Office of Student Success | Colin Powell School
Office of Student Success | Colin Powell School
The Colin Powell Fellowship in Leadership and Public Service is a two-year program for undergraduate students who want to pursue careers in government, nonprofit organizations, and other forms of public service. It is particularly for students who immigrated to the US or whose parents immigrated to the US, as well as those who demonstrate interest in exploring social issues that impact African American and other underserved communities. The fellowship prepares you with the skills necessary to tackle issues of public concern. You acquire a broad knowledge of political institutions and the policymaking process, and learn about public service opportunities. Through seminars, internships, and professional development activities, you will explore methods of creating lasting social change.
If you’re interested in public service and can commit to a two-year fellowship, this opportunity is for you! No prior experience is necessary — just a desire to learn about and work toward social change.
The fellowship starts in the Fall semester each year.
Applications for the 2024-2026 fellowship are now closed.
2025-2026 fellowship applications will open in Spring 2025.
Each fellow will receive a maximum of $21,500 for two years. Fellows receive a $4,000 scholarship per semester for four semesters, fully covering in-state tuition and fees. You are also eligible to receive an additional stipend of $5,500 for a summer internship.
Students who are in the Macaulay Honors College or Excelsior Scholarship program will receive a $2,500 stipend instead of the $4,000 scholarship each semester. This is because your programs already pay for your tuition and fees.
Support comes from the Fulvio V. Dobrich New Americans Scholarship Fund and the New York Life Foundation.
Over the course of two full academic years, you are introduced to the key themes of the program: leadership, public service, and teamwork. The seminars explore a variety of pressing public problems and social justice issues; the foundations of policymaking; career paths in public service and the nonprofit sector; leadership and project management skills; and teamwork. You will meet guest speakers representing a variety of public service careers and issues. These seminars are mandatory for fellows and take place on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm during the fall and spring semesters. Each seminar comes with 3 SSC credits.
The first-year seminar is taught by Prof. Debbie Cheng and explores issues related to racial, economic, and social inequality. It is a reading and discussion-intensive seminar, offering a survey of critical topics such as environmental justice, US and global poverty, and social movements. We read works by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Stacey Abrams, Matthew Desmond, and Catherine Coleman Flowers. The seminar also provides professional development opportunities, enabling you to explore how you might address some of these issues.
The second-year seminar, taught by Prof. Nick Gulotta, builds upon the first-year foundation and equips fellows with the tools and techniques for collective problem-solving and public policymaking. Fellows learn about budgets, communication strategies, and advocacy methods, all in the service of addressing the issues you’re interested in.
We encourage you to participate in a summer internship between the first and second years of the fellowship that fits your goals, as well as those of the program. Full-time, unpaid interns who work for 300 hours at nonprofit organizations or government agencies can receive a $5,500 stipend. This stipend will be adjusted for paid or shorter internships.
Past fellows have interned at Rep. Adriano Espaillat’s Washington DC office, South Bronx Unite, I’RAISE Girls & Boys International, and the International Rescue Committee.
We emphasize professional development in the seminar by helping you plan for your careers, develop your resumes and cover letters, and network. We invite a range of guest speakers, including alumni fellows, to discuss what they do and how they got there. Fellows are also required to attend special events and networking opportunities.
Applicants for the 2025-2027 fellowship:
Please upload responses to the following questions through the application form. Write your name on all application materials.
Personal Statement: Tell us about your scholarly interests and experiences in college. What factors shaped your interests? What are your career goals, and how are they related to public service? Upload an essay that is between 150 and 250 words.
Essay 1: Describe an issue or a problem that you are passionate about. This may be related to a project that you participated in, or it might be an issue that you have yet to tackle. What are the root causes of the problem? What recommendations would you make to policymakers, organizations, community members, and/or other vested interests that might help address the problem or give you more information? Upload an essay that is between 500 and 750 words.
Essay 2: What are your career goals, and how are they related to public policy and/or public service? How do you think the Colin Powell School Fellowship in Leadership and Public Service might help you achieve those goals? Upload an essay that is between 500 and 750 words.
Recommendation Letters: You must provide two recommendation letters, one of which must come from a professor, although that professor does not have to teach at CCNY. Advise your recommenders to email their letters to cpsfellowships@gmail.com by the application deadline.
