FELLOWS
Okay, we'll admit it – we're totally biased here, but hear us out: we're pretty convinced we've got the best student internship program around. Seriously, we're all about pushing you to unleash your full potential. Imagine rubbing shoulders with some of the city's most impactful leaders and actually rolling up your sleeves to work on real-deal projects that could touch the lives of hundreds. Sounds epic, right? We're stoked just thinking about you joining our team. Let's make some waves together!
The NewComm Learning Journey
Our learning journey starts with either an info-session at your school or program. Once admitted into the program, you are invited on a journey that we hope you never forget.
FELLOWS
FELLOWS offers rising juniors the opportunity to collaborate with us, receive a stipend, and develop innovative solutions to local issues. The program begins each summer, focusing on enhancing critical reading, writing, data gathering, and project planning skills. Fieldwork complements classroom learning, with opportunities like shadowing at 311 call centers, conducting restaurant inspections, and engaging with city officials. These hands-on experiences provide Fellows with the insights needed to co-design a $10,000 project in a sector they're passionate about. The journey extends beyond summer, as Fellows meet monthly in 'design studio' sessions to refine their ideas into fully realized initiatives.
LAB*
Midway through the FELLOWS program each year, we take a break and head Upstate for LAB*, a three-day retreat designed to re-connect to the mission of their projects, their academic pursuits, and to exchange insights with the incoming cohort. The retreat features three main “wisdom circles” focused on strategic problem-solving, exploring the role of higher education in defining personal missions, and fostering self and communal accountability. Emphasizing wellness and joy, the agenda includes dinner discussions, activities, and small group outings. Returning to NYC, our Fellows are equipped with enhanced skills and stronger connections, ready to complete their projects and the school year.
What about our curriculum?
I’m glad you asked! Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the skills you need to confidently be your true self in any setting. Over the course of the summer and our year-long program, we'll guide you through learning, practicing, and perfecting these essential skills.
Here's what we'll cover:
Critical Reading, Writing, and Math Skills
Sharp Public Speaking Skills
Mental Wellness
Design Thinking and Execution
THE SUMMER PROGRAM
THE SUMMER PROGRAM
WEEK 1 &2
Fordham University
New York, NY
In Weeks 1 and 2, we focus intensively on honing your skills in critical reading, writing, speaking, and research. During our 'Literary Studies' module, you'll engage deeply with a novel whose themes resonate with the communities we aim to serve. Expect a blend of individual and group activities, with daily opportunities to practice public speaking. Additionally, we'll introduce you to qualitative data analysis—teaching you to collect, evaluate, and interpret information. This part of the program, known as the 'Literary Lab', connects the novel's themes to real-world scenarios. With a solid grasp of the narrative, you'll learn to craft more insightful questions about the influence of literary themes in everyday life.
WEEK 3
VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Week 3 is dedicated to Field Work. This week, you'll meet influential leaders from various city sectors, including education, healthcare, food, and community development. You'll apply what you've learned in the first two weeks, using your skills to understand complex situations, ask targeted questions inspired by the novel to gather meaningful data, confidently voice your opinions in discussions, and clearly articulate your thoughts and experiences in your NewComm journal. The goal of this week is to encourage you and your peers to begin considering which sector you'd like to focus on for your $10,000 projects.
WEEK 4
Pratt Institute
Brooklyn, NY
Week 4, fondly known as "Pratt Week," is when we collaborate with professors and students from Pratt Institute to conceptualize, design, and initiate our projects. The week kicks off with each Fellow pitching their project ideas to the group. From these pitches, we converge on a single, standout project that everyone will contribute to. During this week, we embrace a design thinking approach, ensuring our project is both impactful and considerate of our community's needs. The highlight of the week is the Fellows Forum, our annual event where you and your peers present your project concept to community leaders, stakeholders, and your families. The feedback gathered at this event sets the stage for our year-long journey of developing and implementing the capstone project.
Our Year-Long Program
Throughout our year-long program, we focus on enhancing your academic abilities and guiding you through the design and execution of your project. We incorporate regular mental health check-ins and provide personalized mentoring based on your career ambitions. Additionally, in the spring of your junior year, we offer college preparation assistance, ranging from demystifying the college application process to strengthening your college profile.
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Every week, we offer a robust Math and English tutoring program throughout the year via our weekly Roundtables. These sessions are designed to deepen literacy in both Math and English through small group, Harkness-style virtual discussions where Fellows can explore their weekly school learnings, address unresolved questions, and contextualize their education.
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On one Saturday each month, we leverage what we have learned during Roundtables to advance your project. We also do practical design activities led by partner professors and college students. But it's not all work—we make sure to have a good time too! We celebrate birthdays, enjoy White Elephant gift exchanges, and indulge in tasty food.
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At the end of your year of dedication, we bring your capstone project to life. Following the project's completion, we collect feedback to confirm its impact matched our intentions.
