Early Decision Candidates are applicants who accept their Fellowship offer and commit to the program before the standard application opens on February 1, 2027. In recognition of their early commitment, these candidates receive priority consideration when matching with Host organizations. 

Standard Decision Candidates are applicants who participate in the regular Fellowship admissions process and receive consideration for Host organization matching following the Early Decision period. Placement is based on candidate qualifications, interests, and Host organization needs.

For all applicants, the Candidacy Process includes fours steps:

• Application (closes May 17th, 2027)

• Screener interview (must be complete by May 28th, 2027)

• Reference checks (must be complete by June 11th, 2027)

• Final interview  (must be complete by June 11th, 2027) 

Candidates who are accepted into the Fellowship move on to Stage 2: Host Matching.

Fellowship Matching Process

Our matching process aligns each Fellow’s skills, interests, and goals with our Hosts’ needs and opportunities. This process is designed to eliminate redundancy (such as multiple interviews across Hosts) and avoid placing Fellows in competition for the same role. 

How matching works:

1. Match Curation: Civic Bridgers identifies potential matches based on candidate qualifications, interests, and Host needs.

2. Match Reviews: Fellows and Hosts are presented with one or more proposed matches. Both parties may accept or decline these suggestions before proceeding to interviews.

3. Interviews: When both parties agree to move forward, we arrange an interview to explore mutual fit.

4. Final Decisions: By agreeing to interview, candidates commit to accepting an offer from that Host if one is extended. Hosts may decline a candidate following an interview, but are limited to one post-interview decline per matching cycle.

Fellows attend an overnight, in-person, retreat-style orientation with their cohort.

Fellows launch into service at their Host.