Apply to Serve in United States

Atlas Corps Fellowship (USA)
Atlas Corps is an overseas fellowship for the world's best nonprofit leaders. Our mission is to address critical social issues by developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and promoting innovation through an overseas fellowship of skilled nonprofit professionals.

The Atlas Corps Fellowship is a 12-18 month professional fellowship offered three times a year. Fellows serve full-time at Host Organizations, develop leadership skills, and learn nonprofit best practices through the Atlas Corps Nonprofit Management Series training program and networking opportunities with other Fellows who are skilled nonprofit professionals from around the world.

• 2 or more years of relevant experience in the nonprofit/NGO/social sector
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• English proficiency (oral, writing, reading)
• 35 years or younger
• Applying to volunteer in a country other than where you are from
• Commitment to return to your home country after the 12-18 month fellowship

We consider applications on a rolling basis. To be considered for the September 2012 Fellowship, we recommend submitting your application immediately to be in the review process! Candidates who have already applied since March 2011 should NOT apply again; finalists from those application cycles will be considered for the September 2012 Fellowship as well. Due to the fast-moving nature of our selection process, we encourage applicants to check their email frequently for updates, otherwise they risk missing critical information or deadlines.

Application Process:

1. Online Application: All applications need to be submitted online. We will not accept applications via email or mail. You will need to create a login and you can save your responses so you can return to the application at any time. The application consists of background information, personal biography, essays, and letters of recommendation.

NOTE: In order to sponsor candidates to come to the United States for one year as a Fellow, we require detailed information about each applicant. The U.S. Government requires much of the information we are asking for in the application. Your responses also facilitate your Host Organization placement. Please answer each question honestly and accurately. It is critical to be honest and complete in your application. If you are found to be dishonest in the application, you will NOT be accepted as a Fellow and you will be sent home if you have been accepted.

2. Letters of Recommendation: Atlas Corps requires two (up to three) letters of recommendation from individuals who know you in a professional capacity and can write about your skills and experiences as well as your potential for success as an Atlas Corps Fellow. You will need to send your request for a letter of recommendation directly through the application system. Your recommender will receive an email that asks for a recommendation. More detailed instructions can be found in the online application form. Recommendation letters for September cycle are due by April 29th.

3. Review Process: Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee including Atlas Corps staff and nonprofit sector, government, and business leaders from multiple countries. English writing tests and phone interviews will be conducted with semi-finalists. Host Organizations will conduct Skype video interviews with selected finalists. Host Organizations will make their final recommendations to Atlas Corps, and Atlas Corps will notify the selected candidates.

4. Visa Process: After being selected, candidates will go to the U.S. Embassy in their respective countries to apply for a J-1 visa. Atlas Corps will provide support in obtaining this visa.

Questions? Email apply@atlascorps.org