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Prospective Organizations

Fellowship Description

Northwestern University graduating seniors work full-time for 10-12 months. Host organizations in Chicago provide a stipend of at least $2,350 per month plus full coverage of health insurance to each Fellow. Candidates for NUPIP Fellowships go through a rigorous screening process, which includes multiple interviews with Northwestern faculty, staff and alumni, and culminates with a host organization interview. NUPIP provides each Fellow with a mentor and organizes an educational seminar series.

Why organizations participate:

• Skilled Applicants: Organizations access an exceptional applicant pool with: general training in writing, analysis, and research; a responsible work ethic; creativity; teamwork skills; and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Commitment: NU PIP fellows self-select for commitment to public interest work.
• Screening: NUPIP narrows applicant pool to 1-3 candidates who specifically match each organization's stated needs. The organization then interviews and chooses among the selected candidates.
• Economics: The host organization pays at least $2,350/month (plus health insurance) for a full-time year-long Fellow.
• Legacy and Community: NUPIP offers the organization the chance to introduce talented newcomers to the nonprofit community. Additionally, NUPIP mentors, the network of Northwestern alumni in the public interest sector, and the educational seminars provide Fellows with valuable skills that they can contribute back to their host organizations.

Expectations of Host Organizations

1. Pay the stipend of each Fellow ($2,350/month + health insurance)
2. Provide challenging and meaningful work for the Fellow
3. Provide good supervision for the Fellow
4. Provide some flexibility in terms of vacation schedules. Fellows often need to have time off for graduate school interviews
5. Fellows should also be excused for periodic seminars which are an important component to the Public Interest Program
6. Comply with the deadlines and procedures of the Public Interest Program

The Application Process

Interested host organizations should submit their Host Organization Proposals by the January 22, 2010.

Fellow candidates submit an application including essays, resume, transcript, and two letters of recommendation to NUPIP by early February 2010. After the written applications have been screened by NUPIP, on-campus interviews are conducted. NUPIP then refers one or more candidates to each potential host organization for consideration by mid-February 2010. Each host organization then reviews the applications and conducts an interview, in person or over the phone. Placements should be finalized by mid-April 2010. Fellows are prepared to begin their one-year commitment after July 1, 2010. Start-dates and other timing particulars should be arranged between the organization and fellow.

Download Host Organization Proposal here.

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