JMB Impact Fellowship

We’re reaching out to share some exciting news about a new initiative the Endowment is launching this fall – the John M. Belk Impact Fellowship program. Building on the success of the John M. Belk Scholarship at Davidson College and our belief that talent is universal but opportunity is not, the Fellowship will serve as a training ground for aspiring social impact leaders who are currently enrolled in community college, undergraduate or graduate programs in North Carolina. Students of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to apply, especially those who identify as people of color, members of the LGBTQ community, first-generation college students, and/or low-income students.

See attachment below for full opportunity details, how to apply and contact information.

Fellows will be placed at the Endowment or with one of our partners for a paid, 10-month engagement through which they will deepen their experience across a wide array of focus areas, build relationships with one another and with education leaders, and gain marketable skills towards future employment. We’ve attached a comprehensive description of the Fellowship to this message, which includes application requirements and instructions, as well as key dates for this application cycle and next year’s cycle. A link to the online application is available here, and the deadline is July 31^st.

Additionally, we’re eager to engage partners like you in this program, especially as we identify Fellows whose passions and interests align with your work. The Endowment will cover Fellows’ salaries, and our new Director of Equity Initiatives, Ramon De Jesus, will provide Fellows with ongoing coaching and professional development. Host organizations will commit to mentoring Fellows, developing meaningful projects that build their knowledge, skills, and networks, and supporting them in their day-to-day work.

Our friends at the Hunt Institute have graciously offered their support as we launch this new program, and their team is providing administrative and operational oversight for the first cohort of Impact Fellows. If your organization is interested in the possibility of hosting a Fellow later this year or at some point in the future, please reach out to Meredith Dixon, Director of Finance and Operations at the Hunt Institute, with a few specific examples of how a Fellow might engage with and contribute to your work. Meredith is also happy to answer any questions you might have about the Fellowship or the application process.

Commitment & Compensation

• Ten-month commitment, beginning August 25, 2020, through May 2021.
• Students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree should be able to commit at least 8 hours a week.
• Students pursuing a master’s degree should be able to commit at least 15 hours a week.
• Additional hours can be worked above the minimums listed above up to but not to exceed 29 hours per week.
• $15.00 per hour

Responsibilities: Exact responsibilities will be dependent on final organizational placement. Fellows should expect to participate in any of the following activities:

• Researching specific topics and policy issues to inform the development of materials and activities;
• Analyzing legislation, reports, and other documents and creating summaries and recommendations;
• Gathering and tracking qualitative and quantitative data;
• Preparing briefing documents and other supporting materials for meetings;
• Developing and/or maintaining the social media presence of partner organizations;
• Providing support at on-site or virtual events as needed; and
• Other duties as assigned.