Fellow Application: Emerson National Hunger Fellowship Program

32nd Class | 2025-2026

 

Thank you for your interest in the Emerson National Hunger Fellowship Program.



Before proceeding with this application, it is important to note, that this Form does not save before submission. None of your progress will be automatically saved, so it is recommended that you complete the questions on a separate document and complete the webform in one sitting. This PDF displays all questions you should assemble before beginning.


  • DEADLINE: Applications for the 32nd class of Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellows must be submitted by midnight EST, Friday, January 17, 2025.

 
 

Basic Information

 

NOTE: If you are submitting an application for each program (ZHI and Emerson) you will be considered for each one.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Phone
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Eligibility

 

Because the Emerson Fellowship is funded primarily by the US government to support the development of future US leaders (per federal authorization), the program is only open to US citizens and permanent legal residents.


Applicants who have received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) through the US Department of Homeland Security are not eligible to serve as Hunger Fellows at this time.

 

If you have not worked as a contractor and managed self-employment taxes before, we strongly recommend researching your contractor responsibilities under the law before submitting your fellowship application. We suggest starting with this information from the Internal Revenue Service.


Do you understand that as a contractor you will be subject to self-employment taxes and responsible for securing your own health insurance?

 
 

Hometown Information

 
 
 
 

Education

 
 
 
 
 
 

Headline

 
 
 
 

Skills and Experience

 
 
 
 
 

Language Skills

 
 
 

Optional Information

The Hunger Center does not discriminate on the basis of gender identity or gender expression, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or economic status.


In order to track the effectiveness of our recruiting efforts and ensure we consider the needs of all our Hunger Fellows, please consider the following optional questions.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Additional Information

 
 
 
 
 

Resume, Personal Statement, and Short Essay Questions

Please provide a personal statement and responses to the short essay questions per the instructions below. Do not exceed the page limits.


A completed application consists of ONE PDF document, three pages in length, that includes:


  • Page 1: A one-page resume;
  • Page 2: A one-page personal statement; and
  • Page 3: A one-page response to the short essay questions.


Please give your document the filename: Last name_First name_Middle initial and upload the file below.

 

Resume: Please include a one-page resume. Make sure your resume includes your email address and phone number.


Personal Statement: Prepare a one-page, single-spaced personal statement that addresses each of the following questions:


  1. What values, principles, and identities (race, class, gender, etc.) shape your interest in the Bill Emerson Hunger Fellowship Program?
  2. What qualities, knowledge, experiences, and skills will you contribute to your potential field and policy placements?
  3. How do you expect this fellowship to contribute to your professional goals?


Short Essay Questions: Prepare a one-page response to the short essay questions below. Your response for each question should be single-spaced and a half-page in length.


  1. Describe how your life experiences and community work have influenced your perspective on issues of hunger and poverty in the United States?
  2. Explain the role you believe the government plays or should play in addressing complex social problems such as hunger, poverty, and systemic racism?
Drop your files here
 
 

Submit Your Application