Student Informational Webinar • April 9, 2:30 PM ET
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The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level master’s degree students with premiere community development organizations
The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.
Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.
Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:
- High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
- A $20,000 stipend for the nine-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
- The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
- Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
- Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference
Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:
- Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
- The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
- Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost
Contact us for more information about NCRC’s Fellowship for Equitable Development.
Are you a graduate student located in one of the geographies?
Apply for one of the exciting fellowship opportunities listed below.
Geographies:
- Baltimore, MD
- Los Angeles, CA
- New Haven, CT
- Philadelphia, PA
- Portland, OR
- Seattle, WA
- Washington DC, Metro Area
2025 Fellowship Projects
Association of Enterprise Opportunity; Washington DC, Metro Area
The Regional Council Fellowship supports AEO’s mission to advance economic opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs. The fellow will conduct research on small business ecosystems, engage key stakeholders, and assist with events to strengthen AEO’s Regional Councils. This work will foster local collaboration, improve resource access, and enhance policy advocacy. The fellowship will empower small businesses, driving economic growth in historically disadvantaged communities. For more information…
Community-Vision Solutions, Benefit LLC; Washington DC, Metro Area
After years of strategic planning and collaboration with a network of experienced community developers and activists, the Financial Activism Movement will be launched in 2025. The goal of this project is to be directly involved in establishing the infrastructure within disinvested U.S. communities. For more information…
Friends of the Rail Park; Philadelphia, PA
The Fellow at FRP will play a key role in advancing the final phase of the 3-Mile Vision through an equitable development plan (EDP) that focuses on community engagement, relationship-building, and inclusive planning. They will specifically work on The Cut, the next phase of the Rail Park, ensuring that its development aligns with community goals related to economic development, climate resilience, and public health. The Fellow’s work will focus on establishing relationship infrastructure, creating a shared agenda, and identifying strategies for inclusive economic growth, such as small business support, workforce development, and procurement. This project will directly benefit The Cut’s surrounding communities while contributing to broader citywide impacts. For more information…
Hip Hop Caucus; Washington DC, Metro Area
The Justice Paid in Full fellowship project focuses on economic justice and climate finance, supporting the Bank Black Green campaign to mobilize impact investors for capital and deposits into MDIs that avoid financing fossil fuels and mass incarceration. The fellowship will expand green financing access for underserved communities, advocate for sustainable infrastructure, and enhance MDIs’ and CDFIs’ capacity for green lending. The fellow will collaborate on community-based solutions and promote policies to increase Black MDI deposits from both public and private sectors. Through these efforts, the fellow will contribute to creating sustainable, equitable communities and addressing economic disparities while advancing environmental justice and economic mobility. For more information…
The Housing Assistance Council; Washington DC, Metro Area
The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) is a national nonprofit focused on supporting affordable housing in rural America, with a particular emphasis on addressing heirs’ property and land tenure issues caused by systemic racism and exclusion. The fellowship program serves as a catalyst for financial equity, empowering participants to take real action and create lasting change in their communities. The project will consist of Researching innovations to make housing finance more accessible to heirs’ property owners will increase opportunities for land retention and wealth building for systemically excluded communities impacted by title issues. For more information…
Housing Oregon; Portland Oregon
Housing Oregon is in the midst of building the Oregon Reinvestment Coalition. The Coalition is working to ensure Umpqua Bank meets its $8.1 billion Community Benefits Agreement (CBA), focusing on homeownership, community development, small business support, and philanthropy, with an emphasis on benefiting BIPOC communities. Key strategies include organizing a Latino sub-coalition, utilizing Special Purpose Credits to expand Black homeownership in Portland, and promoting financial literacy and small business lending in Latino communities. The fellowship project will consist of assisting the Oregon Reinvestment Coalition by researching Special Purpose Credits for Black homeownership and organizing workshops to boost Latino engagement. For more information…
Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC-DC); Washington DC, Metro Area
LISC’s Blue Line efforts are part of the Community Centered Economic Inclusion (CCEI) framework, developed with the Brookings Institute and implemented in 10 sites across the LISC footprint. In DC, LISC has worked on the Blue Line for four years, building trust and identifying community priorities, including supporting a new official sector plan. However, past community engagement has often led to little tangible change due to limited development capacity and a lack of a unified vision. The fellow will assist LISC by supporting a place-based community and economic development strategy through two approaches: 1) a strategy for activating small vacant lots and 2) an economic mobility strategy centered on technology and AI. For more information…
Parity Baltimore Incorporated; Baltimore, MD