Alexa, a lively junior majoring in Political Science and minoring in Journalism, has always had a passion for politics since her childhood days of debating with politicians behind the TV screen. Growing up in a vibrant Latino household, fueled by her mother’s Colombian immigrant background, Alexa’s fiery personality was no surprise. As she matured, she empathized with her mother’s struggles adapting to the busy city, sparking her passion for advocating for migrants’ rights. Curious about the current migrant crisis in New York, she delves into researching related events. Post-graduation, Alexa aspires to be a Social Media Strategist, creating engaging content for political organizations or journalism-focused companies to engage younger audiences. This role will furnish her with a solid understanding of public opinion, crucial for her ultimate goal: representing immigrants and marginalized communities in the House of Representatives.
Alice Murphy is a junior at the Colin Powell School studying Political Science. She is originally from Cape Cod, where along the shores she discovered her passion for environmental justice and industrial decarbonization. Along with her studies, Alice is also actively involved with the theater program at CCNY and home. She is honored to be a member of this year’s cohort and looks forward to learning from all the mentors and other fellows.
Arfath is an undergraduate student in the Sophie Davis/CUNY School of Medicine BS/MD program, majoring in the Biomedical Sciences. She is passionate about the intersections of public service, activism, and medicine to raise awareness of healthcare disparities and advocate for marginalized communities. As a first-generation student, she aims to make medicine more accessible and equitable to improve existing standards of care and serve the South Asian communities she grew up in. Interning at a senior citizen call center fueled her commitment to empowering patients through narrative medicine, valuing patients’ unique voices and diverse stories that exist beyond diagnosis. On campus, she spends time at the Physicians for Human Rights Club, and the American Medical Women’s Association and engaging in rich discussions with her fellow peers. Outside class, she enjoys playing card games with friends, writing letters, and exploring arts and culture at city museums.
Aria Hossain is a sophomore double-majoring in Biochemistry and Digital Design. Aria immigrated with their older siblings from Dhaka, Bangladesh during her high school freshman year. They are passionate about organizing and social justice, particularly for low-income and undocumented immigrant representation in STEAM fields. Outside academics, Aria loves making digital illustrations and hanging out with her neighbor’s cat.
Arnab Joseph Gomes is a Bengali American, New York-based architectural designer, with a knack for creating purposeful, decisive moments that stem from interdisciplinary fields. As a 3rd year architecture student, Arnab strives to design spaces that are not just functional, but also infused with meaning and a sense of purpose. Collaboration lies at the heart of Arnab’s approach to design, as he believes that the most innovative solutions emerge from diverse perspectives and expertise. Drawing inspiration from the intersection of architecture, art, and engineering, he constantly explores new avenues to integrate these disciplines seamlessly into his work. His dedication to creating inclusive spaces extends beyond architectural principles to encompass an understanding of the complexities of policy and its profound impact on the lives of those who inhabit these spaces. Beyond his academic pursuits, Arnab enjoys delving into visual arts, films, and video games, finding inspiration and insight in their interpretations of life.
Crystal Minchala is a second-year student at CCNY. She is majoring in Anthropology and International Studies, and minoring in Women and Gender Studies. Crystal is a first-generation American with ancestral roots in Ecuador and is passionate about community development and activism. Through her work with organizations like Trinity Youth and Catholic Charities NYC, she has found a deep love for youth outreach and aspires to combine her interest in public service and community service to, in the future, create spaces that help foster creative, athletic, and academic outlets for underserved communities in NYC. In her spare time, Crystal likes volunteering at her local soup kitchen, learning the piano, practicing her French, and venturing into new parts of the city.
Crystal Abreu Canela is a highly motivated junior at City College, majoring in bilingual education. Having been born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Crystal possesses a deep understanding of the struggles faced by immigrants, especially when it comes to education. Her passion for public service has been ingrained in her since childhood, thanks to her family’s emphasis on community service. With her knowledge and experience, Crystal is determined to inspire future students to invest in their communities and make a positive impact. She firmly believes that to connect with people, one must first understand their struggles and hopes that through the Colin Powell Fellowship, she will receive the right tools to create a long-lasting change in her community.
