The Illinois Early Childhood Fellows offers a program of outstanding opportunities to prepare Fellows for leadership roles in early childhood.

Fellows join leading public policy and systems change organizations in a variety of leadership positions. They take responsibility for significant research and action-oriented projects, both in their placements and in collaboration with other Fellows.
 
Learning opportunities include a seminar series, organized by Erikson Institute, with leading practitioners and community leaders, workshops on leadership and making change, and an individual expense allowance to support participation in conferences and professional development opportunities of each Fellow’s choosing. Fellows also gain experience in grant writing and reporting, project design and management, and other areas.

Top leaders from Illinois’ nationally recognized early childhood community serve as mentors. In addition, Fellows have extensive opportunities to network with leaders in the field – state legislators and other public officials, foundation leaders, scholars, and advocates.

Selected through a highly competitive process, Fellows serve for two years. A generous stipend supports their participation. For more on the Fellowship experience, see Fellows in Action.

Application for the third cohort of Fellows begins in January 2013. The Fellowships begin July 1, 2013.