To apply to be a Philadelphia Public Service Fellow, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old by the start of the fellowship term in September.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Pass a background check, if selected.

An ideal candidate will:

• Demonstrate a commitment to public service, equity, and the pursuit of social justice.
• Be capable of working and collaborating with diverse communities and people.
• Possess strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Be open to new experiences and growth.

During the nine-month fellowship, all fellows will be expected to learn how to:

• Draft professional reports and other publications.
• Build professional resilience and adaptability.
• Apply critical thinking and strategic problem-solving.
• Challenge assumptions and assess knowledge, understanding, and beliefs.

Note regarding citizenship status and City employment: All employees hired to work in the United States must meet I-9 requirements, as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires employers to complete Form I-9 for every employee, including citizens and non-citizens.

Compensation

Each Philadelphia Public Service Fellow will receive:

• $20 per hour for 30 hours a week, for a full stipend of up to $22,800, during the fellowship term.
• $4,000 completion award, given after successful completion of the fellowship term.
• Up to $250 for professional development.

Benefits

Extra perks include:

• Earned sick leave.
• Enrollment in the SEPTA Key Advantage program, which provides unlimited rides system-wide.
• A dedicated supervisor within the fellow’s City department.
• Access to public sector networks and career opportunities.
• Over 80 hours of professional development from subject matter experts. For example, fellows can earn a Planning and Evaluation Certificate in partnership with the Nonprofit Center at LaSalle University.

After completing the fellowship, all fellows should have gained proficiency in the following areas:

• Project management tools
• System and process design
• Public speaking, presentation skills, and professional networking
• Data-driven storytelling
• Equitable engagement strategies
• Various qualitative and quantitative research methods