This fellowship is not just about service, it is about bridging frontline community work with national policy advocacy. Emerson Fellows emerge with a deeper understanding of hunger’s root causes and the tools to address them at multiple levels.
Fellowship Structure
Orientation and Training
- Fellows begin with orientation and field training in Washington, D.C.
- Training sessions introduce fellows to:
- The Hunger Center’s Leadership Capabilities model
- Core skills in research, advocacy, and community engagement
- Strategies for connecting local service to national systems change
Field Placement
- The first five months are spent with community-based organizations across the United States.
- Fellows contribute to:
- Research and evaluation projects
- Community organizing and advocacy campaigns
- Outreach and public education initiatives
- Placements expose fellows to diverse approaches to fighting hunger at the local and state levels.
Policy Placement
- In mid-February, fellows return to Washington, D.C. for a second placement.
- Fellows work with:
- National organizations
- Government agencies
- Focus areas include:
- Anti-hunger and anti-poverty policy development
- Legislative advocacy
- Program evaluation and systems change
Skills and Professional Development
Throughout the fellowship, Emerson Fellows participate in:
- In-person trainings and retreats
- Professional development sessions
- Peer learning and cohort-building activities
Key skills honed during the program include:
- Policy analysis and advocacy
- Community organizing and coalition building
- Strategic communication and public education
- Research and evaluation methodologies
Addressing Root Causes of Hunger
The fellowship emphasizes that hunger cannot be eradicated without tackling its underlying conditions. Fellows work to address:
- Economic inequality
- Barriers to food access
- Systemic poverty
- Policy gaps in nutrition and social safety nets
By combining frontline service with policy advocacy, fellows learn to balance immediate needs with long-term structural solutions.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: Thursday, December 4, 2025
- Deadline to Apply: Thursday, January 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST
- Program Duration: 11 months (2026–2027 class)
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Review the program overview for selection criteria, benefits, and expectations.
- Prepare application materials in advance, as the form does not save progress.
- Draft responses in a separate document before submission.
Benefits of the Fellowship
Emerson Fellows receive:
- Professional training and mentorship
- Hands-on experience in both community and policy settings
- Networking opportunities with leaders in the anti-hunger movement
- A strong alumni network committed to social justice and systemic change
Why Apply?
The Emerson Fellowship is ideal for individuals who:
- Are passionate about ending hunger and poverty
- Want to connect local service with national policy
- Seek to develop leadership skills in advocacy, research, and organizing
- Value being part of a cohort of changemakers
The Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship offers more than professional development, it provides a pathway to transform passion into impact. By combining community-based service with policy advocacy, fellows learn to address hunger at its root causes while building a career dedicated to justice and equity.
If you are ready to join a network of leaders committed to achieving Zero Hunger in the United States, gain skills, build connections, and make a lasting difference, this is your chance. Learn more and Apply.
