Make A Difference with the NYU Changemaker Fellowship

Funded by David A. Katz and Cecilia T. Absher, the NYU Changemaker Fellowship identifies and supports exceptionally talented and dedicated undergraduates who are committed to addressing issues of economic and/or racial inequality through a summer internship experience. This Fellowship supports those students’ career and leadership development by providing them with professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities in addition to financial support. Through a rigorous application and selection process, the Changemaker Fellowship awards grants of $5,000 each to up to 16 students working in unpaid summer internships focused on addressing issues of inequality. Learn more on how and when to apply.

Read on to hear from former NYU changemakers on their experiences with the program.

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The NYU Changemaker Fellowship gave me the opportunity to work towards economic and racial inequality through my summer teaching assistant internship. I worked at Breakthrough New York, where I gained valuable teaching experience that confirmed for me that I want to pursue teaching after I graduate. I learned how to apply culturally responsive pedagogy in the classroom in order to best support students from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. I worked closely with a lead instructor, observing her lead our virtual classroom and eventually planning and leading lessons myself. Due to the unique situation posed by the coronavirus pandemic, I learned teaching skills that can be applied in person or through remote learning. 

The Changemaker Fellowship supported my personal and professional growth as an educator through our monthly cohort meetings and one on one check-ins. I know that I would not have learned as much as I did this summer if not for these meetings. I especially appreciated the guidance on virtual networking, given that the entire internship was online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I built connections at Breakthrough New York that led to my continued employment at the organization and received guidance from my lead instructor about entering the teaching profession. I also enjoyed getting to know the other members of my cohort and talking with them about how they are working towards economic and racial inequality. It was so cool to see how we all approached these issues from a different perspective, and I am excited to see where we all go next!

The Changemaker Fellowship enriched my summer experience in ways that I did not expect. I applied because a friend of mine sent me the link to the application, saying that she was not eligible to apply but that I should. I encourage anyone interested in working towards social and economic equality to apply for this fellowship for financial support and professional development.

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Hi! My name is Sara, and I was part of the Changemaker Fellowship last summer (2020). As part of the fellowship, I learned about leadership, networking, and more skills to help me make the most of my summer internship and career. I also had the privilege of being part of a cohort that included three other students and a mentor from the Wasserman Center, Nia. This group was open, supportive, and incredible to learn from. I was inspired by the three other students’ meaningful internships, and I was grateful to have Nia as a mentor. 

To anyone considering applying for the fellowship, I would definitely recommend it. This is a great resource to help you prepare for your internship and career, and you’ll meet some wonderful changemakers and members from the NYU Wasserman team. 

Don’t miss your chance to become a Changemaker Fellow, where you’ll receive funding, learn from fellow students and a mentor, and have access to advice from Wasserman Center professionals to support your journey as a changemaker.