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Emerson, Leland, Updates, Zero Hunger

Current and most recent classes of Emerson and Leland Fellows and Zero Hunger Interns.


The Hunger Center is accepting applications for the next classes of Mickey Leland International and Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowships and the Zero Hunger Internship. Whether you’re motivated to promote food and nutrition security around the world, or to focus on policy solutions to hunger in the United States, our leadership development programs are unique opportunities to gain professional experience and to learn and grow as a leader as part of a dynamic cohort.

Our network of over 700 Hunger Fellow and Zero Hunger Interns alums are making change and working toward a hunger free world. Are you ready to join them? Read on to learn more about our programs and how to apply.


The 11th Class of Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows

Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship

Deadline Extended! Applications now due by 11:59 p.m. EST, Monday, February 13, 2023

If you’re interested in becoming an agent for change in the movement to end global hunger, the Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellowship may be for you! Over the two years of the fellowship, each class of Leland Fellows develops professional and leadership skills while advancing the goal of a hunger-free world through placements with host organizations. Each class forms a community of practice, where fellows share experiences with a supportive network of peers and help each other question, troubleshoot, learn, and develop a deeper understanding of the sector.

Get Ready to Apply
Read our 2023-2025 Application Guide for prospective Leland Fellows for more information on the fellowship and the application process.


The 29th Class of Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellows

Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship

Deadline Extended! Applications now due by 11:59 p.m. EST, Thursday, January 26, 2023

If you’re interested in getting a deeper understanding of effective solutions to hunger and poverty in the United States and the role you can play in reaching zero hunger, consider applying for the Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellowship. The Emerson Fellowship bridges gaps between local efforts and national public policy, as each cohort of fellows supports community-based and national host organizations through work placements. Emerson Fellows receive extensive professional and leadership development training, including the history of hunger in the United States, the policymaking process, and the status of current anti-hunger/anti-poverty policy issues.

Get Ready to Apply
Read our 2023-2024 Application Guide for prospective Emerson Fellows for more information on the fellowship and the application process.


The 5th Class of Zero Hunger Interns

Zero Hunger Internship

Are you a current college student looking for a summer internship focused on ending food insecurity in the U.S. and around the world? Are you ready to see first-hand how organizations are working to eradicate hunger and its root causes, using policy as a tool to create change? Then the Zero Hunger Internship may be right for you. The Zero Hunger Internship brings current college students to Washington, D.C., for placements with organizations working on anti-hunger policy. Interns receive on-the-job training and a robust work experience, as well as learning through our Summer Seminars, a multi-part course on domestic and global hunger, advocacy, and the root causes of hunger and poverty. Interns finish the summer with a new network, knowledge, and tools at the ready to return home and advocate for an end to hunger.

Get Ready to Apply
Applications to join the summer 2023 class of Zero Hunger Interns have closed. We will begin accepting applications for the summer 2024 class in fall of 2023. Application Guide for prospective Zero Hunger Interns for more information on the internship and the application process.


Which Program is Right for You?

While our programs share some structural similarities, there are some important differences between the two programs. Take a look at the table below to see some highlights:

Leland Fellowship Emerson Fellowship Zero Hunger Internship
Location Global United States Washington, D.C.
Area of Focus Global United States Global or United States
Duration two years 11 months 10 weeks
Host organizations typically include NGOs, INGOs, agencies, foundations, or private sector entities working to build food and nutrition security Food banks, anti-hunger/ anti-poverty advocacy groups, food policy councils, research institutions, think tanks, and state, local, regional, and federal government agencies International and national NGOs with a policy focus, U.S. government agencies, multi-lateral organizations, foundations, or private sector entities
Year established 2001 1994 2018
U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency required required not required, but must have authorization to work in the U.S. See application guide for more details

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