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 $5,000 stipend and summer housing.

Donations are always needed to support Fellows each summer. Please consider donating today. 

2026 Application is now open, due on

Monday, March 30th at 11:59pm

Apply here 

Verify Employment 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

     

  • 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 

Applicant Must:

  • Not be graduating in spring or summer 2026 (only open to continuing undergraduates);
  • Have already secured an unpaid non-profit or service-learning internship for summer 2026;
  • Plan to work in-person or hybrid schedule at internship position (100% virtual not permitted)
  • Have secured an 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