Fuhad is an empathetic political science student who is passionate about helping others and creating positive change. In his first semester, he joined NYPIRG, where he tirelessly advocated for higher education funding and democracy by lobbying lawmakers in Albany for the New Deal for CUNY bill, and pioneering letter-writing events to increase voter turnout. He also became a senator in Student Government, where he passed resolutions and initiated projects to connect the student government with the student body and organizations like NYPIRG. As a regional campus organizer with Swing Left, he organized voter contact events to mobilize voters in competitive elections, and trained group leaders in NYC campuses to organize on their campus. In Spring 2024, he had an incredible opportunity to intern at the District Office of Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. He also became a Colin Powell and Watson fellow at that time. He is excited about a career in policymaking to lead change from a systematic level while continuing to be a grassroots activist for justice, human rights, and social change. He loves visiting nearby cities with his friends, having conversations with people, journaling, watching cricket, and listening to podcasts, especially about news, and politics.
Hubert Rivas is a junior at CCNY majoring in Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies. Hubert was born and raised in Honduras. He has an effervescent enthusiasm for political and social justice and advocating for immigrants’ rights. He has first-hand experience with the immigration process. He is on his path toward law school. Through the law profession, Hubert wishes to help others who have gone through the same immigration process and advocate for immigration reforms. Hubert has an incredible passion for football and is the vice president of the CCNY soccer club. He loves history and is a film lover. Hubert is also a literature enthusiast, especially for Latin American authors such as Jorge Luis Borges, Ramon Amaya Amador, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Kymani is a Biological Science major on a pre-medical track. He is a sophomore from the Caribbean Island of Jamaica, where he grew up for 16 years before moving to the United States in the summer of 2021. As a college student, he is interested in becoming an immunologist and helping Immigrants on their journey into this country. His motivation grew as he is an immigrant himself. Kymani enjoys going for walks in the park, especially under the stars, as well as doing sports such as taekwondo, basketball, running, etc. He also likes volunteering at places/events that may require help.
Mekhi is a political science major and is in his third year at City College. Starting his college journey in the fall term of 2021, Mekhi was initially an architecture major. It was during his second semester when he took an elective that focused on the built environment of New York City and the policies that shaped or harmed, neglected communities, where his career goals slightly shifted. Once wanting to be an architect who would use his design expertise to combat the legal and built injustices of the communities that resembled his own, Mekhi now is on track to becoming an urban planner to use the profession to bring forth social and economic justice to the communities that are often forgotten.
Roselyn Shuguli-Polanco is a sophomore at The City College of New York majoring in psychology. Born and raised in the Bronx and coming from a Dominican and Ecuadorian background, Roselyn discovered her passion for mental health advocacy early in her adolescence. This passion has only grown stronger throughout the years. She is also passionate about learning and advocating for underrepresented groups. In recent years she has learned about her interest in child advocacy. Roselyn appreciates nature and being outside such as going on walks, or playing tennis, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and reading. Roselyn’s positive mindset is essential to her, she believes it is important to remember that the sun will always rise again.
Sheniqua is a foster youth advocate, entrepreneur, and college student who is currently majoring in Political Science at City College. Sheniqua is passionate about supporting the goals of young people in foster care, both educational and otherwise. She is also an advocate for the Fair Futures initiative, co-founded the first youth advisory board at The Dorm Project, and has been a guest speaker for incoming college students in The New York Foundling’s tutoring programs.
Sofia is a junior at CCNY majoring in political science and double minoring in legal studies and philosophy. Born and raised in El Salvador, Sofia has always been characterized as an observant, curious, and creative individual. Her thirst for knowledge and sense of responsibility to shed light on what is wrong and unjust sparked her desire to become part of the Colin Powell Fellowship in Leadership and Public Service. Sofia is deeply passionate about racial justice, women, and LGBTQIA+ issues and is concerned with how the entrenched roots of systemic and epistemological discrimination continue to harm the lives of many. Sofia strongly believes in advocating for social change through the legal profession and aspires to attend law school to become a civil rights lawyer. During her free time, Sofia enjoys reading philosophy books, novels, and poetry. She also loves music, film, and art. She delights in doing people-watching, especially in a city as diverse as NYC, and is part of a volunteer group where she spends her weekends helping the community.
