New Sector Alliance’s Residency in Social Enterprise (RISE) program is an 11 month fellowship for emerging leaders committed to careers in social impact. The program consists of a full-time position at a host site nonprofit organization as well as intensive professional development activities and trainings in all aspects of the social sector. In addition to participation in New Sector’s Social Impact Leadership Curriculum, each fellow is matched one-on-one with a mentor, who provides valuable input to support host site project success, personal and professional development, career planning, and more. RISE fellows receive a stipend and benefits totaling roughly $30,000 in value.
This year, New Sector RISE has expanded to Minneapolis-Saint Paul, the “Twin Cities,” adding a new cohort to their existing programs in San Francisco, Boston and Chicago. Applications are now open for the Twin Cities cohort! To learn more about this extraordinary opportunity, we interviewed Allie Jones, a current RISE fellow in San Francisco.
1. What inspired you to apply to New Sector Residency in Social Enterprise?
I found New Sector’s model of professional development and training sessions paired with a capacity building project at a host site placement to be a great opportunity to explore my interest in the intersection between business and social impact. I had previously been involved in several roles in the social sector and wanted to further understand how to implement impact efficiently and effectively. Additionally, I was inspired by the New Sector cohort model and vast New Sector Alumni network, which is a true testament to the high quality of the fellowship.
2. What are some of the benefits of the fellowship?
The scope of my work at my host site, First Place for Youth, as a Policy Associate is to build the organizational knowledge about the impact of First Place’s programs and best practices for replication. A typical day at First Place for Youth ranges from researching policy initiatives to analyzing data with the Evaluation and Learning Department. A current project involves an internal data evaluation of how parenting clients succeed in program with a written report to contribute to the public policy dialogue on early parenthood and teen pregnancy.
One of the best components of the program is the cohort experience. Each fellow has their own host site placement, but we are able to come together weekly to discuss, learn and problem-solve any challenges we are experiencing with our projects or in regards to professional development. Each individual has unique experiences and backgrounds, yet we are united by a common passion for social change.
3. What application tips would you give to aspiring fellows?
New Sector Alliance is an exceptional opportunity for individuals committed to the social impact and want to grow as leaders. New Sector Alliance strives to include a diverse group of fellows, yet there are several key characteristics the program looks for in its candidates: humilty, comfort with ambiguity, an interest in intellectual challenges, a team attitude and ambitiousness. My advice to those who are applying to New Sector Alliance’s RISE program is to clearly articulate why New Sector Alliance is an important stepping-stone for a career in the social sector. Be sure to reflect on previous experiences and your future aspirations so you can be clear why New Sector Alliance is the best opportunity for your career path.
Allie Jones is a San Francisco Bay Area Residency in Social Enterprise Fellow 2013-2014 serving at First Place for Youth in Oakland, California. She received her B.A. in Environment, Economics, and Politics from Scripps College. Prior to her undergraduate studies, Allie served as a Corps member with City Year New York. In her free time, she enjoys running, gardening, reading and traveling.
© Victoria Johnson 2014, all rights reserved.