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Introduction to the Colin Powell Graduate Fellowship

The Colin Powell Graduate Fellowship in Leadership and Public Service is a one-year program designed for graduate students to address urgent social justice issues affecting African Americans and other underserved communities. This fellowship enables students to utilize their developing academic expertise to make a positive impact.

Program Details

Requirements

• Must be a full-time student at CCNY from Fall 2026 to Spring 2027, enrolled in one of the graduate programs offered through the Colin Powell School.
• Must submit a project proposal and two recommendation letters, including one from a faculty or community sponsor.
• No GPA or citizenship requirement.

Support

Each fellow will receive a maximum of $12,000 for the academic year.

Sponsorship

Prior to applying for the fellowship, students must secure a sponsor, identify a specific project, and work in conjunction with their sponsor to create a realistic and thoughtful work plan for the year. Sponsors may be a faculty member at City College or at the CUNY Graduate Center, or a professional in a leadership role at a nonprofit organization or government agency.

Project Proposal

Fellows may decide, in conjunction with their sponsor, to pursue a project of their own creation or assist their sponsor in an ongoing, established research project. All projects must address social justice issues impacting African Americans and other underserved populations.

Application Process

Application Details

• Read the fellowship description and ensure that you meet all the requirements.
• Complete and submit the application, including your project proposal, resume, and transcript.
• Applications are due on March 31st, 2026.

Application Proposal

Submitted project proposals should be compelling, detailed, and well thought out. The proposal should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words and include:

• A clear rationale for why you have chosen to pursue this project and how it might serve to further the conversation on a pressing social justice issue and/or impact an underserved community.
• A draft outline of your proposed work plan, including a discussion of deliverables and outcomes.
• Whether your sponsor is a faculty member or a professional in a leadership role at a nonprofit organization or government agency.
• Whether the project is part of established, ongoing research or newly created.

Fellows

The fellowship has supported various students in their research and projects, including:

• Anna Workman, a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program, who conducted research on the potential role of the Model Minority Myth on teacher assessment of ADHD behaviors in Asian American children.
• Nandita Sharma, a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology, who addressed the field's need for more substantial empirical support in measuring aspects of psychodynamic therapy.
• Tasmin Neha, a Master's student in the General Psychology program, who investigated mental health risks and protective factors among South Asian young adults.
• Theodora Lowrey, a second-year Master's student in Public Administration, who explored queer migration and displacement.

Benefits and Experience

Fellows receive a $12,000 scholarship to support their projects and become part of a cohort of like-minded students. The fellowship is a great way to make positive change through actionable projects, receive financial and social support, and meet people outside the small universe of your graduate program.

Eligibility

The fellowship is open to all full-time graduate students at the Colin Powell School, regardless of major, GPA, or citizenship status. However, note that you need to have enough time remaining at CCNY to complete your fellowship. This program starts in the fall and lasts one year.