Best and Brightest Management Internship and Fellowship Program
This program offers paid, hands-on internships and fellowships for students to gain real-world experience in Colorado local government management and public service, with a focus on developing future leaders.
Funder: Department of Local Affairs
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027: Mentoring plans due to DOLA Regional Manager for two-year fellowship participation (projected) | March 2027: Deadline to provide resume, cover letter, and application to Program Manager (prospective fellows) (projected) | March 2027: Students submit resumes, application, and cover letters indicating communities of interest (projected)
Funding Amounts: Graduate fellowship: minimum $57,000 (year 1), $63,000 (year 2) + $3,000 annual completion stipend; internship stipends vary by level and jurisdiction. Fellowship duration: 2 years.
Summary: Paid internship and fellowship program connecting students with Colorado local governments for public service career development.
Key Information: This is a forecasted opportunity—dates and details may shift; check the program page for updates.
Description
The Department of Local Affairs Best and Brightest Management Internship and Fellowship Program is a paid, in-person initiative designed to foster the next generation of local government leaders in Colorado. The program connects high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students with counties, municipalities, and universities across the state, providing real-world experience in local government management and public service. Graduate students participate in a two-year, full-time paid fellowship, while internships are available for high school and undergraduate students. The program aims to inspire public service careers, develop future managers and community leaders, and support rural and small jurisdictions with administrative capacity. Emphasizing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, the program serves as a pipeline for diverse leaders in Colorado’s local governments.
