Eligibility note: This fellowship is only for first-generation, low-income undergraduates studying at colleges in the United States. Students at universities in Africa can’t apply. African students already enrolled at a US college may be able to apply, but the application asks whether you’re authorised to work in the US, and CPI’s internships are with US companies. If you’re studying in Africa, see the opportunities open to Africans at the end.
The Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) Fellowship 2027 is a free programme from US non-profit Career Pathways Initiative. It helps first-generation, low-income (FGLI) college students land their first internship or job by giving them a professional network, one-to-one coaching and skills workshops with major companies.
At a Glance
| Organiser | Career Pathways Initiative (US non-profit) |
| Who can apply | First-generation, low-income undergraduates at US colleges, mainly sophomores and juniors |
| Cost | Free |
| Format | Online (Zoom sessions and networking) |
| Commitment | 10–15 hours per semester, plus 4 Zoom sessions in February 2027 |
| Deadline | 29 January 2027 (as reported by Opportunity Desk) |
Benefits
CPI Fellows get free access to:
- A network of professionals in their field of interest who want to meet them
- One-to-one, on-demand coaching for personal career advice
- Educational and skills-building workshops with leading companies
- Internship and job opportunities with CPI’s corporate partners
- A community of first-generation students from colleges across the US
Eligibility
- You’re a current undergraduate at a college in the United States, usually a sophomore or junior. Freshmen can apply in the spring of their first year or as rising sophomores.
- You’re a first-generation, low-income student. CPI defines first-generation as your parents not having earned a US bachelor’s degree.
- You’re interested in a corporate career, for example in finance, professional services, technology, healthcare, consumer products, retail, engineering, media or non-profit work.
- You can commit 10–15 hours per semester and attend all 4 career prep sessions on Zoom, held on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evenings (6pm EST) between 1 and 24 February 2027.
How to Apply
- Go to CPI’s official students page and read the fellowship FAQ.
- Complete the short online application. CPI says it takes less than 10 minutes.
- CPI may follow up with a short interview.
- Decisions usually come two to three weeks after the deadline.
Official CPI Fellowship page · Apply on CPI’s official form
The official pages don’t show a closing date. The 29 January 2027 deadline is reported by Opportunity Desk, so apply early. Questions: [email protected]
