Atlas Corps Fellowship (USA)
Atlas Corps is an overseas fellowship for the world's best social change
leaders. Our mission is to address critical social issues by developing leaders,
strengthening organizations, and promoting innovation through an overseas
fellowship of skilled social sector professionals. The Atlas Corps Fellowship
typically lasts 12-18 months. For those serving in the United States, we will
be bringing in new classes every 2 to 4 months. Fellows serve full-time at Host
Organizations, develop leadership skills, and learn best practices
through the Atlas Corps Global Leadership Lab professional development series
and networking opportunities with other Fellows who are talented professionals
from around the world. This prestigious fellowship includes health insurance,
enrollment in the Atlas Corps Global Leadership Lab, flight and visa costs, and
a living stipend to cover basic expenses (groceries, local transportation, and
shared housing).
Eligibility for the Atlas Corps
Fellowship
- Two or more years of professional experience
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- English proficiency (oral, writing, reading)
- Age 35 or younger
- Apply to serve in a country other than where you are
from (U.S. citizens are not eligible for the U.S. Fellowship – check out
our Fellowship in Colombia!)
- Commitment to return to your home country after the
12-18 month Fellowship
- Commitment to living on a basic stipend that only
covers groceries, shared housing, and local transportation to and from the
Host Organization
Method of Application
We consider applications on a
rolling basis. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to be considered
for Host Organization placements, which in 2018 begin in January, March, May,
July, September, or November. The application is a multi-step process.
- Online Application - Part 1: You will need to create a login and you can save your
responses so you can return to the application at any time. In Part 1 of
the application (known as the “short form”), you provide contact
information and complete the initial eligibility test, and if you pass the
eligibility test, you’ll complete additional background questions and one
short essay.
NOTE: In order to sponsor candidates to come to the United States for
one year as a Fellow, we require detailed information about each
applicant. Please answer each question honestly and thoroughly. If you are
found to be dishonest in the application, you will NOT be accepted as a
Fellow and you will be sent home if you have been accepted.
- Online Application - Part 2 (by invitation only): Atlas Corps will review Part 1 applications and invite
eligible candidates to complete Part 2 of the application (known as the
“long form”), which includes additional questions about your skills and
interests and several short essay questions. You will also be required to
submit contact information for at least two references who know you in a
professional capacity and will write a letter of recommendation about your
skills and experiences as well as your potential for success as an Atlas
Corps Fellow. You will need to send your requests for letter of
recommendation directly through the application system. Your recommenders
will receive an email that asks for a recommendation. More detailed
instructions can be found in the online application form.
- Atlas Corps Review and Interview Process (by invitation
only): Atlas Corps will review Part 2
applications and select top candidates to interview via Skype with the
Atlas Corps Selection Board, including Atlas Corps staff and nonprofit
sector, government, and business leaders from multiple countries.
- Host Organization Review Process (by invitation only): Candidates who pass the Atlas Corps interview stage
will be designated as Semi-Finalists, which means they are eligible to be
reviewed by potential Host Organizations . Atlas Corps determines which of
our Semi-Finalists may be a good fit for specific positions at potential
Host Organizations based on their interests and skill set and the
organization’s needs, and forwards those applications to the organizations.
- Host Organization Interview Process (by invitation
only): Host Organizations conduct
Skype video interviews with selected Semi- Finalists.
- Selection and Visa Process: Host Organizations will make their final
recommendations to Atlas Corps, and Atlas Corps will notify the selected
candidates. After being selected, Fellows will go to the U.S. Embassy in
their respective countries to apply for a J-1 visa. Atlas Corps will
provide support in obtaining this visa.
- Semi-Finalists who are not selected by a Host
Organization will be notified and may be given the option to keep their
application on file for consideration for the next class of the
Fellowship.
Duration: 12-18months
Labels: Scholarship
