Apply for PIFP
The Public Interest Fellowship Program (PIFP) offers paid fellowships for Colorado College students to experience the Colorado social sector while making direct impact on our communities.
Want to make a difference?
During their fellowship experience, Fellows explore work within partner organizations and complete projects that target growth and change in society while exploring impactful work in the public impact sector.
All fellowship descriptions will be posted below and in Handshake when available. You will apply for all specific opportunities of interest to you in Handshake. A separate PIFP interest, work authorization, & commitment form must be submitted directly to PIFP to complete your application.
Who's Eligible? The Summer Fellowship is open to all CC students. The Yearlong Fellowship is open to graduating seniors each year.
What Fellows can expect
- A built-in cohort of PIFP peers
- To be paid to work for social change in Colorado
- Intentional professional development with PIFP
- Mentoring with CC alumni
- To gain direct experience and make professional contacts for life
Application details!
Follow PIFP instructions closely to ensure your complete application is received by the deadline.
Use the PIFP Application to apply to each organization of interest via Handshake. Each application will include:
- Short answer essay questions
- Two references
- Resume
All Fellowship Applications will be due Thursday, March 4, 2027. You must also complete a separate PIFP Interest, Work Authorization, & Commitment Form.
Once your applications are submitted, you will complete a poll to indicate preferences for dates/times to complete a mock interview with CC alumni prior to potential PIFP Partner interviews. You will be assigned a time between March 24-27, 2027. Please hold all times you indicate as available until you receive your assigned 30-minute interview.
Learn more and get support
Information Sessions:
- Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2026, 1-2 p.m. Career Center Carriage House
- Thursday, Dec. 10, 2026, 4-5 p.m. Virtual
- Wednesday, Jan. 13, 4-5 p.m. Virtual
- Thursday, Jan. 21, 1-2 p.m. Virtual
- Thursday, Jan. 21, 4-5 p.m. Career Center Carriage House Garage
- Thursday, Jan. 28, 1-2 p.m. Career Center Carriage House Garage
- Thursday, Jan 28, 4-5 p.m. Virtual
- Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1-2 p.m. Virtual
- Tuesday, Feb. 2, 4-5 p.m. Career Center Carriage House Garage
- Thursday, Feb. 18, 1-2 p.m. Career Center Carriage House Garage
- Thursday, Feb.18, 4-5 p.m. Virtual
- Tuesday, Feb. 23, 1-2 p.m. Virtual
- Tuesday, Feb. 23, 4-5 p.m. Career Center Carriage House Garage
*RSVP in Handshake for all events
PIFP Working Sessions/Drop-ins:
Feb. 1-3, 12-1 p.m., 4-5 p.m. Career Center Classroom
*Stop by for questions and application support. No registration necessary
Applicant Interview Prep Sessions:
- Friday, March 5, 1-2:30 p.m. Career Center Carriage House
- Monday, March 8, 3:30-5 p.m. Virtual
2026 Fellowships
2026 Summer Fellowship Partners
The Arc Pikes Peak Region, Colorado Springs, CO (Fellowship Description)
Caring for Colorado, Denver, CO (Fellowship Description)
City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services; Colorado Springs, CO (Fellowship Description)
Colorado Children's Campaign, Denver, CO (Fellowship Description)
Colorado Fiscal Institute, Denver, CO (Fellowship Description)
Educating Children of Color, Colorado Springs, CO (Fellowship Description) -- re-posted 4/29/26, Apply by 5/15/26 for full consideration.
Flying Pig Farm, Colorado Springs, CO (Fellowship Description)
Palmer Land Conservancy (PLC), Colorado Springs, CO (Fellowship Description)
*The PLC Fellowship is funded by Charlie Campbell of the Heather Campbell Chaney Environmental Fellowship (HCCEF)
2026-27 Yearlong Fellowship Partners
Colorado Children's Campaign - Policy, Denver, CO (Fellowship Description)
Colorado Children's Campaign - Research, Denver, CO (Fellowship Description)
Fountain Creek Watershed District, Colorado Springs, CO (Fellowship Description)
Immunize Colorado, Aurora, CO (Fellowship Description)
"My PIFP fellowship with DSF was honestly incredible. I think the most rewarding parts were twofold: The organization is SO dedicated to the cause as well as to its staff member which made me feel truly valued and inspired. Secondly, the work itself and the tangible success and gratitude demonstrated by students were empowering. The model of being supported while also supporting others was a really great."
Mimi Smith (Denver Scholarship Foundation, 2018-19)
Contact Us
Director, Public Interest Fellowship Program
aculp@ColoradoCollege.edu
719-389-6310