Apply for Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship 2026-2027 (Deadline: 30 January, 2026)

Fellowship Structure

Orientation and Training

• Fellows begin with orientation and field training in Washington, D.C.
• Training sessions introduce fellows to:
  • The Hunger Center’s Leadership Capabilities model
  • Core skills in research, advocacy, and community engagement
  • Strategies for connecting local service to national systems change

Field Placement

• The first five months are spent with community-based organizations across the United States.
• Fellows contribute to:
  • Research and evaluation projects
  • Community organizing and advocacy campaigns
  • Outreach and public education initiatives
• Placements expose fellows to diverse approaches to fighting hunger at the local and state levels.

Policy Placement

• In mid-February, fellows return to Washington, D.C. for a second placement.
• Fellows work with:
  • National organizations
  • Government agencies
• Focus areas include:
  • Anti-hunger and anti-poverty policy development
  • Legislative advocacy
  • Program evaluation and systems change

Skills and Professional Development

Throughout the fellowship, Emerson Fellows participate in:

• In-person trainings and retreats
• Professional development sessions
• Peer learning and cohort-building activities

Key skills honed during the program include:

• Policy analysis and advocacy
• Community organizing and coalition building
• Strategic communication and public education
• Research and evaluation methodologies

Addressing Root Causes of Hunger

The fellowship emphasizes that hunger cannot be eradicated without tackling its underlying conditions. Fellows work to address:

• Economic inequality
• Barriers to food access
• Systemic poverty
• Policy gaps in nutrition and social safety nets

By combining frontline service with policy advocacy, fellows learn to balance immediate needs with long-term structural solutions.

Application Timeline

• Applications Open: Thursday, December 4, 2025
• Deadline to Apply: Thursday, January 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST
• Program Duration: 11 months (2026–2027 class)

Applicants are encouraged to:

• Review the program overview for selection criteria, benefits, and expectations.
• Prepare application materials in advance, as the form does not save progress.
• Draft responses in a separate document before submission.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Emerson Fellows receive:

• Professional training and mentorship
• Hands-on experience in both community and policy settings
• Networking opportunities with leaders in the anti-hunger movement
• A strong alumni network committed to social justice and systemic change

Why Apply?

The Emerson Fellowship is ideal for individuals who:

• Are passionate about ending hunger and poverty
• Want to connect local service with national policy
• Seek to develop leadership skills in advocacy, research, and organizing
• Value being part of a cohort of changemakers

The Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship offers more than professional development, it provides a pathway to transform passion into impact. By combining community-based service with policy advocacy, fellows learn to address hunger at its root causes while building a career dedicated to justice and equity.

If you are ready to join a network of leaders committed to achieving Zero Hunger in the United States, gain skills, build connections, and make a lasting difference, this is your chance. Learn more and Apply.