Article
Urban Link
Fellowship in Urban Leadership: Apply Now
April 28, 2022
The Penn IUR Fellows in Urban Leadership program is now accepting applications for the 2022-23 year. The program provides a competitively selected cohort of outstanding Penn undergraduates with the opportunity to engage with and learn from high-level local and regional urban leaders drawn from government, business, and civil society.
“Our cities need the best and brightest leaders—both in the public and private sectors,” said Penn IUR Co-Director Eugenie Birch. “The Fellows in Urban Leadership program offers undergraduates a unique chance to see and hear what it takes to be an urban leader.”
Fellows will meet, engage with, and make lasting connections with leaders in Philadelphia and other metropolitan areas, “By shaping the program around small, informal group conversations, we are offering students a window into what it really takes to steward today’s cities and urban communities,” said Penn IUR Co-Director Susan Wachter, adding: “We designed the program to support Penn students in becoming tomorrow’s urban leaders.”
Fellows will attend monthly meetings from September to May beginning with an orientation session led by the Penn IUR co-directors. Following the orientation, Fellows will participate in off-the-record meetings with individual leaders drawn from the public, private, and civil society sectors.
“You get to meet with the most amazing people,” said Jenna Schulman, who is participating in this year’s program. “You get to sit in a room with them and pick their brains. They talk about their career paths, encourage us in our career aspirations, and show us that career trajectories aren't always linear… it’s been an invaluable experience.”
Admission is open to rising juniors and seniors from the four undergraduate schools at Penn. Outstanding rising sophomores may also apply. A committee comprised of members of the Penn IUR Advisory Board and the Penn IUR Executive Committee will select the Fellows. The application, due May 27, 2022, calls for demonstrated interest in urban issues, a short essay, a faculty recommendation, and a recent transcript. Finalists will be interviewed.
For additional information, please watch this introductory video and visit the Penn IUR website.
