What is the relationship between Philly Fellows and
AmeriCorps*VISTA?

Each Philly Fellow will also be an AmeriCorps*VISTA member.  VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) “provides full-time members to nonprofit, faith-based and other community organizations, and public agencies to create and expand programs that ultimately bring low-income individuals and communities out of poverty.”  Philly Fellows acts as an umbrella organization which places the fellows at the non-profit host agencies. Many of the benefits that fellows receive, including their living stipend, education award, health insurance, and student loan deferment come through the VISTA program.  

In addition to VISTA benefits, fellows receive free housing, utilities, and furnishings, a transportation stipend, and leadership development programming through Philly Fellows. Philly Fellows has a much more competitive application process than most VISTA positions – both for the students and the agencies who apply.

When do I get paid?
Fellows will receive a living stipend every two weeks from VISTA which amounts to $950 a month.  Remember that rent and utilities are covered by Philly Fellows.  Your living stipend is taxable.  Upon completion of the year of service, fellows receive an education award, which is worth up to $4,725, and is also taxable.  Uncle Sam wants his cut.  

What can I use the education award for?
Education.  These funds can be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education, for educational training, or to repay qualified student loans (i.e. federally-backed student loans in your name). You can access the award in full or in part, and you can take up to seven years after your term of service has ended to claim the award.  The awards are not paid directly to the former VISTA member, but rather to the educational institution or lender that member designates.  If you won’t be using the award for the above educational purposes, you may claim an end-of-service cash stipend of $1,200.   The awards are subject to available education trust allocations to
AmeriCorps*VISTA.  Find more information on the education award and other
benefits associated with VISTA.


I’ve heard fellows get a transportation stipend, how does that work?
This year’s fellows each receive up to $60/month for transportation. This covers the majority of the cost of a SEPTA monthly transpass ($78), or can be used for tokens. The stipend is provided as a reimbursement, so fellows must turn in receipts each month to receive the stipend. Fellows may also exercise the “Philly Fellows Bicycle Clause,” and purchase a bicycle at the beginning of the year (up to $300 in value) at Philly Fellows’ expense, and receive up to $30/month as a transportation stipend.

What happens to my student loans while I’m a Philly Fellow?
As a VISTA member, your loans can be placed in forbearance.  This means you won’t have to pay them during the term of service, and the federal government pays any interest that accrues during this time.

How’s the health coverage?
Health coverage is provided by the federal government through the VISTA program.  Please be aware that pre-existing conditions are not covered by this plan.  From the Corporation for National and Community Service: “The medical benefits plan covers all injuries and/or illnesses suffered during service and most pharmacy needs. The plan does not cover medical care for pre-existing medical illnesses and/or injuries.”  For more comprehensive information on the plan, visit www.americorps.sevencorners.com.  

What is the history of Philly Fellows?
Philly Fellows was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1768 as a means to staff the libraries, fire companies, and numerous other public institutions he had already founded.  Legend has it that Franklin was inspired by Philly Fellows’ distinctive kite logo to attempt his famous experiment with lightning.  Prominent fellows of the time included Robert Fulton who later invented the steamboat and Richard Rush, who went on to serve as Secretary of the Treasury in the John Quincy Adams Administration.  Philly Fellows went into dormancy during the War of 1812 and was revived 192 years later by Co-Directors Matt Joyce and Tim Ifill.

Is that true?
No.

Will I have my own room?
Yes.  Each fellow will have their own bedroom, though sizes will vary.  Fellows will share all other living space in their house.  Remember, you’ll be in a community living situation.

Are the houses co-ed?
Yes.

What will the kitchen/cooking situation in the houses be?
Fellows will share kitchen space, and as with all living space in the house, fellows must keep it clean and livable.  Fellows will be responsible for cooking for themselves, but because fellows will be living in a community, we encourage them to make time for shared meals whenever possible.  

