Baltimore, January 21, 2026
Baltimore City has introduced the Mayor’s HBCU Fellowship Initiative aimed at retaining local talent from Coppin State University and Morgan State University. The nine-month program offers recent graduates hands-on experience in city government roles, with competitive compensation and opportunities for career growth. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, this initiative addresses staffing shortages in local governance while fostering young professionals’ engagement in public service.
Baltimore Launches HBCU Fellowship Program to Retain Graduates
City initiative supports local talent and strengthens governance
Baltimore, Maryland – In an innovative move to retain homegrown talent and enhance local governance, Baltimore City has unveiled the Mayor’s HBCU Fellowship Initiative. This program aims to equip recent graduates from Coppin State University and Morgan State University with essential experience in city government roles, ultimately fostering a robust talent pipeline into public service careers.
Local government has often been challenged by the need for skilled personnel, and initiatives like this are a testament to Baltimore’s resilience in addressing workforce gaps. By drawing on talents from local universities, Baltimore can better serve its community and respond to the challenges that lie ahead.
Program Details
The fellowship will offer nine-month placements across several city agencies, including the Health Department, Finance Department, Housing and Community Development, and Transportation Department. Participants will benefit from:
- Annual Compensation: $50,000 for bachelor’s degree holders and $65,000 for those with graduate degrees, both packages include benefits.
- Stipends: A one-time housing transition stipend of $1,000 and a transportation stipend up to $500.
- Professional Development: Regular training, mentoring, and coaching sessions with city officials and HBCU alumni.
Program Funding
This initiative is funded through a $4 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). It aims to tackle staffing shortages in vital government positions while offering fresh employment opportunities for recent graduates. There is an avenue for fellows to transition into full-time positions based on their performance, providing a clear pathway for career growth within city operations.
Institutional Support
The initiative has garnered strong backing from the leadership of Coppin State University and Morgan State University. They are vocal supporters of the program, emphasizing its potential to enlighten students about opportunities in local government while retaining skilled young professionals right within Baltimore City. This collaboration is pivotal for both educational institutions and the city’s development trajectory.
Background Context
The fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has had a pronounced effect on minority communities throughout Baltimore, prompting significant staffing challenges within city governance. The Mayor’s HBCU Fellowship Initiative is a proactive approach designed to bridge the gap for HBCU graduates and bolster the effectiveness of local government agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Mayor’s HBCU Fellowship Initiative?
The Mayor’s HBCU Fellowship Initiative is a program designed to provide recent graduates from Coppin State University and Morgan State University with hands-on experience in city government roles, fostering a pipeline into public service careers.
Which universities are involved in the fellowship program?
The fellowship program involves Coppin State University and Morgan State University, both located in Baltimore, Maryland.
What are the compensation and benefits for fellows?
Fellows receive annual compensation of $50,000 for bachelor’s degree holders and $65,000 for those with graduate degrees, both with benefits. Additionally, they are provided a one-time housing transition stipend of $1,000 and a transportation stipend of up to $500.
How is the fellowship program funded?
The program is funded by a $4 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), aiming to address staffing shortages in critical government positions and provide employment opportunities for recent graduates.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The fellowship offers nine-month placements within various city agencies, with the potential for transition into full-time permanent positions based on performance.
Key Features of the Mayor’s HBCU Fellowship Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Participating Universities | Coppin State University and Morgan State University |
| Program Duration | Nine months |
| Annual Compensation | $50,000 for bachelor’s degree holders; $65,000 for graduate degree holders |
| Stipends | One-time housing transition stipend of $1,000; transportation stipend up to $500 |
| Funding Source | $4 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) |
| Potential for Full-Time Positions | Opportunity for transition into full-time permanent positions based on performance |
The Mayor’s HBCU Fellowship Initiative stands as a forward-thinking commitment to engage local talent and leverage the expertise of young graduates towards the betterment of Baltimore’s governance. As the city navigates the post-pandemic landscape, programs like this exemplify the power of community engagement and local leadership in creating a brighter future.
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Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
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