The Susan Dawson Fellowship

Celebrating leadership and a strong commitment to education equity for all students

Celebrating leadership and a strong commitment to education equity for all students 

ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP

Launched in Spring 2025, the Susan Dawson Fellowship honors E3 Alliance Founder Susan Dawson, a trailblazer in using data to improve education for all students. This 10-week, paid fellowship gives college students hands-on experience in the education nonprofit world. Fellows explore careers in data research, visualization, storytelling, and using data to make better decisions. 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• 10-week, paid internships during summer, fall, or spring semesters. 

• Currently open to students from Austin Community College District and Concordia University. 

• Get one-on-one support from leaders in education and nonprofits. 

• Join workshops and connect with peers. 

• Learn about careers in social impact organizations, including E3 Alliance and partner nonprofits. 

• Receive a competitive stipend and possibly earn course credit. 

• Work on real projects in data, communications, research, policy, strategy, and community engagement. 

Apply to Become a Fellow

• View current project descriptions
  • Data Resources & Competitor Analysis Researcher
  • Education Benchmark and Metrics Data Researcher
  • Education Policy Researcher

• Submit your application 

• Complete our Fellowship Interest Form to be notified about the next cycle. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Project

Fellows will lead real projects at E3 Alliance or with local partners. Each student works on a project from beginning to end, making a real difference. Projects are data-focused and may involve: 

• Analyzing and visualizing data. 

• Doing strategic planning and research. 

• Studying policy and nonprofit operations. 

• Telling stories and communicating messages. 

Education

Fellows learn how nonprofits use data to create change in education. Learning activities include: 

• Lessons on the inner workings of nonprofit organizations. 

• Seminars with nonprofit leaders. 

• Workshops on presentation skills, data storytelling, and communication. 

Mentorship

Program coordinators match each fellow with a dedicated mentor, who offers one-on-one support. These mentors are experienced leaders in education or nonprofit work. Mentorship is a key part of the fellowship and helps students explore their future careers. Fellows will get: 

• A chance to meet and learn from professionals. 

• Personalized coaching and skill building. 

• Support in planning their next steps. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Academic qualifications 

• Applications are open to undergraduates (in the final two years of degree program) and graduate students. 

• Experience requirements and other criteria differ for each project.

BECOME A PROJECT MENTOR OR HOST SITE

BECOME A PROJECT MENTOR OR HOST SITE

E3 Alliance collaborates with local nonprofits to host and support fellows. If you or your organization wants to support and mentor a student through a 10-week project, please complete the Fellowship Interest Form.

Fellowship contact: Emily Pickens, Operations Manager & Susan Dawson Fellowship Coordinator