Our

Program




The BridgesNY Fellowship is structured around monthly convenings that rotate between in-person all day learning sessions, virtual evening deep dives and social and networking events with special guests.


In addition to these monthly events, this fully-funded fellowship includes a 2-day orientation retreat, a 5-6 day international trip and a trip to the Somos Conference in Puerto Rico. FELLOWS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND ALL EVENTS.


APPLY HERE

Mentorship & Networking

Each fellow is matched with a mentor with relevant experience and interests. Throughout the year, social and networking events will provide opportunities for fellows to connect not only with each other, but with members of our advisory council and current civic leaders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:


Learning & Development Opportunities: Our curriculum and events draw from guest speakers and experts in the field of politics, media, NYC history, policy and transformative leadership. Topics may include:


  • Communications: Storytelling & Narratives


  • Intergenerational Dialogue


  • Building & Managing Campaign Staff


  • Coalition Building & Organizing


  • Interfaith and Intergroup Community Building


  • Hate Crimes: NYC History and Responses
  • Conflict, Mediation and Negotiation


  • Understanding Power Centers in NYC Government


  • Ethics in Politics


  • Small Business Perspectives & MWBE’s


  • Zoning, Housing and Development


  • Climate Change & Sustainability


Developing Meaningful Relationships

All events will include opportunities to connect, reflect and learn from each other. The fellowship will launch with an orientation retreat and includes a 5-6-day international trip and a 4-day trip to the Somos Conference in Puerto Rico.


Deep Dives are virtual workshops focused on a specific topic . Past topics have included “Getting things done in City Government,” “So you want to run for office?” and “Understanding and Addressing Toxic Polarity.”   


Learning Sessions are full day in person “mini-conferences” involving guest speakers, panel discussions, site visits and action planning. Past topics have included, building interfaith and intergenerational dialogue, facilitating dialogue and rejecting bias, addressing the intertwined challenges of affordable housing and climate change and leveraging power centers in NYC to create change. 


Social Events  include food, drinks and opportunities to interact and connect informally with other fellows and special guests!

Attendance at all events and trips is required in order to participate in the fellowship.  Applicants will be asked to submit a “letter of support” from their employer.


Who Should Apply?


  • BridgesNY Fellows are current government, public policy or advocacy professionals serving populations in New York City.


  • BridgesNY Fellows have demonstrated a commitment to supporting communities in New York City and are interested in running for public office.


  • Applications for the 2026 Cohort open April 15, 2026 (for a July start date). Candidates must submit a completed application, including a resume, responses to 3 brief essay questions (including a short video),  and a letter of support from their current supervisor by May 15, 2026.




APPLY HERE