The Oramenta Newsome Community Development Fellowship
The Oramenta Newsome Community Development Fellowship is a 10-week paid internship opportunity for graduate students, mid-career professionals and local DC residents that have expressed and exhibited a keen interest in community development.
The three goals of the programs are as follows:
Build the capacity of the community development ecosystem in the DC Region
Introduce young and mid-career professionals to the community development field
Honor the legacy of late community development pioneer and former LISC DC Executive Director Oramenta Newsome
Oramenta Newsome served as Executive Director of LISC DC for nearly 25 years. Throughout her life, Oramenta balanced a deeply rooted neighborhood orientation with a national perspective. She dedicated decades to making Washington, DC a global city that benefited neighborhood residents. Oramenta believed that all people want the same quality of life in their neighborhood – a home, a job, and access to resources and amenities.
By continuing to invest in projects and initiatives that help to balance the income disparity and promote equity and inclusion, we are one step closer towards realizing her vision for Washington, DC - inclusive, community-driven, and equitable. With this fellowship, we are creating a legacy and honoring her commitment to community development.
Program Background
The 2024 fellowship will have a place-based focus with fellows supporting local nonprofits in DC's Ward 8 and surrounding neighborhoods. This aligns with LISC DC's premier initiative, Elevating Equity, which is devoted to fostering equitable and inclusive development in the neighborhoods (Historic Anacostia, Fairlawn, Hillsdale, Navy Yard, Capitol Hill) surrounding the future site of the 11th Street Bridge Park. Fellows should have an interest in supporting affordable housing, economic development, sustainability, and safety projects in the D.C. region.
- Fellows are placed at partner organizations for 10 weeks at 35 hours per week in a primarily outward facing role
- Timeline: Summer (late May to early August)
- Fellows are paid $22 per hour (funded by LISC) for 35 hrs. per week.
- The Fellowship will be primarily in person with certain positions offering hybrid options based on the nonprofit partner.
- LISC provides fellows with a comprehensive experience that will include a tour of DC neighborhoods and history of DC, orientation, seminar series, mentorship program, and final presentation of their work. See more details below.
Eligibility Requirements for Fellows
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years working experience or in pursuit of advanced degree or High School diploma with six years related professional experience.
- Familiarity and/or working knowledge of community development issues including affordable housing, small business development, workforce development or economic development preferred.
Program Details
- Orientation - On the first day of the fellowship, a full-day orientation will take place.
- Seminar Series – Each week Fellows will participate in seminars and walking tours conducted by LISC Staff and/or LISC partners. Example topics include strategic planning, racial equity, economic development, creative placemaking, etc.
- Mentorship Program – Each fellow will be paired with a LISC staff person or board member that will serve as a mentor for the duration of the fellowship.
- Final Presentation – Each fellow will create and present a 10-minute presentation detailing the work they conducted during the fellowship, key lessons learned and takeaways for their professional development going forward.
To Apply: Applications for the 2025 Fellowship will be released in early 2025.
