About the Fellowships

The SkillsRI AmeriCorps Fellowship is a year-round experiential learning opportunity for Rhode Island College and Johnson and Wales University college students in good standing. Fellows gain hands-on experience, connect academic learning to real-world expectations, receive professional development training, and build skills aligned with their field of interest. 

Fellows who complete the 900-hour service term (September 2026 – August 2027) receive a $16,200 living allowance and a $3,697.50 Segal Education Award. 

Participants serve in one of four capacity-building tracks: Economic Mobility Accounting, Economic Mobility Marketing, Economic Mobility Legal, or  PrepareRI.

Economic Mobility Fellow (Accounting)

The Economic Mobility Accounting Fellow at the SkillsRI HUB supports local nonprofits, unincorporated microbusinesses, and early-stage entrepreneurs with financial literacy, bookkeeping, and administrative tasks. Working with the HUB’s Finance & Accounting Lead, the Fellow helps clients understand core business finance concepts and organize financial records using simple tools and templates. The Fellow also helps create financial literacy guides, templates, and workshop materials.

Economic Mobility Fellow (Marketing)

The Economic Mobility Marketing Fellow supports local nonprofits, unincorporated microbusinesses, and early-stage entrepreneurs—especially those from low-income, underserved, and immigrant communities. The Fellow helps reduce marketing and digital literacy barriers by assisting with branding, social media, content creation, and customer engagement.

Economic Mobility Fellow (Legal)

The Economic Mobility Legal Fellow supports nonprofits, unincorporated microbusiness and early-stage entrepreneurs —especially those from low-income, underserved, and immigrant communities. The Fellow helps reduce barriers to self-employment by providing legal research, compliance support, and resource navigation.

PrepareRI Fellow

The PrepareRI Fellow supports college and career readiness for middle and high school students through SkillsRI’s statewide youth workforce programs. Fellows contribute to key initiatives including the PrepareRI High School Internship Program, Accelerate Pawtucket, Skills for the Future, and SpringpodRI, expanding exposure and pathways for students—especially those from underserved communities. In this role, Fellows help students build durable skills, explore career interests, prepare for work-based learning, and navigate post-secondary educational options.

To learn more about the program before you apply, please contact Tracy Duffaut at SkillsRI at 401-680-5957 OR email alumniservices@skillsforri.com and ask about the SkillsRI AmeriCorps Fellowship Program.

Fellowship Eligibility Requirements

Must be a college student in good standing attending Rhode Island College or Johnson & Wales University.
Must complete the SkillsRI AmeriCorps Program Online Application
Be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
Must be available to complete screening/vetting process – Application, interview, background checks, and Mandatory Ready. Set. Serve! Orientation – August 3-7, 2026
Must satisfactorily pass the National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC).
Must commit to the full AmeriCorps service term (August 3 – July 30, 2027) and meet the required 900 hours.
Passion for helping nonprofits and unincorporated businesses, and early-stage entrepreneurs understand basic business systems and build long-term stability.
Must adhere to AmeriCorps, SkillsRI, and HUB standards of conduct and confidentiality.
Must demonstrate a willingness to learn, adapt, and apply professional feedback.
Must commit to completing 900 hours by July 30, 2027.
Must be flexible and able to work with a team.

Application & Program Timeline

July 1, 2026: Application OPENS 
July 24, 2026: SkillsRI AmeriCorps Fellowship Application DUE by 11:59 PM. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
July 8 – 20, 2026: Notification to attend an interview session will be sent to students selected to advance in the application process. 
July 8 – July 24, 2026: Prospective Fellows complete onboarding requirements (Background Checks, Member Service Agreement, Payroll Registration, and other HR related forms and tasks)  
August 3 -7, 2026: Complete Ready.Set.Serve! Orientation

Essay Questions

Why are you interested in serving as an AmeriCorps Fellow, and what draws you to this program in particular? Please describe your interest in community service and how this fellowship aligns with your values or goals.

AmeriCorps Fellows often serve individuals and communities that face systemic barriers to opportunity.

Describe an experience (academic, work, volunteer, or personal) that shaped your understanding of equity, access, or community needs.

What skills, experiences, or strengths would you bring to this fellowship?

These may include communication, organization, leadership, teamwork, technology, mentoring, or learning new systems. Please provide examples.

What do you hope to gain from this AmeriCorps fellowship experience?

Describe the skills, knowledge, or perspectives you hope to develop and how this experience may support your academic or career goals.

AmeriCorps service requires reliability, professionalism, and follow-through.

Describe a time you had to manage multiple responsibilities or meet a long-term commitment. How did you stay accountable?

Online Application

The SkillsRI AmeriCorps Fellowship Application must be completed online. Click here to complete: SkillsRI AmeriCorps Fellowship Application

Applications will only be accepted online; paper applications will NOT be accepted.

If you have any trouble saving or submitting your application, please contact Tracy Duffaut (SkillsRI) at 401-680-5957 or alumniservices@skillsforri.com.

SkillsRI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and program provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TTY via RI Relay 711. Language access services in your preferred language can be provided at no cost to you. Contact Tracy Duffaut at (401) 680-5957 or alumniservices@skillsforri.com for assistance in the translation and understanding of the information in this document.

Let's get to know you!

First Name

Middle Initial

Last Name

Date of Birth

Home Address

Home City

State

Home Zip Code

Best way to reach you?

Preferred method of contact

Cell Phone

E-mail Address

Demographics

We ask the following questions only because they are required for federal reporting. Your answers will not affect your eligibility for this program. Sharing this information helps us show that Accelerate Pawtucket is reaching and supporting all members of our community.

Gender

Race

Ethnicity

Primary Language Spoken

Secondary Language Spoken

Your Education Journey

Are you currently enrolled in school?

YesNo

Name of School

Declared Major

Expected Graduation Date

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

Your Employment Journey

What's your current employment status?

AmeriCorps Interest

Which of the four service tracks are you interested in serving? (Refer to description on application page).

If selected to participate in the SkillsRI AmeriCorps Nonprofit Development Fellowship, you are required to complete the National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC). Are you available to complete a scheduled background check?

YesNo

If selected to participate in the SkillsRI AmeriCorps Fellowship Program, you MUST attend our Mandatory Orientation; August 3 – August 7, 2026. Can you commit to participating in this mandatory orientation?

YesNo

If selected for SkillsRI AmeriCorps Fellowship Program, you will need to be available to serve approximately 16-18hrs. weekly (depending on start date) during the Fall and Spring semester (August – April 2027) and 20hrs. during the Summer (May – July 2027). Are you available during this time?

YesNo

File Uploads

Please upload a copy of your resume

Please upload a copy of your unofficial transcript (This will be used to determine that you are in good academic standing with your institution of higher education)

Contact Information