Emerging Leaders Fellowship Applications Now Closed

Baltimore Corps is excited to recruit the next Emerging Leaders Fellowship cohort in partnership with Baltimore City. The program has expanded eligibility to include recent graduates from colleges and universities nationwide. While the Fellowship is no longer exclusively reserved for HBCU graduates, our commitment to supporting diverse emerging talent and creating pathways into public service remains unchanged. Fellows receive paid professional experience, career coaching, and leadership development opportunities.

Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are now closed. Thank you to everyone who expressed interest and submitted an application. We look forward to connecting with selected candidates as we move forward with the next steps in the fellowship process.

Home » Professional Develop… » Emerging Leaders Fel…

The Emerging Leaders Fellowship

The Emerging Leaders Fellowship (ELF) supports early-career professionals seeking opportunities in local government, nonprofits, and emerging industries with labor shortages.

Launch Your Career with Purpose & Impact

Are you an early-career professional seeking meaningful work, hands-on experience, and leadership development? The Emerging Leaders Fellowship connects mission-driven individuals with leading employers.

Position Overview

Fellows are placed in full-time, paid positions with employer partners across the Baltimore City government. These roles are designed for high-potential early-career professionals eager to develop leadership skills, contribute to meaningful projects, and grow within a values-driven organization.

Gain Experience & Grow Your Career
  • Work on high-impact projects that align with your skills and career goals.
  • Receive mentorship, professional development, and career coaching.
  • Build a strong network of like-minded peers and industry leaders.
  • Access exclusive leadership workshops and training sessions.
Salary & Benefits
  • Competitive salary
    • Starting at a minimum of $51,500 +
    • Health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, and other benefits. 
  • Access to exclusive job opportunities in Baltimore City Government
  • Cohort-based professional and skills development
  • Personalized career coaching and goal setting
  • Hands on experience to prepare you for real workplace expectations
  • Ongoing support before, during and after placement leading to full-time employment pathways and long-term career growth.
Program Eligibility Requirements

 Program Start expected Fall 2026 

  • Graduates from a College or University with less than 3 years of full-time professional workplace experience.
  • Availability to participate full-time for the duration of the Fellowship.
  • The Fellowship is 12 months long and employment placements are contractual for one year.
  • Open to feedback, eager to learn, and adaptable in dynamic environments.
Location & Work Authorization
  • Positions available throughout Baltimore City Government agencies, must be willing to work in Baltimore City.
  • Legal U.S. work authorization is required.
    • Baltimore City Government does not sponsor applicants or employees who require an H-1B Visa or an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. Baltimore Corps’ payroll processor, Equity Talent Solutions, does not sponsor applicants or employees who require an H-1B Visa and/or F-1 Visa.

Application Period Closed

Application Process and Timeline 

1) Apply | Open Now through August 9th

Candidates may submit applications for fellowship opportunities through August 9th. We encourage applicants to apply early to ensure ample time for review and follow-up communication.

2) Review Process | July through Mid-August

During this phase, the Baltimore Corps team reviews applications from both:

  • Fellowship candidates, and
  • Employer partners hosting fellowship roles.

Our team evaluates candidate experience, interests, leadership potential, and alignment with available opportunities.

3) Interview & Matching Process | August – September

Selected candidates will participate in interviews with prospective employer partners. Following interviews, Baltimore Corps facilitates a matching process to align fellows with roles that best fit their:

  • skills,
  • career interests,
  • professional goals, and
  • employer needs.

What’s “Matching”?

Matching is the process of connecting candidates with fellowship opportunities where there is strong mutual alignment between both the fellow and employer partner. Rather than assigning placements at random, Baltimore Corps works closely with applicants and host organizations to support thoughtful, relationship-driven placements designed for long-term success and growth.

Applicants will receive updates and communication from our team throughout each stage of the process.

4) Final Selection and Program Launch

Applicants will receive final updates regarding their participation in the Fellowship which is expected to start in late September.   

Have Questions?

Contact Us to Learn More