Mayor Brett Smiley Announces Applications for 2026 Mayoral Fellows

Friday, April 10

Competitive program offers valuable learning opportunities for recent graduates and enrolled students to get involved in the community

Mayor Brett P. Smiley announced today the City is now accepting applications for the 2026 Mayoral Fellowship Program. This competitive program offers an energizing and creative way for undergraduate students and recent graduates to earn hands-on experience in the executive branch of city government. Mayoral fellows are placed in a City department based on their background, stated interests and suitability for a given department or office. They will work and collaborate on high-impact projects designed to improve the quality-of-life for Providence neighbors.

"I'm thrilled to once again have the opportunity to provide students and recent graduates with a valuable opportunity to work directly within local government," said Mayor Brett Smiley. "By working with such a variety of City leaders, fellows gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced public service environment while contributing to projects that have a direct impact on Providence. After completing the program, many of our past fellows have gone on to pursue careers in public service and policy, continuing their work to make a difference in their communities."

The Mayoral Fellowship program is a dynamic initiative offering undergraduate and graduate students invaluable firsthand experience within city government. Former fellows have worked in a variety of departments, including Planning and Development, Sustainability and in the Mayor's Office, each offering a unique perspective and experience.

"My time as a Mayoral Fellow with the City of Providence provided me with a meaningful, hands on experience of understanding how local government operates and services its residents," said Eden Jutras, now serving as the Executive Assistant for the Mayor and Chief of Staff and who previously served as a Mayoral Fellow in the Executive Office in 2023. "From attending press conferences with local leaders to participating in community events such as Pride and Pops in the Park, I saw firsthand how local government can positively impact the community. This fellowship strengthened my commitment to public service and I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in pursuing a career in this field."

The 10-week program offers participants a $3,000 stipend as they work under the direct supervision of a Department Director. The program also accommodates students interested in participating for academic credit.

"This fellowship provided me with a firsthand look at how municipal leaders serve our community," said George Malian, who also served as a Mayoral Fellow in the Executive Office in 2023 and is now serving as the Special Assistant to the Mayor's Office. "I got to contribute to projects that made a tangible impact on Providence's future and helped address its most urgent needs. My experiences solidified my interest in a career in public service and gave me a deep respect for the role of local government in serving its constituency."

The 2026 Fellowship will begin on Monday, June 8 and end on Friday, August 14, 2026.

Applications are due by May 8, 2026, and may be submitted online at: https://jobs.providenceri.gov/mayoral-fellowship/