Borough President Stringer's Community Planning Fellowship combines work in the offices of community boards with a seminar component that explores key issues in community planning. The program is designed to engage outstanding second-year graduate planning students in public service and to provide practical educational experience. Participating students have come from City University of New York ( Hunter College and City College ), Columbia University , New School University , New York University, Pratt University and Rutgers University . The program has a dual purpose: (1) to enhance the capacity of community boards to undertake planning activities and (2) to impart to the next generation of planners an acute appreciation of local government and the community perspective.  The Community Planning Fellowship is highly competitive and provides a unique opportunity for hands-on experience working with communities on planning issues. The fellowship also represents an excellent opportunity to inform thesis work and/or other academic assignments. 

Work Experience: Each fellow works at one of Manhattan 's twelve community boards. Fellows work 15 hours per week with board staff and its membership to address planning priorities. Fellows are engaged in a variety of planning activities depending on the wide ranging needs and priorities of the boards. Project assignments may focus on physical planning, policy research, problem-solving day-to-day matters or longer-term service delivery concerns, and public outreach activities. The fellowship carries through both semesters of the academic year.

Orientation: An intensive one-day orientation provides fellows with an overview of community boards and the planning functions of City agencies. The orientation is organized by the Manhattan Borough President’s Office (MBPO) with participation by boards and partnering schools. Fellowship assignments are based on students’ skills and interests and the specific needs of each board.

Seminar: Fellows are required to meet as a group at least four times per semester. The seminar component allows fellows to share experiences, to learn about community planning issues, and to obtain support on challenging academic, technical or practical matters presented by project work.  Guest speakers include professors, representatives from City agencies and staff of the MBPO.

Administration: The fellowship is coordinated by the MBPO in conjunction with the administration of partnering schools. Planning projects are designed collaboratively in advance by the MBPO and each community board. Community boards are required to provide sufficient supervision, suitable work space and additional resources as needed.

Requirements: Fellows are required to maintain a weekly journal of activities. End-of-semester evaluations by community boards and a faculty member or other campus mentor determine the continuation of the fellowship. Partnering schools may have additional requirements.

Compensation: Fellows receive a stipend of $2,500 per semester and/or academic credit.  The fellowship may be work-study eligible.

Eligibility: Potential candidates must obtain a recommendation letter from his or her program director or faculty advisor and meet the following criteria: complete two semesters of graduate work in urban planning or related discipline; familiarity with land use, demographics, local government and experience working with diverse communities; demonstrable skills in research, computer applications, policy and/or planning analysis; and excellent communication skills.

Application: Applicants must submit a cover letter, list of courses taken, resume and recommendation letter. The cover letter (no longer than two pages) should describe the student’s reasons for applying and convey their interests in community development and past experience serving communities. The letter should explain how the student expects to contribute to the community and what they expect to gain from the experience. All application materials should be e-mailed to fellowship@manhattanbp.org.  Selected finalists will be invited to an interview with MBPO staff.  

Click here to view the 2007-2008 Fellowship Annual Report.