Emerging Leader Fellowship

The Stoneleigh Emerging Leader Fellowship is a two-year, full-time opportunity that places early-career professionals within Greater Philadelphia organizations to implement discrete, high-impact projects focused on improving youth outcomes. Launched by the Stoneleigh Foundation, a private philanthropic institution dedicated to advancing systems change for vulnerable youth, this fellowship supports work in areas such as youth justice, education, health, and child welfare. The program is structured to build leadership capacity among Fellows while delivering measurable value to host organizations. Fellows engage in targeted project work, including policy and practice advocacy, applied research, narrative change, coalition building, and legal strategy. These efforts aim to transform how systems function to better serve young people. Fellows are selected for their commitment to social justice, organizational skills, and potential for leadership. Each Fellow receives a salary of $60,000 in the first year (increasing 3% in the second year), along with benefits and an annual professional development stipend of up to $2,500. Projects must focus on youth impact; those focused solely on direct services or lobbying specific legislation are ineligible. Eligible host organizations include nonprofit service providers, legal advocacy groups, academic institutions, and public sector entities such as local or state government agencies, school districts, and the judiciary. To apply, organizations submit an application form and a two-page project summary. Selected applicants are invited to submit full proposals, followed by a structured candidate recruitment phase. The process culminates in Stoneleigh Board approval after interviews with Fellowship finalists and their proposed supervisors. The Fellowship’s structure ensures that both the host and the Fellow benefit. Fellows are matched with experienced supervisors who mentor them, support their project development, and connect them with professional networks. Fellows also participate in monthly learning sessions, leadership development opportunities, and join a community of current and former Fellows. Past host organizations have used the Fellowship to expand strategic priorities, explore emerging policy areas, or test new approaches. The 2025–2027 Fellowship cycle begins in August 2025 and concludes in August 2027. The application timeline for host organizations began on November 8, 2024, with successive gates on December 6, January 17, and February 14. Candidate interviews and final selections occur between February and June 2025. Although applications are currently closed, the Fellowship operates on a biennial cycle, with the next expected application window reopening in Fall 2026. Projects must have relevance to youth in Greater Philadelphia, though statewide and national projects with local impact are also considered.

Candidates must be early-career professionals focused on youth systems change. Avoid lobbying or direct service proposals.