Applying to the Fellows Program in Public Affairs? Read this first

The Fellows Program in Public Affairs doesn’t just evaluate what you’ve accomplished: it evaluates how self-aware you are about it. As Coro California’s flagship leadership program, the Fellows Program in Public Affairs immerses fellows in real institutions and real challenges, and it’s constantly asking them to reflect on their impact. That same spirit of reflection should show up in your application. Here’s how to make sure it does.

Fellows Program in Public Affairs tips and best practices

Don’t try to be a “stereotypical Coro fellow”

Oftentimes potential applicants will (incorrectly) assume that there is a template for a strong Fellows Program in Public Affairs’ applicant: A California resident who went to a traditional 4-year college and majored in either political science or public policy. While that would describe some Fellows, there are just as many who don’t fit that profile. Potential applicants then try to tailor their applications to fit those parameters in their head or, worse, decide not to apply at all.

Each cohort is a diverse group of future leaders with different backgrounds, interests, and expertise. For example, take a look at this year’s Bay Area cohort and Greater Los Angeles cohort. Coro also values applicants with non-traditional backgrounds, such as STEM and arts majors. It’s also very common for Fellows to have taken a non-traditional college path, such as starting at junior college before transferring to a four-year institution or taking time off between high school and college to spend time in the workforce. Potential applicants shouldn’t take themselves out of the running or discount their experiences because they think it’s not a “normal” Coro applicant experience.

Recommendations are not an afterthought: They are critical to your application

Compelling recommendations make strong applications truly exceptional. For applicants this can feel especially tricky, since they won’t see their recommendations ahead of time. There are a few things applicants can do to get the best recommendations possible.

First things first, ask your recommenders as early as possible. The application is due after the holidays and your recommenders may be traveling and prioritizing seeing family and friends during that time. A last-minute recommendation request can easily get lost in the shuffle at the end of December.

Asking early is also an opportunity to have a candid conversation with potential recommenders about whether or not they can speak to your strengths as a leader in detail. While initially it may sting to have a professor or supervisor decline to recommend you, they’re actually doing you a favor. This is now a chance to find someone else in your network who can enthusiastically convey why you deserve to be part of the next cohort!

Come to a potential recommender with a specific story or example you’d like them to highlight, not just a request for a general letter. Also give them a description of both Coro and the Fellows Program in Public Affairs, so they can speak to the qualities we’re looking for in a strong candidate.

Tell a story in your essays about your candidacy

Strong applicants share common leadership qualities that Coro values: Curiosity, collaboration, self-awareness, ambition, honesty, and courage. Your essays are the best place to convey those leadership qualities and communicate to Coro how you will show up on day one of the fellowship. Ask yourself, do my essays show self-awareness and reflection? Am I being candid about areas for growth?

“Show” rather than “tell” how you embody those characteristics through a specific story that answers the essay prompt. Your essays should follow a clear narrative structure with a beginning, middle, and an end. Reviewers who judge applications are reading many, many essays in a short period of time. A compelling story is the best way to grab their attention and ensure they remember your candidacy.

Finally, have trusted people in your network review your essays to make sure that they’re presenting you in the best light and are authentic to who you are.

Honesty and self-awareness are key to a strong video testimonial

For your video testimonial, you’ll submit a 60-second video sharing one of your leadership strengths, a time when that strength wasn’t enough, and where you’ll need to grow as a Coro Fellow. To start, make sure your audio is clear and the video is well-lit. Do not read from a script, as it’s very obvious to the audience and can seem robotic. I recommend having a list of points you would like to cover next to the camera as a reminder but to speak naturally.

A common misconception is that applicants should paper over their areas for growth or try to spin a positive as a negative (“My problem is that I work too hard …”). This is both disingenuous to applicant readers and a missed opportunity to showcase self-awareness and honesty. Coro doesn’t expect perfect leaders to apply to the fellowship because perfect leaders don’t exist.

A few final words of advice on applying to the public affairs fellowship

Make sure your resume includes all of your professional experiences, even employment you may think is irrelevant to your candidacy. For example, working as a waiter while also a full-time student communicates that you’re able to juggle multiple priorities. Part-time jobs teach young employees how to work with people they may disagree with, remain professional in stressful situations, and commit to a schedule.

When it comes to academic transcripts, Coro California is looking for more than straight As. A rigorous course load with challenging classes conveys that an applicant is willing to get out of their comfort zone and push themselves. Application readers also note candidates who may have struggled initially in college but exhibited growth over time.

Finally, Selection Day for the 2027-28 fellows cohort will be on March 6, 2027 for Los Angeles and March 13, 2027 for the Bay Area. Both Selection Days are all-day and in-person, starting early in the morning and ending late afternoon. I’d strongly encourage you to hold both days on your calendar in case you’re invited to participate as a finalist at either location.

The application process for the Fellows Program in Public Affairs can feel like a lot: essays, recommendations, a video testimonial, transcripts. But none of it requires perfection. It requires honesty about who you are and where you want to grow. Show that, and your application will do the rest.

About the Fellows Program in Public Affairs

The Fellows Program in Public Affairs is Coro California’s flagship fellowship, immersing emerging civic leaders in the institutions, sectors, and challenges shaping California communities. Through professional placements, regional explorations, and leadership training, Fellows build the skills and networks to turn what they learn into lasting community impact — whether that’s in housing recovery, government, nonprofits, or beyond.

Start your leadership journey: apply for Coro’s public affairs fellowship

Coro California is currently accepting applications for the next 2027-28 Fellows Program in Public Affairs cohorts in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Written applications are due January 12, 2027. Apply today, nominate a leader in your network, or schedule a call with our team to learn more.