Fall 2021 Application (Archived)
Our application process for our fall 2021 fellowship has closed. You can access archived application information below.
Are you passionate about serving your community? Are you passionate about making a difference?
Ready to Launch provides opportunities for progressive women to launch careers in politics and government through our entry-level fellowship program. We provide the training, mentorship, paid stipends, and support that our fellows need to succeed.
Our training sessions include writing and public speaking workshops and learning sessions on our political processes. We work with participants to develop their resumes, take professional headshots, practice interview skills, and more. Each fellow is paired with a mentor and also has the opportunity to learn from and network with other role models and political professionals.
We offer both full-time and part-time, paid fellowships. Full-time fellowships are best for recent graduates, those not enrolled in school, or for those without other time commitments during standard business hours. Part-time fellowships are best for students who will be enrolled in school at the same time as their fellowship or those who have other time commitments during standard business hours.
We will help our fellows with placement in Los Angeles County elected officials’ internship programs. We hope to deliver in-person training and fellowships this fall, but we are preparing to deliver all our programming virtually if necessary.
The fellowship is educational, mentorship, and grant-oriented in nature; it is not an employment opportunity.
Program eligibility
Ready to Launch’s fellowship program is available to progressive, self-identifying women who reside in L.A. County and are at least 18 years old. Women of color and LGBTQ+ women are encouraged to apply. No prior work experience is required.
Application process key dates
May 14 - Application opens
June 6 at 11:59 p.m. - Application closes
Selected applicants will be contacted for virtual interviews the week of June 14.
Participants will be notified if they have been selected for the fellowship by July 2.
Fellowship timing and commitment
The start dates for placements may vary slightly, but all participants will start their three-month fellowships in early fall and conclude before December 11.
Fellows must commit to participate in training and professional development sessions on the following dates:
Week of full-day orientation and training sessions:
August 9-13
Full-day training and professional development sessions:
September 18
October 16
November 13
Full-day fellowship culmination and final session:
December 11
For any questions regarding the application process, you can read our FAQs below or reach out to Ready to Launch’s team at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the fellowship?
A: The Ready to Launch fellowship is a paid three-month opportunity for progressive women to gain entry-level experience in politics and government.
Full-time and part-time options are available.
Our team will provide training and mentorship to set participants up for success and help them launch their careers.
Q: When does the fellowship start?
A: Start dates will vary slightly but the fellowships will take place between August and December of 2021. Fellows must commit to attending full-day training sessions on the following days:
August 9-13
September 18
October 16
November 13
December 11
Q: Who can apply?
A: Ready to Launch’s fellowship program is available to progressive, self-identifying women who reside in L.A. County and are at least 18 years old. Women of color and LGBTQ+ women are encouraged to apply. No prior work experience is required.
Q: Do I need to be a student to apply?
A: No, you do not need to be a current student to apply, however you can apply if you are a current student. We have part-time and full-time options available for participants depending on whether or not they are in school or have other obligations.
Q: Do I need to have prior work experience to apply?
A: No, you do not need any prior work experience to apply. In fact, our program is designed to serve participants who are in the early stages of building their skills and resume.
Q: Does the program cost money?
A: No! The program is offered free to accepted applicants.
Q: Is this an employment opportunity?
A: No. This is a fellowship program that supports women who want to work in government and policy. The fellowship provides education, training, and mentorship to individuals who are simultaneously working as interns for elected officials. It also supports them financially with a stipend so they can get the most out of their experience working for an elected official.
Q: Are fellows paid and how much?
A: We pay our fellows during the duration of their fellowships to cover living costs so that you can get the most out of your experience.
Full-time fellowship: $10K over 3 months
Part-time fellowship: $5K over 3 months
Q: Is the program provided in person or virtually?
A: We hope to deliver in-person training and fellowships by fall, but we are preparing to deliver all our programming virtually if necessary. We will let our participants know as soon as possible.