A ‘Don’t Miss’ Opportunity – New Americans Fellowship Applications for Qualifying Immigrants Are Due Feb. 10

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. – Qualifying immigrants who live, work or go to school in Santa Clara County are encouraged to apply for the New Americans Fellowship, a 10-week full-time leadership program that provides mentoring and career support for professional and personal growth. The application is available at www.sccoir.org/naf and is due February 10, 2023.

The program runs from June through August and comes with a stipend of up to $10,000. Individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, U and T nonimmigrant visa, VAWA, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), asylees and refugees who live, work, or go to school in Santa Clara County are invited to apply.

Fellows must be either students or have graduated within the past five years. There is no age restriction for applicants. It requires a letter of recommendation from an individual or organization about the applicant’s public service and leadership potential.

“We broadened the scope of immigration statuses to include many new arrivals, including refugees and asylum seekers,” said Milina Jovanovic, Immigrant Services Coordinator for the County of Santa Clara. “We know about all the struggles and insecurity that they experience in society, and they often have limited opportunities to engage in programs like this.”

Participants gain transferable skills and professional development from County leaders related to areas such as research, policy analysis, public communication, group facilitation, and project management. They are trained to serve as community ambassadors to improve and expand immigrant integration.

A story and video about success stories since the program’s inception seven years ago is available here.

Natali Zepeda, who is a Dean of Students at San Jose Conservation Corps + Charter School, credited her participation in the fellowship with giving her leadership skills and confidence to attain her position. She urged fellow immigrants: Don’t be afraid to take this opportunity.

“I know it sounds too good to be true,” Zepeda said. “But it is what it sounds like. It is a space where your status as an immigrant is what really shines in the room. Your situation, your experiences and the struggles you have faced – they are valued and it’s what they are looking for. Your story will make a difference.”

About the Fellowship

• 10-week program between June 2023 – August 2023.
• Up to $10,000 stipend to cover living expenses.
• Fellows’ projects for the 10 weeks typically require full-time commitment.
• Fellows work on research and/or community engagement projects focused on immigrant integration and immigrant contributions.
• Fellows are assigned to engage regularly and communicate with various County departments and County leaders during the fellowship.
• Mentoring departments and leading County staff provide mentorship support to fellows to understand the County’s Safety Net programs and to apply an immigrant community lens to all projects.
• Fellows gain professional development experience in the context of County government.
• Fellows engage in developing research and policy recommendations.

How to Apply

• Complete the application at www.sccoir.org/naf (deadline to apply is February 10, 2023).
• Provide one letter of recommendation from an individual or organization you have worked or collaborated with that can offer insight on your public service activities and leadership skills (deadline to submit recommendation letter is February 10, 2023).