The National Speech & Debate Association’s Fellows Program aims to give emerging nonprofit and community leaders entry level experience in social change work involving youth, key nonprofit management and leadership skills, and a rewarding start to their careers.

The Colorado College NSDA fellowship is a one year program in Des Moines, aligned with the school year calendar (July/August – July/August). Recent college graduates become immersed in the big picture and day to day of running a national membership organization with a goal to empower youth. Participants can leverage the relationships and the skills they attain in the program to establish themselves in the sector.

This fellowship is ideal for graduates interested in 21st century education, membership organizations, nonprofit fundraising, communications, marketing, or finance, and/or organizational improvement.

●    Rotating exposure to each NSDA department, including marketing and advocacy, development and fundraising, communications, business and finance, and operations, with the opportunity to focus half-time on fellow’s specific area of interest.

●    Event management experience helping prepare for and run the largest academic competition in the world, the National Speech & Debate Tournament, in June

●    Orientation to working with a Board of Directors, committees, and other stakeholders

●    Intensive exploration of values, and discussion of the impact of power and privilege on individuals and the speech and debate community

●    Access to additional resources and connections through the NSDA’s work, which includes organizations like the American Society for Association Executives, National Federation of High Schools, the local chamber and Main Street community.

●    Support finding mentoring in any other area of interest not covered in NSDA activity.

●    A foundation in the broad range of skills required to manage and lead within an organization

●    Specific experience in your area of interest

●    Professional development in project management, process development and improvement, measuring outcomes, and other organizational improvement skills.

●    A supportive organization dedicated to helping you succeed in your career beyond the first year.

NSDA Mission: The National Speech & Debate Association connects, supports, and inspires a diverse community committed to empowering students through competitive speech and debate.

Salary: $38,000- $40,000 plus benefits depending on qualifications.