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 Colorado’s organizations. 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 their time supporting programs and grant making work while 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.
An opportunity to take your career to the next level
Learn more about the Fellowship and from current and former Fellows.
Career Fairs
- CU Boulder: October 8, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- CSU Pueblo: October 9, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- UNC: October 10, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- UCCS: November 21, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Missed these university events? Sign up for a virtual information session open to all college seniors and career professionals.
- November 12, 1 – 2 p.m. on Zoom
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.
Schedule an Informational Interview
At El Pomar, we believe it is important to offer the chance for every potential Fellowship applicant to have a personalized touchpoint with someone in our organization. Informational interviews allow you to meet with a current Fellow to hear about their day-to-day work at the Foundation and their Fellowship experience. It is a time where you can ask questions about the application and participation in the program.
Informational interviews are offered virtually or at our offices in Colorado Springs. They are not mandatory for the application, but are offered for applicants to gain deeper insight into what your two years at El Pomar Foundation might look like.
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 work full-time for the Foundation, spending their time supporting programs and grant making work while participating in a comprehensive professional development curriculum. Some responsibilities include grant review and summary preparation, project management, community event planning, strategic program implementation, meeting facilitation, organizing civic leaders' convenings, strategic messaging and content curation, and more.
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
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