Emerson National Hunger Fellows
Goes By: Emerson
Be sure to consult the Fellowship Website for complete eligibility and competition requirements.
About this Fellowship
11-month fellowship program to develop leaders with an understanding of hunger and poverty who will help find innovative solutions and create the political will to end hunger.
Each year, 16-20 participants are selected from around the country for this year long program. They gather in Washington, D.C. in August for a comprehensive orientation and field training, where they learn about hunger, poverty and social inequality in the United States, the local and national programs designed to address the issues, and the various approaches to social change.
Emerson Fellows are placed for the first six months with community-based organizations all over the country. Each host organization identifies specific goals and outcomes for the Fellows and provides the supervision and resources necessary to accomplish them. Field site partner organizations include: grassroots organizing groups; food banks; economic development agencies; city governments; food policy councils; and local advocacy organizations.
In mid-February, the Fellows regroup in Washington, D.C. to debrief and share their field experiences and participate in an extensive policy training to learn about national anti-hunger and anti-poverty policy work.
Fellows then work at national policy organizations (advocacy groups, think tanks, and government agencies) working on hunger and poverty policies at the national level. During their time in D.C., Fellows complete research, outreach, advocacy, and public education projects that support national policy initiatives. They also meet regularly for professional development trainings.
During the Fellowship, Fellows support partner organizations with program development, research, evaluation, outreach, organizing, and advocacy projects. Past field and policy placements have addressed the following issues: federal nutrition programs; child nutrition; racial equity; food justice; agriculture; public health and nutrition; emergency food; affordable housing and homelessness; and economic development.
Deadlines are typically in late January. Refer to the program website for exact dates.
Award Value
One-year financial support of up to $50,000 depending upon site placement, as well as training, mentoring, and leadership development, and entry into an extensive alumni network. Alumni are also eligible for tuition discounts at Carnegie Mellon and UVA when pursuing graduate degrees in public health or public policy.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirements |
Details |
| Year(s) of Application |
Senior, Alumni/Non-enrolled |
Minimum Grade Point Average |
3.5 |
Citizenship |
US Citizen, Permanent Resident |
| Campus Nomination Required |
No |
Last updated: June 8, 2026
Other Fellowships to Consider
FAO Schwarz Fellowship
Post-graduate experience for those interested in social impact through two-year placements with high-impact non-profits in NYC, Boston, or Philadelphia, along with professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Awardees receive compensation of approximately $100-110,000 over the two-year fellowship period as well as health insurance coverage and transportation funds.
$30,000 salary each year, $2,000 bonus upon completion, health insurance, and transportation funding.
Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship
Two-year fellowship to promote global food and nutrition security through learning and hands-on work. Cost-of-living stipend based on location, professional development funds, travel to and from placement in the global south, travel and lodging for trainings.