2025 Fellowship Application
Background
Sponsored by Suffolk University and administered through the Massachusetts Municipal Association, the Municipal Fellowship Program offers exceptional municipal managers and employees in professional positions with cities and towns in the Commonwealth the opportunity to attend the Master in Public Administration (MPA) program at the Suffolk University Sawyer School of Business.
Municipal Fellowship recipients will receive a scholarship of up to $28,000 ($8,000 per academic year) while their community continues to provide their salary and position as recipients attend the program part-time. It is anticipated that two such scholarships will be available on a yearly basis. The program period starts each September. Its length will vary by student but is structured based on part-time attendance of two courses per semester for 5-7 semesters.
Key Dates
February 6, 10:00am: Municipal Fellowship Program Zoom Information Session
May 1, 5:00pm: Municipal Fellowship Program Applications Due
May/June: Applicant Interviews with Municipal Fellowship Committee
Eligibility & Exclusions
An applicant for the Municipal Suffolk Fellowship Program must:
- Be a college graduate;
- Be accepted for admission by Suffolk University, Sawyer Business School for its MPA Program;
- Upon application, occupy a full-time position, be paid from and have at least twelve months of full-time service with a city or town in the Commonwealth, be in an active status, and serve in a position classified as management or professional;
- Possess at least four years of full-time equivalent of professional work experience as of January 1, 2025, in federal, state, municipal or county government in a professional position including time spent as a consultant or volunteer working for a public or private non-profit organization; or as a manager in a private non-profit organization;
- Be recommended by the appointing authority and supervisor in your community;
- Be willing to sign an agreement to continue serving in a Massachusetts municipal government in the same or higher position for a minimum of two years following graduation with financial consequences if one defaults on the agreement;
- Not have applied for the Suffolk Fellowship more than three (3) times.
- Note: applicants who have a graduate degree in another field must specifically address how an MPA would help them achieve their career goals;
- Graduates of the MMA-Suffolk Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management Program will be given additional consideration.
Exclusions
The following categories of employees are excluded:
- Contract employees
- Employees employed by a school department
- Employed by Massachusetts public authorities or other quasi-public agencies
- Employed by county government organizations
Selection Process
A Municipal Fellowship Program Committee will review all applications and determine which applicants will be invited for an interview and select finalists. Committee members shall recuse themselves from applications from the community they represent. The interview team will include a representative from Suffolk University. Approximately four to six finalists will be selected and presented to the Executive Director and Suffolk University for final selection. Final selection will rest with Suffolk University.
Community Support Work Plan
Each municipal government must develop a work plan with the applicant that defines a plan to allow the applicant to both succeed in their position as well as excel in the program of studies necessary to obtain the MPA degree. The plan may include time off and flexibility, additional financial support, or support in other areas. The applicant must be guaranteed to not be reduced in pay and must be made whole in all benefits. The plan must be valid for the 24 months that the applicant has to obtain the MPA degree per the conditions of this program. This plan must be approved and signed by your department supervisor and the CEO/CAO of the municipality.