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

We are now accepting applications for the 2025 Chi Family Fellowship.

“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

Eligibility

Internship 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 March 1, 2025 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 March 3, 2025. 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, 2025. 

Offer: Following the final interviews with KACF leadership, offer letters will be sent out by March 28th, 2025. 

Meet Our Past Fellows

The Chi Family Fellowship is modeled after our successful 12-month Capacity Building Fellowship Program for Korean American young professionals. See what our past Capacity Building Fellows have said about how the program has impacted them:

“It had a profound effect in shaping the next phase of my career. With the skills and experience I gained through the program, I knew I wanted to stay involved with the Korean community. One of KACF’s grantee partners was looking for someone who could expand its health care program, and needed someone who could speak Korean and was well-connected to the community. So I joined the organization as a program manager to help increase access to free, quality health care for low-income Korean Americans in New Jersey.”

Sarah Park
KACF Capacity Building Fellow 2016-18

“I think for many immigrant parents and grandparents, the dream is for us to get out of the community and move on to better things and places. Through KACF, I realized that there was something for me to do in the community that I grew up in, so that it becomes a better place for all of us to live. I went into nonprofit communications because I saw that it was important for our community and our stories to be seen and heard.” 

Monica Lee
KACF Capacity Building Fellow 2019-20

“One of the draws of this fellowship is that you get to see work in the nonprofit sector through the lens of the foundation, grantee partner, and a consultant. This multifaceted experience allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the nonprofit ecosystem which is critical for creating a thoughtful and informed nonprofit professional. I loved learning about how people thought about their work, their future at the organization, and how they wanted to grow. Then taking this information and thinking about how to best utilize both their professional skills and their personal goals for the betterment of the organization gave me energy.”

HeeJae An
KACF Capacity Building Fellow 2022-23