The Culture and Community Manager fellowship will serve as a bridge between homebuyers, legacy residents, Parity Builders, and staff, creating a vibrant and connected community in West Baltimore. The fellow will use community organizing skills to empower residents, promote social impact initiatives, and drive collaboration in historically disinvested neighborhoods. This role supports Parity’s mission to unlock housing markets by fostering community-driven homeownership and wealth-building, ensuring revitalization efforts prioritize existing residents and preserve cultural legacies. Through this work, the fellow will help transform abandoned properties into thriving, connected communities, shifting how Black neighborhoods are valued and making revitalization equitable, sustainable, and resident-led. For more information…
Poverty & Race Research Action Council; Washington DC, Metro Area
This fellowship project aligns with the mission to address structural inequality through evidence-based policy advocacy, focusing on state and local AFFH policies during a period of federal retrenchment. The fellow will track and support the implementation of existing AFFH policies in California, New York, and Maryland while aiding expansion to other states and municipalities. By developing model policies, providing legal assistance, coordinating peer networks, and offering strategic subgrants to grassroots coalitions, the project will strengthen state-level fair housing enforcement. The goal is to establish 5-7 new state and local AFFH policies that promote integration, affordable housing access, and community investment in historically disinvested neighborhoods. For more information…
The Coalition (formerly CNHED); Washington DC, Metro Area
The Community Development Fellow project aims to enhance the support for small businesses in the District by assessing and proposing a new strategic framework for delivering technical assistance to commercial corridors and small businesses. As part of the Coalition, which acts as the community quarterback for the District’s small business ecosystem, the Fellow will focus on improving coordination of resources through the DCSmallBizHelp website, helping to optimize how the District supports its small businesses. For more information…
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven Mission Investment Company; New Haven, CT
The fellowship focuses on building wealth in underserved communities by supporting small businesses through a digital platform and entrepreneur network, guiding businesses from inception to growth. The fellow provides hands-on support, helping entrepreneurs navigate the platform and access essential resources like technical assistance and capital. Key initiatives include assisting founders with state-funded grant applications, preparing them for loan applications through CDFI intermediaries like Better LocL Capital, and supporting recruitment for no-dilutive federal grant programs, such as SBIR/STTR. The fellow plays a crucial role in improving outcomes for entrepreneurs and refining operational processes to ensure access to critical funding and resources. For more information…
Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif); Washington DC, Metro Area
The Anacostia Arts Center (AAC), owned by the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF), supports small businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, artists, and cultural organizations in underinvested Washington, DC communities. The HIVE, a co-working space within AAC, is home to over 85 small businesses and serves as a valuable resource for local entrepreneurs. This project will include market analysis, focus groups with artists and small business partners, and community stakeholder engagement to identify needs and best practices for sustainability. The goal is to enhance post-redevelopment programming and services to better support small businesses in the Anacostia region. The fellow will conduct market research, engage with stakeholders, and ensure program design aligns with community needs for AAC’s redevelopment. For more information…
Women’s Economic Ventures; Los Angeles, CA
WEV is seeking to understand why there has been limited interest from the local Hispanic community in its small business loan program, despite being a CDFI offering financial support. The fellowship will explore potential cultural biases or systemic patterns that may discourage borrowing from external organizations. The fellow will assess ways to build trust and develop a culturally relevant loan program to reduce perceived barriers and meet the needs of Hispanic business owners. This project aims to adapt WEV’s loan program, enabling Hispanic entrepreneurs to increase investment in their businesses, thereby growing revenue and household income. For more information…
Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU); Seattle, WA
The fellowship project at WSECU will focus on racial wealth building and economic stability by supporting the Special Purpose Credit Program (SPCP) and financial wellness initiatives. The fellow will design and implement homeownership counseling and financial education workshops, targeting BIPOC and LMI homebuyers with tailored mortgage products and down payment assistance. Using data tools like Stratyfy, the fellow will analyze underwriting outcomes to refine inclusive lending practices and address systemic disparities. This project will contribute to reducing homeownership gaps and fostering sustainable economic opportunities for historically marginalized communities. For more information…
Host Requirements
- Be an active NCRC member (become a member!)
- Have a commitment to excellence in design, creative placemaking, sustainable building principles, affordable housing and meaningful community engagement
- Have a track record of completing projects that benefit low-income families
- Have a compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application
- Have the ability to mentor and provide effective training and supervision for fellows. Including but not limited to weekly meetings, and providing diverse professional development opportunities
- Have the ability to cover administrative and payroll expenses associated with fellow (as a 1099 contractor or as a part time employee)
- Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in-office for the fellow
- Must be located in one the following geographies: Birmingham, AL; Arizona; Oakland, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Sacramento, CA; San Francisco Bay Area, CA; Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT Metro Area; Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT Metro Area; New Haven, CT; Washington DC Metro Area; Tampa, FL; Baltimore, MD; Detroit, MI; Jackson, MS; Buffalo, NY; New York City, NY; New Mexico; Cincinnati, OH; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR; Nashville, TN; Austin, TX; Utah; Richmond, VA; Seattle, WA; Tacoma, WA; Milwaukee, WI
- The Host applications will open be on February 3, 2025 and close February 28, 2025.
