We're all about overcoming underemployment. That means we're looking for recent first-generation, Pell Grant eligible college graduates still searching for their first good job.

Candidates must meet all of the criteria below:

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

2. You’ve earned your bachelor’s degree between February 18, 2016 and February 18, 2026.

3. You are unemployed (and legally authorized to work in the U.S.) or 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

4. 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.

5. You must be at least 21 years of age by February 18, 2026.

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

7. You must live within one of our region-specific states: NY, NJ, CT, IL, FL, 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 programs 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

The COOP Careers Fellowship is partnering with MDRC, a nonprofit research organization, to study the COOP Careers Fellowship program. The goal of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the COOP Careers Fellowship in helping individuals with bachelor’s degrees find better jobs and earn more.

Participating in the study is voluntary. However, to be eligible for acceptance into the COOP Careers Fellowship, you must agree to take part in the study as part of the COOP application process.

Applicants for the COOP Careers Fellowship will learn more about the study during the group interview process. Questions can be directed to recruiting@coopcareers.org.

Our spring 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 spring 2026 is November 26, 2025

COOP’s Priority Deadline for spring 2026 is January 16, 2026