the next cycle.
7. I see more than one project description that appeals to me. Can I apply to more than one organization?
Yes, you may apply to as many organizations as you like, although you may submit only one joint application to Stoneleigh. If you are selected by more than one organization, you must choose the project you are most interested in and inform both organizations of your decision.
8. Who is eligible to become a Junior Fellow?
We are interested in providing a professional development opportunity to individuals who are just beginning their careers and would benefit from the experience of leading a significant research, policy or advocacy project. We expect that Junior Fellow candidates will have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree within the last three years. An exception may be made for graduate students who are past their first year of coursework, as explained in the question below. Staff currently employed by the partner organization are not eligible for the fellowship.
9. I still have another year of coursework left. Can I pursue this Fellowship while taking classes?
The Fellowship is intended to be a full time opportunity. It is unlikely that most students would be able to fulfill their course obligations in addition to the Fellowship. However, it is possible that some graduate students who are past their first year may be able to balance both school and the Fellowship. That decision should be made together by the applicant and the organization before submitting the joint application to Stoneleigh.
10. Will I be contacted during the selection process?
A committee comprised of foundation staff and outside reviewers evaluate each application. If the committee needs additional information, you might be contacted to provide that information. The committee may also ask to interview a candidate and partner organization supervisor to learn more about the project. Interviews will be conducted at the Stoneleigh Foundation offices in January 2011.