Why a Fellowship, and Why at El Pomar?
Giving young leaders an opportunity to grow and learn how to lead is critical to the long-term success of organizations in Colorado. In 1991, we created our Fellowship program for recent college graduates and early career professionals to support the pipeline of leaders in our state. As a two-year program, Fellows work full-time for the Foundation, spending 80 percent of their time supporting programs and grant making work of El Pomar and 20 percent of their time participating in a comprehensive professional development curriculum.
It’s a virtuous cycle that connects emerging leaders with invaluable, real-world work experience in the philanthropic sector, and prepares them to give back to their communities and become our trusted leaders of tomorrow.
Fellows provide hands-on support of the programs and administration of the Foundation, while engaging in a comprehensive professional development curriculum to accelerate their careers.
With a network of more than 300 Alumni, Fellows have the opportunity to connect with leaders throughout Colorado and the world. Alumni work across all sectors and remain connected to El Pomar long after their Fellowships.
We are headquartered in Colorado Springs, tucked at the base of Pikes Peak. With extraordinary access to both the outdoors and a growing urban downtown, a community of other young professionals, and a thriving arts and culture scene, it's the ideal place to launch one's career.
Two years dedicated to a lifetime of leadership
Two years go by quickly, but it’s the launchpad for lifelong impact. Fellows obtain invaluable learning opportunities and networking through direct exposure to Colorado’s philanthropic and nonprofit arenas, targeted professional development, peer management, program oversight, and connection with an engaged network of nearly 300 Alumni. It’s a winning combination to build the next generation of Colorado’s leaders and accelerate their career trajectories.
A Day in the Life of a Fellow
Fellows focus 80% of their time on direct programmatic work and 20% of their time on professional development. As program associates, Fellows work with the Foundation’s leadership team and staff to help oversee and execute the work of El Pomar’s leadership development, community engagement, and administrative programs.
programmatic work
professional development
Schedule an Informational Interview
We believe it’s important to be familiar with what a Fellow really does on a day-to-day basis and with El Pomar’s programs before you’re ready to apply. We offer the opportunity for you to chat with current Fellows about their Fellowship experience. Informational interviews allow you to get a better sense of what it might entail to apply and participate in the program. These informational interviews are not mandatory for the application, and we recommend them as a way to gain deeper insight into what your two years at El Pomar Foundation might look like.
We can host these conversations either virtually or at our offices in Penrose House in Colorado Springs.
An opportunity to take your career to the next level
Learn more about the Fellowship and what our Alumni have gone on to do.
What's expected of me?
While the Fellowship is a full-time position, it offers tailored professional development as part of the schedule in beautiful Colorado Springs, as well as a network of peers in a supportive cohort model.
- Recent college graduates or young professionals
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment
- A commitment to serving the people and state of Colorado
- An interest in improving and leading their communities
- The desire to accelerate their personal and professional development
Fellowship Alumni Network
The Fellowship Alumni network includes more than 300 leaders in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in Colorado and across the country. Alumni remain connected to El Pomar and each other throughout their careers, and support current Fellows through networking and mentorship.
“The Fellowship takes talented people and provides the opportunity to develop life-long friendships and networks within the context of real community impact.”
“The Fellowship empowered me to make a difference, continually focus on my development and leverage the power of a strong network. Gaining the skills and confidence to lead during the Fellowship set the foundation for my entire career to date.”
“The Fellowship changes lives. The relationships, the personal drive that I gained and the opportunity to start thinking about my personal vision certainly changed my life for the better.”
More on the Fellowship experience
Day-to-day responsibilities
Fellows focus 80% of their time on real-world, direct programmatic work and 20% of their time on professional development training and experiences. Some responsibilities include inbox management, writing memos, and attending meetings.
Living in Colorado Springs
As Colorado's 2nd largest city, Colorado Springs offers many benefits, including urban amenities, strong economic diversity, excellent education and healthcare facilities, and vibrant cultural experiences, while also providing unprecedented access to outdoor recreation (don't tell Denver) due to our prime location immediately adjacent to the Rocky Mountain foothills.
Fellowship Alumni
More than 300 people proudly hold the title of El Pomar Fellowship Alumni. Living, working, and making a difference all over the country (and frankly, the world), this extraordinary group stays connected, supports each other, and creates a beneficial network of peers. The distinctive experience of working in small cohorts on the Foundation's legacy programs fosters a bonded community well beyond individual classes.
Read more about our Fellows and their experiences
- September 19, 2023
- Fellowship
- September 19, 2023
- Fellowship
- September 19, 2023
- Fellowship