Orientation & Skill Building (Late March to June at Horace Mann School in the Bronx):

• Upon acceptance as a Fellow, you'll attend monthly orientations focused on building essential skills for your success.

• These sessions are designed to enhance your critical reading, writing, speaking, and math abilities, empowering you to confidently engage with government officials, community leaders, and peers.

Program Kickoff (Two Weeks of Academic Study):

• The first two weeks feature intensive training in research methods and critical skills development. You’ll engage with one novel using “literary science,” a practical, hands-on approach to reading and understanding literature.

• You'll also learn how to effectively communicate with local leaders, gather their insights, and conduct impactful community research.

Experiential Learning & Project Design (Two Weeks of Field Work):

• Partner with leading NYC organizations and companies to gain firsthand experience of how the city operates—from banking institutions to public health services.

• Use the insights from this fieldwork to design a $10,000 community project, addressing real-world challenges in your community.

Project Presentation & Summer Reflection:

• Present your project to NYC leaders, nonprofit partners, and community members, receiving valuable feedback to refine your approach. Celebrate your achievements with family and friends.

• You’ll be compensated with a $1,000 stipend for your summer design work and spend the final day reflecting on your progress, identifying key learnings to carry forward.

Year 1: In-Person Design Studio Sessions (September - June):

• Starting in September, you’ll attend monthly Saturday sessions at our design studio, housed at Horace Mann School. These sessions focus on project development, leadership, and personal growth.

• Each session includes learning support, mentorship, free meals, mental health resources, and tutoring to foster a supportive environment for your academic success.

• You ‘ll be compensated $100/month for your work!

• During Year 1, you’ll focus on the execution and initial implementation of your $10,000 project, receiving guidance on leadership, budgeting, and impact measurement.

Year 1: Virtual Math Roundtables (September - June):

• Apply math skills directly to your community project during weekly virtual Math Roundtables, where you’ll engage in hands-on discussions and problem-solving with peers and mentors.

• Gain practical tools to improve both your academic performance and your project’s outcomes, helping you bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

Year 2: Project Refinement & College Readiness (July - June):

• At the beginning of Year 2, you’ll reflect on the success and challenges of your Year 1 project, using feedback from the community and nonprofit partners to refine and deepen its impact.

• You'll shift your focus to preparing for college, working on your personal essays, scholarship applications, and financial aid with one-on-one guidance. We will also go on a college tour! Your project will serve as a unique differentiator in college admissions.

• By the end of the year, you’ll help create a comprehensive plan with your nonprofit partner to secure funding for the sustainability of your project.

Project Launch & Fellowship Completion:

• After finalizing your project plan, you’ll launch the year-long implementation of your refined project with ongoing mentorship and support.

• Upon successful completion, you will have earned a $2,000 stipend and developed a project that meaningfully contributes to your community, while setting yourself up for future success in college and beyond.