This annual summer fellowship is designed especially to serve underserved and distressed areas of North Carolina, while advancing economic development across the state.

• Graduate students gain work experience and support our mission to create the next generation of economic developers.

• Organizations receive additional staff to achieve clearly defined economic development goals in their communities.

Fellowships begin in mid-May and conclude in mid-August. Fellows work for 10 to 12 weeks, approximately 40 hours per week.

For students interested in applying, Fellows are expected to:

• Be graduate students currently enrolled at a North Carolina university or college, preferably in economic development-related programs such as public administration, business, city and regional planning, or economics.

• Complete a project developed by their host economic development organization, provide day-to-day support, and participate in learning and networking experiences.

Student benefits include:

• A wage or stipend for approximately 40 hours per week during the contract period.

• Complimentary registration and lodging to attend NCEDA’s Annual Conference (June) during their Fellowship.

• Complimentary registration and lodging to attend the IEDC Basic Economic Development Course at UNC Chapel Hill

• Work experience and a broader professional network.

  
  

For economic development organizations interested in hosting a Fellow:

• Submit an application that outlines your proposed project and how the Fellow’s work contributes to your economic development goals.

• All activities and wages associated with hosting a Fellow are funded by the Foundation.

• Priority is given to helping underserved and rural Tier 1 counties advance their economic development through the additional assistance a Fellow can provide.

Interested in hosting or being a Fellow?

Reach out to Blair Kennedy.