A cooperative endeavor of the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, local jurisdictions, and the University of Colorado Denver Center for New Directions, the Cathy Shipley Best and Brightest Fellowship Program offers a scholarly introduction to state and local politics, together with professional development opportunities through hands-on experience as a paid governmental staff member in one of Colorado's small or rural jurisdictions.
While working, for example, as an assistant town manager, sustainability officer, or policy analyst, graduate fellows in this program also contribute to research on social, environmental, and economic issues facing small and rural communities across Colorado. The two year fellowship placement occurs while the student is also working toward completion of their Master's degree, in flexible weekend courses.
Fellows are compensated with a salary and benefits package, $42,500 in 2024 but proposed to be increased to $50,000 in 2025.
Fellowships are awarded annually to applicants who must already be enrolled in the CU Denver New Directions Master's Degree program, or who agree to enter that program prior to the fellowship beginning. Only three other master's programs in Colorado are eligible for these fellowship partnerships. The initial fellowship application is quite simple. Typically applications are due March 1 for a July 1 start date. Accepted fellows are asked to be prepared to fulfill a two-year commitment if they are placed with a jurisdiction. If you are interested in pursuing this fellowship, you are strongly encouraged to reach out to the New Directions Program Director as soon as possible.
“I owe everything to the New Directions Fellowship Program. I went from no experience in local gover nment to my first position as town manager in six months of my New Directions fellowship. As I grew as a professional, New Directions provided me with practical knowledge and tools to become a better manager and leader. 10 years later, I still use New Directions material to teach veteran gover nment practitioners."
-- Justin Clifton
City Manager, City of Sedona (AZ)