Check out our new 55er Tribute page to watch a special message from one of our 55ers and our tribute slideshow.
55er Tribute Page
A Year-Long Fellowship; A Lifetime of Leadership.
The Project 55 Fellowship Program is a competitive, interdisciplinary program that matches recent Princeton Alumni with social impact organizations for a year of community engagement and civic leadership development.
Apply TODaY!Becoming a Project 55 Fellow is a chance to explore a lifelong responsibility to building a more just, equitable, and sustainable society. Project 55 is a 12-month commitment* that offers Fellows formative experiences working with civic and community-based organizations. Fellows gain a greater awareness of critical social issues and a deeper understanding of their capacity to bring about change, as civic leaders, across all professions. Since 1989, more than 2,000 Princeton Alumni have launched their postgraduate careers from their leadership in Project 55.
Each year approximately 40% of our Fellows stay in their placement after their Fellowship concludes, and some have stayed with their organization for more than a decade. After completing their Fellowship, program alumni have continued work with their placement, started their own nonprofits, and built careers in the sector. They stay engaged with the network by becoming mentors and volunteers with their local area committees while connecting Project 55 Fellows with new opportunities.
Princeton AlumniCorps’ civic engagement philosophy is foundational to our unique administration of Project 55. We believe in empowering our Fellows to impact their communities by developing the knowledge, skills, and values needed to make a difference. As a Project 55 Fellow, we center you as a collaborative learner and leader in civic engagement and social impact.
*Fellows may receive invitations from their host organization to extend their commitment to a second year.
Princeton AlumniCorps delivers national civic leadership programming while local volunteers and alumni provide wrap-around support that prepares Fellows for living in their new community and transitioning into their roles.
Project 55’s curriculum is informed by over 30 years of program administration, contemporary community-engaged scholarship, and experiential learning that elevates Fellows as practitioners. The Project 55 Fellowship launches in May with our in-person Onboarding Retreat. The Onboarding Retreat is a mandatory, professional development day for all Fellows. Prospective Fellows applying for Project 55 should save the following date in their calendar and anticipate attending should they be accepted into the program: May 9th, 2025.
The program concludes with a virtual Civic Leadership Showcase in June 2026, where Fellows present their learning and leadership development from the year. Please note that these dates are subject to change.
Princeton AlumniCorps partners with nonprofit and governmental organizations from across the country to host Project 55 Fellows as full-time employees. Fellows complete high-impact, meaningful work that contributes to the mission of their host organization. Host organizations sponsor the salary and healthcare of their Fellow(s), and often extend to Fellows additional benefits such as paid time off, company technology, and travel reimbursement. All salaries and benefits will vary across each respective organization. Project 55 is a leadership development program in civic and community engagement and is not a money-making venture.
Fellowships generally begin between July and August, and Fellows must relocate and reside in the city area of their organization’s placement. At this time, Princeton AlumniCorps does not provide financial assistance for relocation. Should you need resources or support, please let our staff know. Some Fellows will have the opportunity to work hybrid or remotely depending on their organization.
To increase accessibility, Princeton AlumniCorps welcomes applicants to secure their own, independent nonprofit position and still apply to become a Project 55 Fellow for the leadership development, mentorship, and cohort-connection benefits. Please schedule a chat with Laissa to learn more.
Princeton AlumniCorps and the Project 55 Fellowship program encourage recent Princeton graduates to consider careers in the public and social sectors. Fellows are encouraged to see their work as part of a larger effort towards social change.
Mentors are instrumental in guiding their mentees through the exploration of potential career paths, offering opportunities to explore their city, and serving as a trusted source of personal and professional advice. Mentors serve as advisers, listeners, champions, guides, and advocates. Mentees are offered support around managing up, a soundboard for personal and professional challenges, and someone who can help them plan for their post-fellowship life.
Since our founding, more than 500 organizations have hosted Project 55 Fellows in locations across the United States. Most Fellows join a city cohort of their peers from the program. Project 55 has welcomed a fully remote cohort of Fellows who do not live or work in one of our following city cohorts:
Please note that the following dates and events are subject to change.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) status will be required. Candidates must obtain work authorization before their Fellowship start date.
Please reference the necessary materials you will need to submit along with the application form.
Should you have questions about the application and criteria, or want to learn more about Project 55, please schedule a chat with Laissa!
