Frequently Asked Questions
El Pomar’s Fellowship program is highly competitive and sought after by emerging professionals, and as such, potential applicants often have questions about the program’s structure, requirements, opportunities, and what happens after the Fellowship ends.
Applying to the Fellowship
Applications for Fellows open in November each year. The recruitment process continues over a three-month period after the application closes in December. The written application includes submitting a cover letter, resume, and transcript. After you complete your written application, you will also be asked to complete a one-way interview and provide contact information for two recommenders. If you move forward in the selection process, you will then be asked to attend a Zoom Interview in early February. The final stage is an in-person interview at our Colorado Springs office. Offers are extended in March. You will be notified of your status after each round. We look for strong leadership capability and potential, the ability to work as a member of a team, an interest in public service or civic engagement, and a desire to contribute to the well-being of the people of Colorado.
We recommend that you ask someone who knows you well and can speak to both your leadership ability and work ethic. The strongest recommendations generally come from individuals who have a close working relationship with you (e.g. supervisors, coworkers, professors, advisors, etc.). When reviewing applications, the content of a recommendation is far more important to the Recruiting team than the recommender’s title, and we therefore encourage you to ask those who know you best academically or professionally rather than those who hold the most prestigious title. It is not recommended that you solicit recommendations from friends or family members.
Each Fellowship class is a unique mix of outstanding individuals with varying backgrounds, interests, and areas of study. While many Fellows come to El Pomar directly after their undergraduate studies in fields as diverse as political science, biology, creative writing, and business administration, others arrive with graduate degrees or after obtaining other work experience. We seek applicants who demonstrate strong leadership capability and potential. Ideal applicants are able to inspire others, contribute meaningfully to group efforts, and excel in a team-oriented setting. We encourage applicants to highlight their written skills, their ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, and their interest in public service or civic engagement.
Applicants who have a commitment to Colorado are passionate and knowledgeable about the state and its people and have an intention to serve the communities of Colorado.
We believe it is 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 22 months at El Pomar Foundation might look like.
Yes, you may apply if you are not directly from Colorado so long as you have a connection and commitment to serving the people of Colorado.
Yes. As long as you continue to meet the Fellowship’s eligibility requirements, we welcome you to apply again.
We seek curious, adaptable, and service-minded young professionals. Successful applicants demonstrate a commitment to serving Colorado, a desire to grow as leaders, strong communication skills, and a willingness to take initiative while learning from others.
During the Fellowship
The Fellowship begins in August and lasts for 22 months.
The cohort model is an opportunity to work and learn alongside other young professionals with similar interests and to provide and receive peer-to-peer support throughout your entire experience. This model allows Fellows to learn who they are as leaders and how to interact with other leadership styles. In addition, 2nd Year Fellows oversee and mentor 1st Year Fellows as they begin working on each of their programs.
Fellows work primarily in person at our office in Colorado Springs. Hybrid work arrangements are available with supervisor approval. Fellows should expect to work in the office for a minimum of three days per week.
If you’d like to learn more about living in Colorado Springs, click here.
As a Fellow, you have the opportunity to support multiple of El Pomar’s programs. Fellows rank their program preferences, and assignments are made by the Fellowship Program Leadership after considering Fellows’ interests, strengths, and program needs. As a result, every Fellow’s experience is unique. Each program requires you to use and develop unique skill sets including event planning, writing and editing, organizational management, research, meeting facilitation, and more. To learn more about what to expect as a Fellow, click here.
Each day is different. Mondays are devoted to various professional development classes and activities. The rest of the week focuses on programmatic and administrative work. This can include creating and executing project plans, writing and editing reports, monitoring budgets, planning action items, holding team meetings, and working alongside staff and Trustees.
The 1st and 2nd years of the Fellowship are structured to allow you to develop into effective leaders. The 1st year emphasizes the role of “followership.” 1st Year Fellows support El Pomar’s programs, and the leadership development curriculum is comprised primarily of classroom-style learning that emphasizes skill development and proficiency in managing your work. Fellows learn the art of delegation, influence, time management, managing up, and public speaking. In the 2nd year the focus turns to acquiring basic supervisory skills, peer mentorship, and building upon the skills and knowledge from your 1st year. All Fellows have monthly coaching sessions with the Fellowship leaders and in their 2nd year they begin to practice coaching with the 1st Years. Additionally, in their final four months of the Fellowship, 2nd Year Fellows spend one day a week supporting the work of another organization or business to widen their perspective before departing the Foundation.
In addition to learning on the job, Fellows are eligible for tuition reimbursement and certifications to continue their formal learning and professional skill development. As a Fellow, you will have an opportunity to be certified in Excel and PowerPoint.
Fellows also participate in a Colorado Outward Bound School River or Mountain course, which provides the opportunity to deepen cohort relationships and challenge yourself to stretch beyond your comfort zone.
Yes, through our Regional Partnerships program, Fellows are assigned to support one or two regions across the state. Regional trips typically take place quarterly and give you the opportunity to attend and facilitate Regional Council meetings and plan site visits to build relationships with grant recipients throughout Colorado. Learn more about what to expect during the Fellowship.
You do not work directly for other nonprofits, as your primary responsibility is to staff and manage El Pomar’s programs. You are encouraged to gain additional hands-on experience by serving on local nonprofit boards and supporting local civic projects on a limited basis. In the final few months of the Fellowship, 2nd Years have the opportunity to extern with a local organization or business of their choosing.
Fellows receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and accident insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, flexible spending accounts, childcare benefits, continuing education reimbursement, and more. Additional details can be found in the Fellowship job description.
Professional development is woven throughout the Fellowship experience. Fellows participate in training sessions on topics such as feedback, networking, business writing, grant writing, and other professional skills. The cohort model also provides continuous opportunities for peer learning and collaboration. During the second year, Fellows receive career coaching and job search support. In the final months of the Fellowship, each Fellow has the opportunity to complete an externship. This experience allows them to spend one day per week embedded with a community organization or business of their choosing, broadening their perspective before completing the Fellowship.
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.
Info Interviews are now closed for the Fellowship Class of 2024. The Fellowship Class of 2025 application will open in Fall of 2024.
If you have any questions, please contact recruiting@elpomar.org
After the Fellowship
Because the Fellowship focuses on leadership skills that are equally transferable across sectors, Alumni go on to make an impact in a wide variety of fields. Our Alumni work in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, and many Fellows capitalize on their two years of growth and work experience by continuing their education in a multitude of fields. Click here to learn more about our Alumni.