Mayor's HBCU Fellowship Initiative

HBCU over banner saying "Fellowship Initiative" with sponsors listed below: Brandon M. Scott; Mayor, Baltimore Corps, Morgan State University and Coppin State University 

About the Program

During Black History Month 2024, Mayor Brandon M. Scott partnered with Baltimore Corps and Baltimore’s two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—Coppin State University and Morgan State University—to launch the Mayor’s HBCU Fellowship Initiative, which will create a pipeline to careers in public service.

Historically, careers in government— whether federal, state, or the local sector—have been a springboard for economic mobility and stability for Black families. Public service careers have not only offered job security, but access to livable wages, healthcare, retirement, and homeownership. With this in mind, Mayor Scott partnered with Baltimore’s local HBCUs to create a fellowship program designed to connect recent graduates with careers in local government.

This nine-month fellowship will create a clear path for 25 recent HBCU graduates to pursue careers in public service while also filling critical vacancies within local government, as well as creating job stability and generating wealth for new professionals. 

Through this innovative experience, fellows will immerse themselves in Baltimore City government, exploring career paths within agencies and receiving real-time, on-the-job, hands-on training, mentorship, professional development, and coaching from Baltimore Corps. 

Fellows will receive competitive salaries and benefits packages, as well as housing and transportation stipends. 

After successfully completing the nine-month term, fellows will transition into full-time permanent positions within the Baltimore City government.

Eligibility Requirements

  • WHO?
    25 recent graduates from either Coppin State University or Morgan State University 
     
  • WHAT? 
    Bachelor's degree or graduate degrees with interest, education, or experience in public health and safety, engineering, nursing, and political and social sciences.
     
  • WHEN? 
    Applicable degree must be completed within the last two years. 

Compensation

Salary and Benefits

  • Fellows with Bachelor’s Degrees will be paid at a rate of $50,000 annually with benefits
  • Fellows with Graduate Degrees will be paid at a rate of $65,000 annually with benefits

Stipends

  • Housing Transition Stipend: one-time payment of $1,000 for rental assistance or downpayment assistance
  • Transportation Stipend: one-time payment of $500

Program Year 

The nine-month fellowship will span from September 2024 through May 2025.

Program Components

Throughout the nine-month fellowship, fellows will participate in:

  • Monthly Convenings
  • Immersive Experiences
  • Professional Coaching
  • Reflection
  • Skill Building

In addition to the full-time work experience within the selected agencies, fellows will have the opportunity to participate in monthly professional development sessions with Baltimore Corps.

Application Process

Fellows will undergo a rigorous application and interview process that will match them with city government agencies based on their interests, skill set, and needs of the agency.

Application portal coming soon!