Tessa Cherian is a second-year student at CCNY in the Sophie Davis program at the CUNY School of Medicine. Tessa’s experiences in public service, especially in the public health sector, have engraved in her one of her greatest passions: a passion for people. As a future physician, she is dedicated to fighting for health equity and giving voices to those who often go unheard in healthcare. Through educating herself and interacting with her community, she hopes to advocate for a healthcare system that sees patients as humans, each with a unique story of their own to share. She believes that every individual deserves access to quality healthcare regardless of any factor. In her free time, Tessa loves to eat several New York City’s delicacies such as halal cart food, spend time with her family, watch Netflix, and play badminton.
Abram Morris is a public infrastructure advocate born and raised in Manhattan, New York City. He is currently studying in the 5+1 Architecture and Urban Design Program at the City College of New York. Abram is most interested in the intersection of design, architecture, land use policy, social justice, environmental, and racial justice. He seeks to deregulate the ways we use land in New York City and support neighborhoods to thrive in their image with the agency to self-organize. He hopes to make a career of bettering New York City’s infrastructure for the public good and investing in economies and projects that bring vitality to our lives in the city.
Amy is an undergraduate student in the Sophie Davis/CUNY School of Medicine BS/MD program, majoring in Biomedical Science. Fueled by an unrelenting passion for public service and advocacy, Amy is on a mission to drive transformative change in her community. With ambitions of becoming a physician, she is dedicated to championing a healthcare system that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, affordable, and accessible for all. When she’s not hitting the books, Amy is hitting the courts, playing volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse. She also loves spending quality time with her family and friends.
Billie Estrine is a senior at CCNY majoring in political science and minoring in English and human rights. Billie is a Colin Powell fellow, Jeannette K. Watson fellow, and legal studies scholar. She is interested in music’s history and culture, and the podcast No Dogs in Space helps her understand music as a social statement. She is also passionate about advocating for social justice, and journalism allows her to learn more about how music exists in a political and social context. Billie also hosts a radio show at City College, which led her, along with being a J.K. Watson fellow, to participate in a summer internship at WNYC with Notes From America with Kai Wright.
Danny Hernandez is a junior majoring in Political Science and minoring in Psychology. While attending high school in the South Bronx, he discovered the hardships and lack of resources that immigrant families face. Issues such as food insecurity and language barrier interested him, as these are the ones impacting his local community the most. Volunteering at his school’s BuildOn program and his upbringing as a first-generation Mexican-American, led him to work with his local organizations and government to provide food security and language resources for immigrant families. Danny strives to continue his journey within public service, ensuring immigrant families have readily available language classes and food security resources to acclimate them within the greater New York City area. He hopes to learn more about the culturally rich stories that surround New York City.
Jack Cameron is a student in the CUNY Baccalaureate Program for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies (CUNY BA), where he is pursuing an undergraduate course of study in social epidemiology and neuroscience. As part of the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy 4+1 Master of Public Health Program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, he is concurrently enrolled in graduate coursework in epidemiology and public health research methods. Cameron is an Eagle Scout of Troop 33 Hampstead and a Jeannette K. Watson and Thomas W. Smith Fellow. He worked for a time as an EMT in his home state of New Hampshire before moving to New York, where he is now involved in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a recitation leader for the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The City College of New York. He has research interests in neurodegeneration, neuroepidemiology, global health disparities, and medical anthropology.
Josue is a senior majoring in Political Science and Sociology. He is a New York City native and began to participate in conversations that were not typically discussed, sparking his social justice work during his freshman year. He joined the CCNY community for the Colin Powell School’s fellowship opportunities. He has been a part of the Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice Social Change fellowship and Mixner LGBTQ+ Equal Rights Fellowship and can take part in crucial internships. In his free time, he enjoys reading, live music, and trying cafes!
Louis is a cosmopolitan individual with a rich and diverse background. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in Mexico City, he has spent the last 12 years living in New York City, which has given him a unique cultural perspective and fluency in five languages. After earning an associate’s degree from LaGuardia Community College, he is now pursuing further education at the City College of New York, majoring in International Studies with a focus on Development and a minor in Human Rights. His deep passion for global issues and varied experiences promise to make a significant contribution to the world. In his leisure time, Louis enjoys rock climbing, reading, writing, and long-distance running and recently completed his first New York Marathon in 2022, demonstrating his perseverance, discipline, and commitment to excellence.
