HBCU Emerging Leaders Fellowship Initiative

In 2024, Mayor Brandon M. Scott partnered with Baltimore Corps and Baltimore’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) 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 one year 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. 

After successfully completing the year-long term, fellows can potentially earn full-time permanent positions within the Baltimore City government.

Eligibility Requirements

Who?
20 recent graduates from Baltimore City HBCUs.

What?
We’re looking for graduates with backgrounds in: Public Policy, Social and Human Services, Engineering, Data Sciences, Information Technology and Sciences, Communications and Writing, Finance, and Architecture and Urban Planning.

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 $51,500 annually with benefits
Fellows with Graduate Degrees will be paid at a rate of $65,000 annually with benefits

Stipends
Transportation stipends will also be provided

Program Year 
The one year fellowship will span from September 2025 through September 2026.

Program Components
Throughout the one year 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.

Co-Hort II applications are now open from March 10, 2025 through June 10, 2025.