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Prospective Organizations

Applications are available now. Click here to apply.

Below you will find information about the program and what you can expect as a partner organization. If you have any questions, please contact: Megan Everett (m-everett@northwestern.edu, 847-467-1367) or Ellen Knutson (e-knutson@northwestern.edu, 847-467-2139).

Fellowship Description

NUPIP Fellows are top recent graduates from Northwestern University placed at a Chicago-area nonprofit or civic organization for full-time work over a period of 10-12 months. Candidates for NUPIP Fellowships go through a rigorous screening process, which includes multiple interviews with Northwestern faculty, staff and alumni, and culminates with host organization interviews throughout the fellowship year. NUPIP supports weekly professional development and educational seminars, a mentorship program, and periodic networking activities. Host organizations commit to providing a modest monthly stipend, access to basic health benefits, and a small placement fee to help support NUPIP programming, the weekly seminar series, and professional development activities.

Why organizations participate:

• Skilled Applicants: Organizations access an exceptional applicant pool with: general training in writing, analysis, and research; a responsible work ethic; creativity; teamwork skills; and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Commitment: NU PIP Fellows are drawn from a competitive pool of outstanding students committed to public interest work.
• Screening: NUPIP narrows the applicant pool to 2-4 candidates who specifically match each organization's stated needs. The organization then interviews and chooses among the selected candidates.  Organizations are NOT committed to taking a fellow if they do not identify a good match during the interview process.
• Strengthening the Nonprofit Community: NUPIP offers the organization the chance to introduce talented newcomers to the nonprofit community. Additionally, NUPIP mentors, Northwestern’s network of alumni working in the public interest sector, and the educational seminars provide fellows with valuable skills that they can contribute back to their host organizations.  

NUPIP Provides:

• A motivated Northwestern graduate with skills and interests that match your organization's work  
• Weekly professional development seminars on a wide-range of issues for NUPIP Fellows
• A partnership with Northwestern University and access to intellectual resources offered by the University
• A Northwestern University alumni mentor for each NUPIP Fellow
• Access to a network of dozens of top Chicago-area non-profits and civic organizations through the community of Public Interest Program Fellows placed at diverse organizations throughout the area.  
• The opportunity to develop future leadership and a commitment to positive social change among talented recent college graduates (many of whom receive offers to continue to work at their host organization after the conclusion of their fellowship term)
• Support and consultation for NUPIP Fellows, organizations, and supervisors throughout the fellowship year  

Expectations of Host Organizations

• Pay the stipend of the fellow – typically ranging from $22,000 - $28,000 annually, including basic health insurance benefits (the stipend can be prorated for fellowships running less than 12 months).
• Once an organization selects a fellow, organizations are charged a placement fee of $1,000 to help support the recruitment and matching process and ongoing professional development programs for NUPIP fellows including weekly seminars, networking events, and the professional mentor program
• Provide challenging and meaningful work for the fellow
• Provide orientation and training specific to your organization
• Provide good supervision for the Fellow
• Fellows should also be excused for weekly seminars which are a critical component of the Public Interest Program
• Comply with the deadlines and procedures of the NU Public Interest Program

The Application and Matching Process

Applications for partner organizations are available online here and also as a pdf.  Applications can be submitted online, by fax, or by email.

February 15, 2012
• Host organizations applications are due

March 2012
• Host organizations are informed of matches and mailed application materials, interviews scheduled
• Matched candidates complete interviews with host organizations
• Host organizations extend offers to their top candidate

April 2012
• Candidates notify NUPIP and host organizations of placement decision
• Begin second round of matches (If necessary)
• Placed fellows return Letter of Agreement signed by fellow and supervisor

May 2012
• Host organizations and NUPIP Fellows (incoming and outgoing) attend Spring Reception

Between June and September 2012
• Fellows begin work at host organization. Fellowship must run at least 10 months. Start-dates and other timing particulars should be arranged between the organization and fellow.

September 2012
• Weekly NUPIP Seminar begins

Applications are available now. Click here to apply.

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