Are the houses furnished?
Yes.  Each bedroom comes furnished with a full or queen sized bed, nightstand, and chest of drawers.  The common space includes couches, chairs, a dining room table, a desk with shared house computer, a television, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Where are the houses?  
During the 2008-2009 fellowships, fellows live in four houses in distinct neighborhoods.  Four fellows share a house near the Italian Market on League Street in South Philly.  Another four live on the 900 block of North Randolph Street in Northern Liberties (between 5th and 6th, about two blocks south of Girard Ave.).   Six fellows share one of the larger houses on South 46th Street between Spruce and Locust in West Philly.  The fourth house, on 16th Street between Fitzwater and Bainbridge, also accomodates six fellows and is only a few blocks south of South Street. These houses may change for the 2009-2010 fellowship year. See the '08-'09 houses.

Do I have to live in one of the Philly Fellows houses?
Yes.  We place a strong emphasis on the community aspect of Philly Fellows; therefore, all fellows are required to live in program housing.

I think it would be clever if you spelled it “Philly Phellows.”  Why don’t you do that?
That’s ridiculous.  Next question.

I don’t go to one of Philly Fellows’ partnering colleges.  Can I still apply?
The program will be actively recruiting and holding information sessions at several Philadelphia-area schools with which we have built strong partnerships, including Bryn Mawr, Haverford, Penn, St. Joseph’s, Swarthmore, La Salle and Temple.  The application process, however, is open to all graduating seniors.

Do I have to be a current senior to apply?
Yes.  Fellowships are open only to first-year graduates.  

How competitive is the application process?
For the 2008-2009 fellowship year, we received 119 applications for 20 fellowship slots.

What does the application process entail?
Applications are due for prospective fellows on January 31st, 2009.  Application information is available at www.phillyfellows.org/apply.  Selected applicants will be invited to interview with Philly Fellows in February.  Fellows will be selected in mid-March.  Those who accept our offer to become fellows will then interview at three host agencies before the final placements are made.

What should I write about in my Personal Statement?
The personal statement is open-ended. It should be unique and give Philly Fellows an idea of who you are and what you would bring to the program. In the past, prospective fellows have addressed one or more of the following in their essays:

- a challenge they have faced in the past that might make them a better Philly Fellow
- when and why they first became interested in service
- their favorite thing about Philadelphia
- what they hope to do once their fellowship ends

Do I have to send all my application materials at once or can my recommendation letters and transcript come separately?
Application materials may be sent together or separately.

Who should my recommendation letters be from?
Recommendations should be from people who can accurately and articulately describe your character and qualifications. Philly Fellows does not have any specific requirements about whether letters should come from professors, employers, or one of each, but we do ask that your recommendations offer a comprehensive and well-rounded picture of your candidacy.

If I submit my application early, will I hear back earlier?
While you're more than welcome to submit an application before the deadline, all applications will be considered at the same time.

How will I get matched with a job?
After being selected and accepting a fellowship, fellows will have the opportunity to interview with their top three or four host agencies to determine the best match.  We can not guarantee that anyone will be matched with their top choice, but we will do our best to create a match that is satisfactory both to the fellow and the host agency.  Keeping this in mind, please select three to four positions on your Application for Fellowship that you would be willing and excited to work at for a year.  During the first fellowship year, ten of our fifteen fellows were matched with their first choice of job.  

What if I get placed with a job I’m unhappy with?
All fellowship positions have been rigorously pre-screened by Philly Fellows staff. Before beginning a fellowship, fellows will have the opportunity to examine detailed job descriptions and interview with three agencies. Once fellowships begin, a Philly Fellows staff-member will attend a joint meeting with the fellow and their agency supervisor to establish goals and make sure everyone is on the same page. These meetings will take place twice more during the year to assess progress and ensure the continued success of the placement.  Any problems that arise during the fellowship year will be dealt with on a case-by- case basis by Philly Fellows staff.  We do ask our selected applicants to commit to the fellowships before the host agency matching process begins, so applicants should be prepared to be matched with any of their top three choices.  

If I have another job offer, can I end my fellowship early?
No, we require fellows to commit for the entire year.


Have more questions that aren’t asked frequently enough to make this FAQ list?
Contact us at fellows@phillyfellows.org.