DK Fellowship

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP:

For over a decade, the Donnell‐Kay Foundation has been working to improve education through a focus on policy in Colorado. As part of its mission, DK has established a paid fellowship program for smart, passionate, and reform‐minded individuals committed to improving public education in this state. In particular, we seek emerging leaders who will actively contribute to our mission of providing solid research, creative dialogue, and critical thinking in the education arena. 

The call for applications for the 2013-2014 Donnell-Kay Foundation Fellowship is now closed.

All DK fellows: 

• Develop a heightened understanding of education policy. 
• Assist with research and lead research projects. 
• Hone communications and advocacy skills. 
• Develop leadership potential. 
• Engage and interact face-to-face with local and national policy makers. 
• Expand network of professional colleagues. 
• Attend special events, meetings and seminars. 

Fellows spend a majority of their time immersing themselves in Colorado’s education system. The projects they undertake incorporate their individual interests while simultaneously advancing the research and policy priorities of the foundation. Exposure to a wide range of issues and complex policy problems deepen the fellow’s understanding of varying philosophies and policy angles. Ultimately, the DK Fellows gain great insight into Colorado’s education landscape and expand their professional network. DK staff work one-on-one with fellows to think deeply about everyday policy issues, with the goal of developing and strengthening their ability to think creatively and innovatively. 

Past fellows have worked on research projects related to early childhood education, the development of blended learning policy and practice, researching effective school models for students off-track to graduation, re-thinking school finance policy, and much more.

DK FELLOWS: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

(For current fellows, please look at bios for Rebecca Kisner and Yilan Shen on our staff page).

Former DK Fellow Shelby Edwards spent the 2011-2012 school year with the foundation while starting graduate school at the University of Colorado Denver's School of Public Affairs. She worked on a number of projects ranging from research on Alternative Education Campuses in Denver to the historical context of public pension reform. Shelby is now the Government Affairs intern at the Colorado Children's Campaign and is also serving as the Board Treasurer of Young Education Professionals - Colorado. On her way to graduating with her Masters in Public Administration in December 2013, Shelby will be spending several weeks over the summer in Uganda studying teacher training and preparation programs.

Hanna Nichols started as a DK fellow in the summer of 2011, working with the Colorado Children’s Campaign on its School Finance Partnership. Now the Campaign has hired her on full time as their policy analyst, continuing that school finance work and other education policy research. Hanna is a Colorado native, has a teaching degree from CU-Boulder and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the School of Public Affairs at the University of Colorado-Denver.

Former DK Fellow Amanda Skrzypchak spent the 2010-2011 school year with the foundation. She worked on a number of projects, including co-authoring a report “Blended Learning: Best of Both Worlds” and researching Denver Public Schools’ performance framework for multiple pathways schools. Now Amanda works as the Manager of Alumni Affairs at Teach for America Colorado, as she prepares to complete a master’s program in social work at the University of Denver. 

DK FELLOWSHIP ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST

• Applicants must have completed his/her B.A. Graduate students or those with advanced degrees are also encouraged to apply. 
• Applicants must have a strong interest in improving public education. 
• Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership potential, the ability to work as a member of a team, and the desire to learn new skills. 
• Applicants must possess strong verbal and writing skills. 
• Applicants must possess research and information‐synthesis skills. 
• Applicants should have a strong understanding of computer systems and programs such as Excel. 
• Applicants must demonstrate personal initiative, curiosity and determination. 

PAY AND CONDITIONS

• The Donnell-Kay Foundation provides a happy, fun, collaborative work environment.
• On average, each fellowship is typically 9 months, but is flexible given each fellow’s individual circumstance.
• Stipends for the fellowship will be based on experience.
• Fellows are considered Independent Contractors and will not receive any benefits.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

The call for applications for the 2013-2014 Donnell-Kay Foundation Fellowship is now closed.

Application Deadline: Monday, April 8, 2013 by 5pm Mountain Time

Interviews: Weeks of April 29th and May 6th

Selections: End of May

Start Dates: End of August / Beginning of September, but is flexible given each fellow's individual circumstance.

For these 1-2 fellowships, we anticipate receiving a large volume of applicants. Please contact Carmelita Galicia-Munoz with any questions.