The Autry Fellowship provides an opportunity for talented and passionate recent college graduates to work for one year to address pressing issues of inequity in the South as a full-time, paid staff member at the Manpower Development Corporation (MDC). The ideal Autry Fellow is deeply committed to advancing social equity and opportunity and is eager to support the mission of MDC—to help organizations and communities in the South close the gaps that separate people from opportunity.
Candidates must be able to work in the U.S. for a full year and must either be in their senior year of college or have graduated within two years. Candidates should have strong communication skills, demonstrated leadership potential in their interest areas, sensitivity to people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, and a commitment to MDC’s mission. Prior work or study experience in relevant areas is also valuable—these include public policy, education, economic and workforce development, poverty alleviation, sociology, political science, Southern studies, community development, leadership development, and similar fields.
The ideal Autry Fellow is also open-minded and compassionate, curious and reflective, and deeply committed to advancing social equity and opportunity.