FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

At Drive Change, we are redefining what success looks like - proving that investing in young people of color, instead of locking them up, is economically smart at both the individual and societal levels.  

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Our next Fellowship application will open on February 16, 2026!Our next Fellowship application will open on February 16, 2026!Our next Fellowship application will open on February 16, 2026!
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YOU BRING THE DREAM, WE BRING THE TOOLS.

The Drive Change Fellowship is a three-month paid learning and skill-building program for justice-involved young people. Fellows gain skills to support life, workplace, and emotional well-being on their path to becoming agents of change. 

FELLOW COMMITMENTS

By participating in the Fellowship Program, fellows commit to Drive Change’s core values: 

EDUCATION

HUNGER TO LEARN MORE

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.

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HOSPITALITY

THE POWER OF CARE

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

PLACE TO EXPERIMENT

The Drive Change Fellowship is a place to experiment and make mistakes. Growth requires taking risks and learning from them.

INNOVATION

DREAMS COMING TRUE

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

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COLLECTIVE ACCOUNTABILITY

COLLABORATING FOR A STRONG FUTURE

You’ve got a dream, and we’ve got the tools. But the work doesn’t stop there — we collaborate on bringing your vision to life and by sharing in holding each other accountable for the work.

EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH SOCIAL IMPACT AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Without meaningful career opportunities, justice-involved young people remain stuck in a cycle of poverty, disenfranchisement, and legal system involvement. At Drive Change, we are committed to changing those statistics.

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DETAILS

Things to know before you apply:

The Fellowship Program is a three (3) month commitment, and you have 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 and cooking techniques
  • Food Handlers Certification
  • Financial literacy training
  • Interpersonal skills development and critical thinking
  • Access to therapy with a licensed therapist
  • Networking with other food and beverage industry leaders for networking and learning opportunities
  • Exploration of future career opportunities at Drive Change Foods

WHO QUALIFIES TO BE A FELLOW

  • You are 18-25 years of age
  • You 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
  • You are able to attend training Monday - Thursday 10am to 4pm for 8 weeks
  • During the final 4 weeks, your schedule must accommodate employer hours as you prepare to transition to full time work
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APPLY TO BE A FELLOW

Are you ready to change your life and take the next step toward a meaningful career in food and hospitality?

FOOD IS A RIGHT. COMMUNITY IS A GIFT.

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Drive Change has taught me the most valuable thing in life — that it's never too late to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

Brianna, Fall 2024 
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Take it seriously. Show persistence, work hard, and Drive Change will meet you with the same energy. If you commit to the program, it will change your life.

Jahssiah, Fall 2024
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Drive Change helps you navigate life and the workforce, teaching us valuable work and life skills. I’ll never forget this program, and 100% don’t have a single ounce of regret coming here.

Rafael, Spring 2025
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GOT QUESTIONS? WE'VE GOT ANSWERS!

Who qualifies to be a fellow?
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To qualify to be a fellow, you must be 18-25 years of age.
Have been detained, arrested, sentenced to jail/prison, or other alternative to incarceration programs.
 
Are there other requirements?
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You must be able to attend training for 8 weeks from Monday - Thursday from 10am to 4pm daily.  During the final 4 weeks, you must be able to accommodate employer hours as you prepare for placement.  Ideally, you would like to explore career opportunities in the food and hospitality industry, and you are interested in learning more about food justice and how it impacts our lives and communities.
 
Where does training take place?
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Our training kitchen is located in Bedstuy, Brooklyn, at 630 Flushing Avenue. The nearest trains are the J, M, and G.
 
Will I get a job after training?
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We work closely with our network of employer partners to place fellows who complete the three-month training and graduate in quality jobs.

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