APPLY TO BE A FELLOW

Our Fellowship Program is a dynamic learning experience delivered from our brand-new 5,000 square foot space.

Our next application will open on February 18, 2025!

Classes will begin April 14, 2025.

Drive Change is providing an environment that fosters self-determination; where young people who have been directly impacted by the American Legal System are empowered to exercise their resourcefulness, and become leaders in their communities.

The Drive Change Fellowship is a 3-month paid learning and skill-building program for formerly incarcerated young people. Fellows gain skills to support life, workplace, and emotional wellbeing on their path to becoming agents of change.We ground our workplace programming in the culinary arts, because we believe that hospitality can be a tool for social justice. 

what you should know…

In participating in the Fellowship, Fellows commit to Drive Change’s core values: 

Education: Oftentimes, the most impactful answer to a question is, “I don’t know.” The fellows who thrive come to the Fellowship with a hunger to learn more, and an excitement to have their minds changed. 

Innovation: The Drive Change Fellowship is a place to dream. Come here ready to be told that you CAN be something.  

Hospitality: We believe in the power of care - of hospitality - to create the social change we so desperately need in our world. We live this value as a daily practice of gratitude and generosity. 

Courage: The Drive Change Fellowship is a place to experiment, and make mistakes. It’s a place where every L is turned into a Lesson. 

Collective Accountability: You’ve got a vision, and we’ve got the tools. But the work doesn’t stop there - we collaborate on bringing your vision to life by sharing in holding each other accountable for the work, with an emphasis on the holding. 

 

Details:

  • The Fellowship runs for four (3) months with the ability to earn up to $7,000 upon completion of the program

  • Fellows are expected to be in attendance daily Monday - Thursday from 10am until 4pm

Curriculum includes:

  • Culinary training: Knife skills. Basic cooking techniques

  • Food Handlers’ Certification

  • Hospitality Professionalism training from Uplifting Leadership 

  • Also includes: Financial literacy training, interpersonal skill development, and critical thinking 

  • Access to psychotherapy with a licensed therapist

  • Networking with other Community Based Organizations for learning and volunteer opportunities

  • Explore future career opportunities at Drive Change

  • Trips & experiential learning in NYC (& beyond!) designed to spark imagination & curiosity

Who qualifies to be a fellow?

  • 18-25 years of age

  • Have been detained, arrested, sentenced to jail/prison or other alternative to incarceration program

  • You would like to explore career opportunities in the hospitality/restaurant industry

  • You are interested in learning more about food justice and how it impacts our lives and communities