Apply to the Fellowship

Become an Applied Data Fellow

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Submit yours to be considered for the next cohort of the Applied Data Fellowship at UChicago Harris.

Apply Now

~10 min · Rolling review

WHO ARE ADF FELLOWS

Analysts, builders, and problem solvers

Applied Data Fellows come from leading graduate programs in public policy, data science, economics, social sciences, computer science, and related fields. Fellows spend one year embedded in an ADF partner organization — some crunching data, some managing projects and people, some doing a bit of everything.

Data Scientist / Analyst

Python, R, SQL, ML — turning raw data into findings

Program Manager

Coordinating stakeholders, dashboards, and delivery

Data Shaman

Part analyst, part strategist — reducing frictions in ops and implementation

Python R SQL Tableau Power BI Machine Learning AI Adoption AI / ML Ops Data Infrastructure GIS Program Management

TRAINING & SKILL-BUILDING

A year of learning, not just doing

One-on-One Mentorship

Dedicated coaching connecting Fellows with experienced practitioners in data and policy.

Weekly Upskilling Workshops

Hands-on sessions covering tools and methods directly applicable to Fellows' project work.

Fireside Chats

Conversations with leaders across government, nonprofits, research, and technology.

Tech & AI Demos

Regular exposure to cutting-edge data and AI tools reshaping public-sector work.

WHERE FELLOWS GO AFTER ADF

A launchpad for impact-driven careers

70%

Retained full-time

200+

Fellows placed

Cohort years

Retained by ADF Partners

Government & Public Sector

Strategy Consulting

Nonprofits & Foundations

Research & Academia

Technology & Data Industry

How We Select ADF Fellows

From 1,400+ Applicants to the Top 1%

We aren't just looking for data scientists; we are looking for the technical and operational talent required to drive systemic change. Our selection process is designed to match elite analytical skills with the mission-driven organizations that need them most.

Rolling Application

We accept applications throughout the year. There is no fixed deadline; we review talent as it becomes available. Submit your portfolio, technical background, and a summary of your mission-driven interests.

Strategic Profile Review

Unlike traditional programs, we do not interview every qualified candidate immediately. We only invite you to a technical and behavioral interview once your specific profile aligns with at least 3–4 active partner projects in our portfolio.

The Interview Sprint

Once a match is identified, the interview process moves quickly—typically concluding within 2 weeks. Following your interviews, we provide a status update of Yes, No, or Maybe:

Yes: An offer is extended to join the ADF.
Maybe: You have a strong profile, but there are no imminent projects that perfectly align with your skills. We keep your profile active and will reach out as soon as a suitable mission-critical project opens.

From Offer to Matching

Once an offer is accepted, the final "Matching" phase—where you are paired with your specific host organization—takes approximately 6–8 weeks. This duration depends on the number of active organizations you are interviewing with and the time of year (e.g., matching may take longer during summer breaks).

ADF Engagement

Once the match is finalized, you begin your 1 year engagement as a full-time staff equivalent, fully supported by the UChicago technical ecosystem.

Timing At A Glance

Application Window

Open Year-Round

Interview Process

~2 Weeks (Once invited)

Offer to Placement

6–8 Weeks

Fellowship Term

1 Year (Full-Time)

Fellowship FAQ

The ADF is a 1 year, full-time commitment. Fellows are embedded as staff equivalents to ensure they have the runway to build permanent institutional capacity and move projects from scoping to implementation.

Yes. All Fellows receive a competitive stipend and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance. Please note that the stipend and insurance coverage begin only once you are successfully matched and have started your placement with a partner organization.

Yes. We conduct a Fellow Preference Survey to align your technical strengths and interests with our available projects. However, because you are competing with other qualified Fellows for these specific roles, you may not always be matched with your top pick. The final match depends on the partner's needs and the interview outcome.

The matching process is highly selective. If a match is not secured within 3 months of entering the finalist pool, we will unfortunately part ways. We aim to identify the right fit quickly, but the 3-month window ensures both the candidate and the program remain focused on active opportunities.

A "Maybe" status means we have vetted your profile and find it a strong fit for the ADF, but we do not currently have 3–4 active partner projects that align with your specific technical niche. We keep "Maybe" profiles active and will re-initiate the interview process as soon as a suitable mission-critical project opens in our portfolio.

You are never siloed. Through the "UChicago Safety Net," you have direct access to technical mentorship and a peer network to help troubleshoot code, architecture, or implementation hurdles in real-time. This ensures your work remains "Beyond Good Data" and remains technically sound.