Candidates must meet all of the criteria below:

1. You are a first-generation or low income college graduate.

2. You meet financial aid eligibility. If you qualified for public financial aid during most, or all of, college (examples include federal Pell Grants and public state grants (like Cal Grant, TAP/SEEK, MAP, or FSAG)

3. You’ve earned your bachelor’s degree between August 12, 2016 and August 12, 2026.

4. You are unemployed and do not have significant, full-time work experience, OR

5. You are underemployed. One or more of the following applies to you:

   • you earn less than $50,000 per year

   • you are working in a position that does not require a college degree

   • you are working less than 35 hours a week

6. You are a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the U.S. without restriction (ie. permanent resident, employment authorization, DACA recipient).

   Unfortunately, international students with work authorization via OPT, STEM OPT, or F-1, are not eligible for COOP at this time.

7. You must be at least 21 years of age by August 12, 2026.

8. You must be available three evenings per week (M-W) for the duration of the fellowship.

9. You must live within one of our region-specific states: NY, NJ, CT, IL, and CA and live within two hours commuting distance of the city you are applying for.

   Because COOP serves bachelor's degree holders struggling with underemployment and unemployment, those in a role making over $60k/year are not eligible for COOP.

Just like our curriculum, we're focused on three things:

Head: You love to learn and you’re excited to pursue a career in digital marketing, data analytics, or financial services.

Heart: You believe in community and the power of peer relationships.

Hustle: You’re ready to work hard and take control of your career.

Take COOP’s track match quiz to learn which of our tracks is right for you and your future career: COOP Track Quiz.

We also encourage you to learn a little more about each track and possible career pathways:

Digital Marketing

Data Analytics

Financial Services

Our fall 2026 fellowship is currently accepting applications on a rolling basis.

Some tracks fill quickly, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible!

COOP’s Early Action deadline for fall 2026 is May 29, 2026

COOP’s Priority Deadline for fall 2026 is July 17, 2026