Through the NCEDA Foundation Fellowship Program, graduate students gain hands-on experience working with economic development organizations across North Carolina. The program provides fully funded opportunities for Fellows to contribute to meaningful projects, build professional connections, and gain a better understanding of economic development in our state.
Host a Fellow in 2027!
The NCEDA Foundation Fellowship Program is moving into its next phase! Host Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) for the summer 2027 Fellowship Program will be selected by November 13. The fully funded program gives graduate students hands-on experience in economic development while providing host organizations with support on meaningful projects.
October 6 – 30, 2026: Host EDO Application Period
November 13, 2026: Host EDOs Selected and Notified
December 3, 2026: Host EDOs Announced / Fellows Application Period Begins
January 29, 2027: Fellows Application Deadline
February 2027: Fellows Interviews and Announcement
Mid-May 2027: Fellowships Begin
Mid-August 2027: Fellowships End
This annual summer fellowship is designed especially to serve underserved and distressed areas of North Carolina, while advancing economic development across the state.
Graduate students gain work experience and support our mission to create the next generation of economic developers.
Organizations receive additional staff to achieve clearly defined economic development goals in their communities.
Fellowships begin in mid-May and conclude in mid-August. Fellows work for 10 to 12 weeks, approximately 40 hours per week.
For students interested in applying, Fellows are expected to:
Be graduate students currently enrolled at a North Carolina university or college, preferably in economic development-related programs such as public administration, business, city and regional planning, or economics.
Complete a project developed by their host economic development organization, provide day-to-day support, and participate in learning and networking experiences.
Student benefits include:
A wage or stipend for approximately 40 hours per week during the contract period.
Complimentary registration and lodging to attend NCEDA’s Annual Conference (June) during their Fellowship.
Complimentary registration and lodging to attend the IEDC Basic Economic Development Course at UNC Chapel Hill
Work experience and a broader professional network.
For economic development organizations interested in hosting a Fellow:
Submit an application that outlines your proposed project and how the Fellow’s work contributes to your economic development goals.
All activities and wages associated with hosting a Fellow are funded by the Foundation.
Priority is given to helping underserved and rural Tier 1 counties advance their economic development through the additional assistance a Fellow can provide.
Interested in hosting or being a Fellow?
Reach out to Blair Kennedy.
