George Van Amson Fellowship

The George Van Amson (GVA) Fellowship provides support for Columbia University and Barnard College undergraduates to pursue an unpaid nonprofit or service learning fellowship during the summer. Fellows become part of a larger community committed to social justice, civic engagement, and experiential learning. Funded by Community Impact, Fellows receive a $3,000 stipend and summer housing.

Apply to be a 2023 GVA Fellow here. 

  • The GVA Public Interest Fellow works at a local NYC nonprofit organization in a project- or research-based internship capacity
  • The GVA Community Impact Brinkley Fellow will work at Community Impact on a self-initiated project or research that fulfills a specific organization need
  • The GVA Faculty Service Learning Fellow will assist a faculty member in the development and research of a service-learning project to be offered as part of a fall 2023 course
  • Respond to weekly reflection questions and participate in virtual discussion groups with Fellowship cohort
  • Attend two Professional Development training sessions over the course of the eight week fellowship period [Dates to be announced]
  • Attend Day of Action in July at Community Impact's Community Lunch program
  • Submit two employer evaluations, first at the midpoint, and second at the conclusion of the fellowship
  • Compose a final reflection project synthesizing the fellowship experience
  • Present fellowship project highlights the annual GVA Fellowship Showcase 

Information Session: Thursday, March 9, 2023 l 10-11am l Zoom. Sign up here.

2023 GVA Fellowship Application: Apply here.

Employment Verification Form here

*Application Requirements*

  • The fellowship is not open to students graduating in spring or summer 2023 (only open to continuing undergraduates)
  • Applicants must have already secured an unpaid non-profit or service-learning internship for summer 2023
  • Fellows must plan to work in-person or a hybrid schedule at internship position (100% virtual not permitted)
  • The internship must be a NYC based position. If the organization is a large multi-city non-profit or non-government organization, there must be an office in NYC

Applicants will be evaluated on the following criteria:

  • Impact of the organization on the community
  • Impact of the fellowship project within the organization
  • Impact of the project on the Fellow
  • the project's alignment with Community Impact's mission to advance the public good and instill the importance of lifelong service
  • Applicant's passion for the project and depth of understanding about how the project influences broader social change