CityStudioSTL Fellowships

Q: Who do I contact with a question about the CityStudioSTL Fellowship?
A: Contact the Office for Socially Engaged Practice at samfox-engage@wustl.edu

Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Current full-time Sam Fox School students in good-standing in the Graduate Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Design as well as Undergraduate Architecture students. Domestic and International students eligible for CPT/a F-1 visa are eligible. Students should disclose other potential conflicting summer obligations; students may not hold more than one fellowship or job during the fellowship dates.

Q: How do I apply to become a Fellow?

A: Eligible students apply through an application form located on the Office for Socially Engaged website. Cover letters, portfolios, and relevant supporting materials are requested as part of the application.

Q: When can I apply?
A: Applications are announced at the beginning of the Spring Semester. Application submittals are due February 28. Interviews and application reviews with participating firms will occur on a rolling basis.

Q: Can I apply to more than one firm?
A: Students may apply to multiple firms and are encouraged to apply to the positions in which they are eligible.

Q: Is the position a paid Fellowship?
A: Yes! Graduate students receive $8,900 dispersed in two payments. Undergraduate students receive $7,200 dispersed in two payments.

Note that, payments provided for the purpose of assisting the recipient in the pursuit of study or research may be treated for tax purposes as a grant. If the recipient is a US citizen or considered a resident alien for US tax purposes, then the transaction is taxable and reportable in the US and will be reported on a stipend letter.

If the recipient is considered a nonresident alien for tax purposes for activities in the US, then the transaction is subject to withholding and is reported on Form 1042-S. The withholding amount for taxable payments to nonresident aliens is 30% by statute; however, taxable grants provided to nonresident aliens in J or F visa statuses are afforded the reduced rate of 14%.

Q: When does the Fellowship begin and how long does it last?
A: The Fellowship is a 12-week full-time position where students work on average between 37.5 to 40 hours a week. Fellows begin with the firm in late May and continue through Early-Mid August. Firms and Fellows work together to decide on exact start and end dates.

Q: I’ve submitted an application, what happens next?
A: Firms review applicant materials and select top candidates for an interview. The selected students are responsible for coordinating and scheduling their interview with the firm. It is important to respond in a timely manner to communications to and from the firm and to disclose other possible conflicting summer opportunities.

Q: What are the expectations of a Fellow?
A: Fellows should expect to complete a 12-week civic or social change project in St. Louis at the host firm, working actively with firm staff to complete assigned project(s). Students should anticipate working a full-time schedule (37.5-40 hours/week) in-person at the host firm office and participate in host firm social and professional development activities.

Fellows will be supported by the Office for Socially Engaged Practice throughout their summer fellowship and will be invited to attend at most 3 lunches/meetings to share their experiences and feedback with OSEP.

Fellows will also serve as ambassadors for the next cohort and will be asked to share their summer experiences with their peers in the fall and spring following their Fellowship.