Monica is a double major in Anthropology and International studies in public policy. She is an upcoming senior in the 2024-2025 semester. She is passionate about public service and works around aiding and supporting underrepresented and disinvested communities, that have been historically disinvested from; as she comes from a community like such in her upbringing. She works hard to learn and navigate the world of politics and is looking forward to having more of a solid ground around public service work. A fun fact about Monica is she has a cute grey kitty named Monkey or Mr. Monkey.
Paula Rivas is a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science, and a minor in International Studies. She was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. Influenced by her upbringing in a diverse community and inspired by the struggles experienced by immigrants in the United States, Paula aspires to pursue a Master’s degree in international relations. Driven by a deep-seated dedication to social justice, she aims to contribute towards the development of fair and inclusive immigration policies that positively impact both individuals and communities, while providing essential support to those maneuvering through the intricate immigration landscape.
In their free time, Paula enjoys video editing and staying up-to-date on current politics. They also love to travel and explore new cultures, which has further fueled their interest in immigration and cultural exchange. Paula’s passion for cultural exchange and exploration was deepened during her study abroad experience in Korea, where she immersed herself in a different culture and gained a broader perspective on global issues.
Rafath Gnabode is a senior at The City College of New York, majoring in Economics with a minor in International Studies, and is expected to graduate in 2025. Originally from Benin Republic, Rafath believes in the power of economics to address and solve social and economic issues, and her academic journey has fueled her passion for serving others.
Her work experiences have been diverse, helping her develop project management and data management skills. As an Advocacy Intern at the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Rafath managed projects from start to finish, including writing a guidebook for newcomers to the United States. This role involved extensive research and collaboration with community partners.
Currently, she is an Economic and Business Development Intern at the New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Here, she assists minority and women-owned businesses in getting certified and connects them to opportunities that help grow their businesses. This experience has been extremely rewarding and has deepened her understanding of economic development.
Richard Perez, a senior at CCNY for the 2024-2025 school year, is pursuing a degree in Psychology with an Administration & Management minor. Born in New York City to a family from Cali, Colombia, Richard embraces his rich cultural heritage. As a non-traditional student, Richard returned to college after losing most of his vision eight years ago, overcoming numerous challenges to regain his independence. This personal journey ignited his passion for advocacy, particularly for individuals with different abilities. Richard aspires to attend graduate school to become a Clinical Social Worker, aiming to enrich and support his community. In his free time, he enjoys cooking international cuisines and staying informed through technology, business, and world news podcasts.
Samir is an interdisciplinary major studying systems of oppression and resistance perpetuated by colonialism. He’s interested in learning how arts and culture shape community building and political organizing. Samir is also a photographer and cinematographer with a passion for creating images with compelling compositions and colors. Samir hopes to use his academic experiences to inform how he organizes his communities to fight against systemic oppression.
Viviana Vasquez is a pre-health senior majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. Growing up, she always dreamed of helping others and positively impacting people’s lives. Her source of drive and dedication to public service stems from the relentless efforts and opportunities her parents have provided her. Their work and perseverance have given Viviana the courage to pursue a career that promotes inclusivity and ensures equitable healthcare for all, irrespective of their circumstances. Essentially, she aspires to actively collaborate with her Latin community in the mental health sector, aiming to increase understanding and acceptance of mental health challenges while reducing the cultural stigma associated with seeking mental health support, especially BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals. She is working towards her master’s at CCNY through the BA/MA CASAC Program.
After graduation, Viviana intends to work with nonprofit organizations and engage in clinical practice, with the long-term goal of obtaining a PhD in Clinical Psychology from CCNY. Additionally, she hopes to travel to her native country, Ecuador, conduct research in her homeland, and raise awareness about other significant issues like food insecurity and homelessness. Aside from avidly pursuing her professional career goals, Viviana is a huge concertgoer, spends time with her three cats, Toulouse, Tito, and Tina, and enjoys gaming with her cousins.
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