* LISC DC is now accepting applications for the Oramenta Newsome Community Development Fellowship, which begins in September 2019. *

The Oramenta Newsome Community Development Fellowship is a ten-week (September to December) part-time paid fellowship opportunity for college students, recent graduates, or people who are in the early stages of their career and have exhibited a keen interest in the community development field. 

Oramenta Newsome served as Executive Director of LISC DC for nearly 25 years. Throughout her life, Oramenta balanced a deeply rooted neighborhood orientation with a national perspective. She dedicated decades to making Washington, DC a global city that benefited neighborhood residents. Oramenta believed that all people want the same quality of life in their neighborhood – a home, a job, and access to resources and amenities. 

By continuing to invest in projects and initiatives that help to balance the income disparity and promote equity and inclusion, we are one step closer towards realizing her vision for Washington, DC - inclusive, community-driven, and equitable. With this fellowship, we are creating a lasting legacy and honoring her commitment to community development.

Fellows will receive a stipend and will be placed in local nonprofit partner organizations that share Oramenta’s vision for Washington, DC. Fellows will engage in community development work at the direction of the host nonprofit. The inaugural fellow class will start in 2019 and LISC will provide the fellows with a comprehensive experience that will include an orientation, seminar series, ongoing mentorship, a tour of Washington, DC neighborhoods and a final presentation of their work. 2019 Fellows will work on affordable housing, resident engagement and/or workforce development initiatives.