UNCF K-12 Education Fellowship Selection Process and Timeline

Female walton fellow speaking during conference
What happens after you submit your application?

The UNCF K-12 Education Fellowship is a leadership and talent development initiative aimed at building a robust pipeline of high-achieving African Americans engaged in education reform in America. Each year, UNCF accepts applications from hopeful students who wish to be selected as a Fellow in the next cohort.

Click here to apply.
Submit your application by January 18, 2021.

Here is the timeline for the 2021 cohort selection process:

Phase 1: Application is open Monday, October 12, 2020 – Monday, January 18, 2021, 11:59 p.m. ET. The selection committee must receive your letter of recommendation by February 5, 2021. Letters of recommendation can either be submitted through the application portal or sent via email to: k12fellow@uncf.org.

Phase 2: Select applicants will advance to the semi-finalist round. Notifications will be sent to all semi-finalists by February 8, 2021. Semi-finalists must complete and submit a one-way video interview by February 24, 2021, 11:59 p.m. ET.

Phase 3: Select candidates will advance to the finalist round. Notifications will be sent to all finalists by March 12, 2021. During this phase, students will meet with a representative from a designated host organization and participate in the final screening process.

  • Host Organization/Fellow Matching: March 22 – April 16, 2021
  • Finalists will be matched with a host organization based on organizational fit and the student’s specific area(s) of interest in the education sector.

Notification of acceptance into the Summer 2021 cohort will be sent by April 21, 2021.

Program dates for the 2021 UNCF K-12 Education Fellowship: May 25, 2021 – July 31, 2021