Apply for PIFP
Want to make a difference?
The Public Interest Fellowship Program (PIFP) offers paid Summer and Yearlong Fellowships for Colorado College students to experience the Colorado social sector while making direct impact on our communities. During their fellowships, Fellows explore work within partner organizations and complete projects that target growth and change in society while securing a foot in the nonprofit door.
All fellowship descriptions will be posted below and in Handshake when available. You will apply for all specific opportunities of interest to you in Handshake. A separate PIFP interest, work authorization, & commitment form must be submitted directly to PIFP to complete your application.
Who's Eligible? The Summer Fellowship is open to all CC students. The Yearlong Fellowship is open to graduating seniors each year.
What you can expect
- A built-in cohort of PIFP peers
- To be paid to work for social change in Colorado
- Intentional professional development with PIFP
- Mentoring with CC alumni
- To get your foot in the nonprofit door and make professional contacts for life
Application details!
Follow PIFP instructions closely to ensure your complete application is received by the deadline.
Use the PIFP 2026 Application to apply to each organization of interest via Handshake. Each application will include:
- Short answer essay questions
- Two references
- Resume
You must also complete a separate PIFP Interest, Work Authorization, & Commitment Form.
Once your applications are complete, you will complete a poll to indicate preferences for dates/times to complete a mock interview with CC alumni prior to potential nonprofit partner interviews.
Learn more?
Information Sessions in December - February will be posted soon
As usual, RSVP in Handshake for all events
Interview Prep Sessions for PIFP Applicants in March will be posted soon
As usual, RSVP in Handshake for all events
2026 Fellowships will be posted December - January for the next PIFP Cycle
Review 2025 Fellowship Placements for an idea of potential placements for 2026
2025 Summer Fellowship Partners
Catamount Institute, Colorado Springs, CO (Fellowship Description)
City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services; Colorado Springs, CO (Fellowship Description)
Colorado Children's Campaign, Denver, CO (Fellowship Description)
Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC), Denver, CO (Fellowship Description)
One Colorado Education Fund, Denver, CO (Fellowship Description)
Palmer Land Conservancy (PLC), Colorado Springs, CO (Fellowship Description)
*The PLC Fellowship is funded by Charlie Campbell of the Heather Campbell Chaney Environmental Fellowship (HCCEF)
2025-26 Yearlong Fellowship Partners
Catamount Institute, Colorado Springs, CO (Fellowship Description)
Colorado Children's Campaign, Denver, CO (Fellowship Description)
Fountain Creek Watershed District, Colorado Springs, CO (Fellowship Description)
Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC), Denver, CO (Fellowship Description)
"My PIFP fellowship with DSF was honestly incredible. I think the most rewarding parts were twofold: The organization is SO dedicated to the cause as well as to its staff member which made me feel truly valued and inspired. Secondly, the work itself and the tangible success and gratitude demonstrated by students were empowering. The model of being supported while also supporting others was a really great."
Mimi Smith (Denver Scholarship Foundation, 2018-19)
Contact Us
Director, Public Interest Fellowship Program
aculp@ColoradoCollege.edu
719-389-6310