The Chi Family Fellowship Program aims to cultivate the next generation of nonprofit and social sector leaders. The Fellowship is a 3-month, paid summer position during which you will work with the Capacity Building Team to learn deeply about community issues, build organizational management and leadership skills, and gain the tools to become a civic or community leader. This program is geared towards undergraduate students or recent graduates with limited work experience.
Location: This is a New York City-based hybrid fellowship (mix of in-person and remote work). In-person days and remote days will be determined by the placement site. All placements will be within the New York metropolitan area, which includes parts of New Jersey.
Commitment: 40 hours/week
Compensation: $20/hour
Applications for the 2026 Chi Family Fellowship will open soon — stay tuned!
Meet Our Past Fellows
Simone Byun (2024-25 Chi Family Fellow)
UCLA ’24
Samuel Bae (2025 Chi Family Fellow)
Brandeis University ’28
Ga-In Lee (2025 Chi Family Fellow)
Smith College ’27
“Being a Chi Fellow has shown me the importance of working for the needs and concerns of Korean American, Asian American, and immigrant communities through community action, advocacy, and civic engagement. I’ve learned about policies, legislation, and issues that impact our community on a local, state, and federal level. Through the Fellowship, I’ve come to understand how necessary Korean American leaders and nonprofits are to strengthen and support the community.”
Sohee Wreen (2024 Chi Family Fellow)
Columbia University ’27
Fellowship Structure
| Week | Engagement |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Onboarding & Orientation
During the first week, you will develop your understanding of the nonprofit sector and the needs of the Korean American community. This includes opportunities to explore enclaves of our community that are impacted by KACF’s work. You will also be equipped with skills and tools to excel in any workplace, ranging from strategies to “manage up” to foundational consulting tools. |
| Week 2-10 | Placement
Matched with a KACF grantee partner, you will be immersed in the day-to-day work of the organization while designing and leading a project that supports its growth and development goals. |
Week 11 |
Final Presentation You will deliver a final presentation to be shared with KACF staff, family, and friends. The presentation will include highlights of their organization, projects they worked on, and learnings about the sector and themselves. |
Eligibility
Fellowship Requirements:
- Enrolled in an accredited 2 or 4 year college or university and recent graduates
- Proficiency in speaking, listening, and reading Korean
- Must be willing to engage in hybrid work based out of New York/New Jersey area
- Understanding of the Korean American culture and community and/or an interest in learning
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills that spans across both cultures and across first- and second-generation Korean Americans
- Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to think and act both strategically and tactically in developing and implementing projects.
- Self starter and able to work independently as needed.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including an ability to articulate and present ideas effectively
Our Hiring Process
Deadline to Apply: Applicants will be required to submit a completed application form and resume by January 30, 2026 at 5:00 pm.
First Round Interview: Following application submission, those selected to move forward in the process will be invited to a first round Zoom interview by February 13, 2026. These interviews will be a space for applicants to discuss their motivations for applying and goals for their time as a fellow.
Final Round Interview: Invitations to final round interviews will be sent out by March 21, 2026.
Offer: Following the final interviews with KACF leadership, offer letters will be sent out by March 28th, 2026.
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