O’Neill Leadership Program

Get graduate funding—and real-world experience—through the O’Neill Leadership Program

Through the O’Neill Leadership Program, formerly known as Service Corps, your advanced learning will be reinforced by applying your knowledge to real-world work settings in the community. Your practical experience will be enhanced through professional development seminars. In addition, working with supervisors that may serve as mentors will supplement your professional network, integral to your career pursuits.

Our curriculum focuses on applied learning in civic engagement programs. O'Neill Leadership Program appointments strengthen the bridge between theory and practice while filling critical gaps in service to the local community. You’ll assume responsibilities in support of strategic objectives of the department, agency, or organization to which you are assigned. 

O’Neill Leadership Fellow spotlights

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Haley Paulin, MAAA candidate

Fellow with the Arts and Humanities Council

"I've helped organize several live events through the Arts and Humanities Council, including our First Thursdays Festivals and the Granfalloon Festival over the summer ... There's something incredibly rewarding about seeing something you worked so hard on bring joy to people's lives."

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Pauly Tarricone, MAAA-MPA candidate

Fellow through the Bloomington Entertainment and Arts District

"I can’t say enough about what being a Fellow has done for my career and education; it gives me the chance to put the rubber to the road, getting to build professional experience and connections while still having the space to fulfill my academic responsibilities."

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Lillian Mercho, MPA candidate

Fellow with the Bloomington Mayor's office

"Public service can come in many different shapes and forms, but across the board, I believe it is the best instrument we have to effect societal change and improve our communities for the greater good."

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Madeleine Thompson, MSES-MPA'23

Data Stewardship Intern, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

PREVIOUSLY A FELLOW WITH SYCAMORE LAND TRUST 

"Being a Fellow is a way I can share my talents while also making a difference in my community. Public service is a way in which to grow together to make ourselves, our communities, and the world a healthier, stronger, better place.”

 

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Claudia Gage, MAAA-MPA’22

Associate Director of Student Leadership, O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs

PREVIOUSLY A FELLOW WITH THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF BLOOMINGTON 

"I got hands-on experience in fundraising and development. It was wonderful to learn some of the more technical and financial aspects in an environment where it's okay to ask questions."

 

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Christian Bowling, MAAA'22

Donor Recognition Associate, Indiana University Foundation

PREVIOUSLY A FELLOW WITH BEACON

“O'Neill prepared me to be the next problem solver for the world's issues in the future.”

 

Who is eligible

The O’Neill School, the IU Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA), and Bloomington nonprofit, arts, and public organizations and agencies leverage Federal Work Study funds and collaborate to deliver the O’Neill Leadership Program—available only to MAAA, MPA, and MSES students. O’Neill Leadership Fellows must be eligible for Work Study as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Qualifying Fellows have the opportunity to contribute to the public management, economic development, environmental policy, arts management, and human service needs of the Bloomington community and surrounding areas.

 

O’Neill Leadership Fellows receive a work study award of $6,500 annually.

Selection process

Express your interest in the O’Neill Leadership Program on your application for admission. Students are selected as O’Neill Leadership Fellows during the O’Neill School fellowship allocation process based on their interest, undergraduate academic record, personal statement, and resume.