About ↓

Watch the recording of the information session below to learn more about the 2024-25 Forefront Fellowship Lifelong.

We invite you to join a cohort that imagines a New York City where older adults can thrive with support and dignity.

In Phase I, Fellows will partner with the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development to develop recommendations that support aging in place at HPD-funded developments. 

In Phase II, Fellows will work in independent, interdisciplinary teams to explore how New York City can foster spaces of multigenerational care and wellness for all, particularly for older adults.

How can we reimagine housing for older adults that facilitates stronger communities? How can we creatively design and program spaces to provide holistic care and support the agency of older adults? 

FAQs

Q: Why should I apply for the Forefront Fellowship?

A: As a Forefront Fellow, you’ll develop meaningful, creative projects — both in partnership with city agencies and in independent teams — that address a challenging equity-based problem facing the city. Forefront focuses on building community and connection among the cohort that lasts beyond the Fellowship. It’s also an opportunity to cultivate your leadership skills and network. As a member of the Urban Design Forum, you’ll become part of a network of over 1,100+ architects, planners, designers, policymakers, and more.

Q: Who should apply?

A: You! We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and disciplines who are excited about imagining a New York City where older adults can thrive with support and dignity. Most of our Fellows have 5-10 years of work experience and demonstrated interest in or work in this year’s theme.

Q: Do I need to be NYC-based to apply to this program?

A: To be eligible, you must live or work in NYC.

Q: Are all of the program dates in-person or virtual?

A: All program dates are in-person.

Q: What is the time commitment?

A: Forefront is a time-intensive, 10-month experiential learning program that relies on the active participation of every member of the cohort. In addition to the program dates listed on the application, Fellows are expected to contribute 4-8 hours a week. Some weeks may be much lighter, while some weeks (particularly near November/December and May/June) may be more time-intensive.

Q: What is your attendance policy?

A: Due to the experiential, accumulative nature of the program, attendance is expected at all sessions. Fellows may miss only four dates for successful completion of the program, and no more than two dates during each phase.

Q: How are applications reviewed?

A: Every year, we convene a panel of Forefront alumni & city partners (this year: NYC Housing Preservation and Development) to review applications and select each cohort.

Q: When will I know if I’ve been selected for the Fellowship?

A: All applicants will be notified by August 15, 2024.

Q: Should I have a project in mind when applying that I should include in my statement of interest? What other information should I share in my statement of interest?

A: No need to describe a specific project idea, as you’ll develop that with your team! The statement should demonstrate your interest in participating in the Forefront Fellowship, your recent work/research that shows your commitment to building equitable cities, and your interest in advocating for older adults in the built environment.

Q: What are the Phase I activities, like site visits and interviews?

A: After orientation, you will participate in workshops, lead research activities like site visits and interviews, and develop the Phase I report. 

Fellows typically conduct 15 site visits and 5-15 interviews, engaging 40-70 stakeholders throughout the process. If you have a suggestion for a site that the Fellows should explore, please email Cat Betances at catherine@urbandesignforum.org.

Q: In Phase II, how are project teams formed?

A: In Phase II, you will form your own teams of 5-7 Fellows during the January retreat.

Q: Is there a cost to the fellowship?

A: We ask all accepted Forefront Fellows to join the Urban Design Forum community as dues-paying members. Member dues for emerging practitioners are $175/year, with a pay-what-you-can option available when our standard tier is not affordable. No participant will be turned away for lack of funds. 

We are committed to ensuring Forefront is accessible to all accepted Fellows. We will work with Fellows to accommodate individual accessibility requirements, technology needs, unique health and safety concerns, or other circumstances.

To support their full participation in the Forefront program, we are pleased to provide stipends for accepted Fellows with caretaking responsibilities. We offer two to five $100-300 stipends to offset the cost of caregiving for a dependent. 

In Phase II of the program, each project team receives $2,000 in unrestricted project funding in Phase II. Fellows are not paid individually for their participation.

Q: I don’t think I can commit to the full Forefront Fellowship this year. What are other ways to participate?

A: Yes! We’re always excited to discuss site visits, interviews/conversations, or other ways to get involved. Feel free to reach out to Cat Betances to connect further at catherine@urbandesignforum.org.

Q: Where can I learn more about Astrid, Rajesh, and Emma’s Phase II team projects?

A: I’m so glad you asked! 😀

• Astrid Mayak’s Phase II team project, Commercial Organics
• Rajesh Sankat’s Phase II team project, Teens’ Library of the Future
• Emma Silverblatt’s Phase II team project, Systemic Radical Change