Why Host Organizations Participate - Colorado College

[Participating in PIFP] has allowed us to expand our capacity at a reasonable cost. We have been fortunate to have hired very bright, committed and engaged students. They exhibited initiative and took on a number of tasks. Throughout their fellowships we have come to rely on them as if they were full-time staff. They have strong writing, researching and communications skills. They have all been first-rate employees.

–Rich Jones
Director of Policy and Research
The Bell Policy Center

"[PIFP fellows] enabled us to get to projects we otherwise could not tackle. For instance, last summer our intern compiled the results of an intensive survey on volunteer retention. She presented that information in a way that helped us to restructure and create a strategic plan to better use our volunteers."

–Trudy Strewler
Executive Director
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

Partnering to Build a New Generation of Nonprofit Leaders
In pursuit of long-term partnerships, CC’s Public Interest Fellowship Program seeks and encourages participation from nonprofit (501c3 or 501c4) public interest organizations:

• That address a significant social issue or issues
• That focus o n systemic change within society rather than on treating the symptoms of societal issues
• That are innovative and effective
• That can provide meaningful projects and learning opportunities
• That will utilize the skills of their Fellow in a way that builds capacity for their organization

How the Partnership Works
Prospective host organizations apply to the program (timeline and application form below), providing key information about their organization, including a detailed job description for the fellowship.

Once chosen as a PIFP Host Organization, nonprofits gain access to highly competent, committed, and energetic candidates who have studied on Colorado College’s unique Block Plan, which teaches students to explore and analyze subjects intensively, while working in teams with faculty and students to provide answers and solutions on short deadlines.

Each PIFP candidate is interviewed by PIFP to ensure a good fit for a fellowship position before he or she is recommended. Organizations are forwarded three or four pre-qualified candidates, which they interview before choosing a Fellow.

Summer Fellowships are 10-12 weeks in length (typically beginning in late May or early June). Host organizations pay the summer Fellow a stipend of $1000 per month.

Yearlong Fellowships are 12 months in length (typically beginning in late May or early June). Host organizations pay the yearlong Fellow a stipend of $20,000 for the year, including health insurance.

Limited funds to offset the cost of hosting a fellow are available from the program. Please see the application form for more information.

Important forms and documents

Program Timeline

Host Organization Application