Fellow Requirements
- All high-level master’s degree students who have completed at least one semester of Full-Time graduate studies (will have completed at least ¼ of the credits necessary to graduate as of September 1, 2025) in a two-year Urban Planning, Urban Policy, Public Administration, Economics or related program are encouraged to apply
- Priority will be given to applicants of color, women applicants and applicant members of the LGBTQ+ community
- Must provide documentation confirming active enrollment (i.e. Letter of Enrollment from Registrar or transcript)
- Must commit to fellowship for full period of September 8, 2025-May 8, 2026
- Must commit to a 20 hour/week fellowship
- Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in-office of host organization
- Must be located in one of the following geographies: Birmingham, AL; Arizona; Oakland, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Sacramento, CA; San Francisco Bay Area, CA; Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT Metro Area; Hartford-East Hartford-Middletown, CT Metro Area; New Haven, CT; Washington DC Metro Area; Tampa, FL; Baltimore, MD; Detroit, MI; Jackson, MS; Buffalo, NY; New York City, NY; New Mexico; Cincinnati, OH; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR; Nashville, TN; Austin, TX; Utah; Richmond, VA; Seattle, WA; Tacoma, WA; Milwaukee, WI
What is the application process?
Host Partnerships
Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.
The Host applications were open February 3, 2025 and closed February 28, 2025.
Student Fellow Applications
Fellow applications will open for eligible students once host projects have been reviewed and finalists selected. Students will apply to be considered for a specific host project.
Fellow applications will be open beginning April 1, 2025 and close on April 30, 2025. Top student candidates will be interviewed by NCRC as well as the host organization.
Host INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR
Questions about NCRC’s 2025 Fellowship? Reach us at impact@ncrc.org
2024 Awardees
Eke Agbai
Howard University
Association for Enterprise Opportunity
Washington, DC
Abigail Amankwah
University of New Mexico
Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity
Santa Fe, NM
Matthew Aranez
University of New Mexico
City of Albuquerque
Albuquerque, NM
Amanda Banegas
Howard University
HomeAid National Capital Region
Washington DC
Maci Battle
Alabama A&M University
Miles College Community Development Corporation
Fairfield, AL
Staphord Bengesi
Bowie State University
Runwei | AI & ML for Financial Inclusion and Economic Mobility
Queens, NY
Chloe Bui
Willamette University
Community Development Corporation of Oregon
Gresham, OR
Mark Dellostritto
University of Pennsylvania
Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Joseph Enyonu
Southern Connecticut University
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven Mission Investments Company
New Haven, CT
Kory Fleming
Virginia Union University
STREAM Innovations
Birmingham, AL
Akhia Floyd
Alabama A&M University
IGNITE ALABAMA
Birmingham, AL
Emmanuella Gibson
George Washington University
Latino Economic Development Center
Washington, DC
Quintessa Guengerich
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group
Pittsburgh, PA
Tyiesha Head
Wayne State University
Southwest Economic Solutions dba MiWealth
Detroit, MI
Mouhamadou Hoyeck
Howard University
MOVE Chamber
Falls Church, VA
Joshua Johnson
University of Cincinnati
Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Greater Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
Iga Andita Lestari
University of California Berkeley
California Capital Financial Development Corporation
Sacramento, CA
Amanda Moore
Drexel University
Friends of the Rail Park
Philadelphia, PA
Kristin Murphy
Wayne State University
Detroit Future City
Detroit, MI
Joshua Odam
Pratt Institute
Runwei | AI & ML for Financial Inclusion and Economic Mobility
Queens, NY
Oluwaseun Omotayo
Alabama A&M University
Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama – ¡HICA!
Birmingham, AL
Ibrahim Onafeko
Howard University
Washington Area Community Investment Fund (Wacif)
Washington, DC
Jaya Parashar
George Washington University
Association for Enterprise Opportunity
Washington, DC
Parth Patel
Morgan State University
Economic Action Maryland
Baltimore, MD
Greg Robinson, II
University of Cincinnati
Working In Neighborhoods
Cincinnati, OH
Justin Sackey
Howard Univesity
Housing Assistance Council
Washington, DC
Stacie Sanders
Morgan State University
Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD
Emily Shay
Southern Connecticut University
Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust
Bridgeport, CT
Maddison Wells
Howard University
Poverty & Race Research Action Council
Washington, DC
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