Urban Fellows Internship Program

• Any person who is pursuing or has received a degree or certificate at a secondary academic institution, (i.e. Community College, University).
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the United States for the entire fellowship period.

Program Length

• 1 Academic Semester
• 1 Academic Year
• 1 Summer Session

Program Goals

The City of Buffalo/Division of Citizen Services Urban Fellows Internship Program is designed to introduce our region’s most talented college students and graduates to local government and public service, through hands-on practical learning experiences. This unique opportunity; available for one semester, summer or full academic year allows students to sharpen their skills, while discovering the many challenges that public government faces in addressing the needs and concerns of the public.

In the quest to stop the exodus of young professionals leaving the region, the mission of this initiative is to encourage current students to remain in the Region by engaging them within the various ancillary programs that work to improve the quality of life within the City of Buffalo.

This program gives many young people an opportunity to work in the fast-pace environment of the Division of Citizen Services.  This division is comprised of a number of diverse ancillary programs which includes the following:  Buffalo Weed & Seed Program, Call & Resolution Center, Citizen Participation & Information Office, Fair Housing Office, Office of Support Services, Save Our Streets Program and the Quality of Life Programs.

Each program has its own unique goals and work toward delivering services to the City of Buffalo residents.  By working closely with these programs, the Urban Fellows Interns will be acquiring valuable experience in the human service and governmental fields. 

Program Description

The Urban Fellows Internship Program aims to select the best and brightest future leaders to work in the City of Buffalo’s Division of Citizen Services. It is a comprehensive 8-16 week program that submerges fellows into city government, community involvement and civic engagement activities. Urban Fellows are extremely diverse and have various racial, socio-economic and religious backgrounds: increasing the perspective of contribution to the City of Buffalo each session.

During the internship fellows are able to create new and innovative programs and initiatives for the Division of Citizen Services. Urban Fellows have the opportunity to not only gain hands on experience co-managing city programs but also brainstorming new and innovative ways to enrich and make programs better.  The Division of Citizen Services believes it is important to immerse participants so that they may understand city government in all aspects, as well as take away practical knowledge from their internship experience.

Prior to beginning the internship Urban Fellows attend orientation. Orientation is a one day program to inform, familiarize, and answer any questions that fellows have about the program. Fellows are given the opportunity to share what their expectations are, and what they hope to take away from the internship program. The Division of Citizen Services believes that it is important that fellows understand the program and what is expected of them. This is achieved by touring the office and city hall, listening to guest speakers and allowing time for fellows to get to know other fellows, and ask questions.

Application

Although the Urban Fellows Internship Program does not have a minimum GPA requirement it is extremely competitive. To apply please email a copy of your resume and cover letter detailing your interest and why you feel that you are best qualified to complete the Urban Fellows Internship Program.
 

Applications are due:
Spring Session: January 15th
Summer Session: June 1st
Fall Session: September 1st 

Email:
William Donovan Intern Coordinator
Urban Fellows Internship Program
wdonovan@city-buffalo.com

Mail:
Division of Citizen Services
Urban Fellows Internship Program
218 City Hall, 65 Niagara Square
Buffalo, New York  14201

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many fellows are accepted?
There is a maximum of 8 fellows accepted per session.

2. What are the deadlines for applying?
Spring: January 15th Summer June 1st Fall September 1st

3. Can I still send my resume after the deadline is passed?
Yes, resumes will be kept on file for 1 year for future internship opportunities.

4. Will I be informed of the receipt of my application?
Yes, you will receive a email confirmation of your application receipt.

5. What do I need to provide when applying?
A copy of your resume, and cover letter

6. When will I be informed if I have received or been rejected of the internship program?
Applicants will receive an email before 1 week of the internship session beginning.

7. If I am not enrolled at a post-secondary academic institution, may I still apply?
An applicant can only apply if not enrolled currently, if they have already received a degree or certificate from a post-secondary academic institution.

8. Does the internship offer credits?
Yes, the internship offers credits; you must coordinate what information is required with your academic institution.

9. What kind of skills are you looking for?
Good academic and analytical skills, good drafting and language skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work well with others, and creative thinkers.

10. What kind of job will I be asked to do?

Potential projects include but are not limited to:

• Assistance in drafting and preparing official documents
• Attending and summarizing conferences and meetings
• Document, and internet research
• New programming research and drafting
• Evaluation of projects
• Compiling statistics
• Clerical tasks
• Presentations

11.  When is the starting date of the internship?
Selected candidates will be provided with an internship offer. All details will be in the letter (dates of the internship, name of supervisor).

12. Can I adjust the length of the internship to fit my needs?
No, the internship time is set to a two month minimum, completing at least 15 hours per week.

13. What are my chances of employment with the City of Buffalo after the internship?
The internship program is not related to employment with the City of Buffalo. There should be no expectation of employment within the City of Buffalo after an internship.

14. How do I contact the Urban Fellows Internship Program?
E-mail: wdonovan@city-buffalo.com