Resource Fellows Program
Local Leaders. Real Resources. Stronger Communities.
The Surmount Resource Fellows Program is a leadership initiative that equips young people and community members across New York City and Yonkers to identify, organize, and share trusted resources in their neighborhoods.
We believe communities are strongest when the people closest to the challenges are leading the solutions.
Resource Fellows are trained to:
• Map local resources
• Build relationships with community organizations
• Host resource-sharing events
• Collect and verify information
• Serve as trusted connectors in their boroughs
Through this program, Fellows don’t just volunteer — they become community resource leaders.
Why This Matters
Across New York, thousands of families struggle to navigate housing support, food access, healthcare, employment services, and educational opportunities — not because resources don’t exist, but because they are difficult to find, understand, or access.
Surmount’s mission is simple:
We connect New Yorkers with essential resources and programs that empower them to overcome challenges, build resilience, and uplift their communities.
The Resource Fellows Program brings that mission to life on the ground.
What Fellows Do
Fellows research and identify trusted local services in areas such as:
Food assistance
Housing support
Mental health and healthcare
Employment and workforce development
Youth programs
Family services
They contribute to Surmount’s growing Community Resource Database.
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Core Learning Pillars
Leadership & Personal Development
Building confidence, communication skills, teamwork, accountability, and ownership.
Community Knowledge & Resource Literacy
Understanding how local systems work and how resources support individuals and families.
Public Engagement & Advocacy
Learning how to talk to community members, collect feedback, and advocate for needs respectfully and effectively.
Applied Impact
Producing real outputs that directly support Surmount’s mission and the broader community.
Program Outcomes
Individual Fellow Outcomes
By the end of the program, fellows will:
- Demonstrate increased confidence in public speaking, collaboration, and leadership
- Understand how to identify, evaluate, and organize community resources
- Build skills in community outreach, survey engagement, and professional communication
- Gain exposure to civic systems, nonprofits, and community leadership pathways
- Complete a portfolio of real contributions, including vetted resources and community engagement work
- Develop a stronger sense of civic responsibility and connection to their community
Program-Level Outcomes
Through the fellowship, the program will:
- Train a cohort of youth leaders equipped to support community resource access
- Produce a growing collection of vetted, youth-reviewed community resources
- Increase community awareness of available supports through youth-led outreach
- Strengthen Surmount’s capacity to share accurate, trusted resources
- Build a replicable youth leadership model that can scale across communities
FAQ
When does Resource Fellows begin?
The first meeting date for the program is April 4th.
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When do Resource Fellows meet?
Resource Fellows have 3 meetings per month. There will be an in-person session on the first Saturday of each month at Yonkers Public Library and 2 virtual sessions throughout the month from April through December. Once all students are in the program, we’ll decide on the dates for virtual sessions that work for everyone.
What will students gain?
- A stipend for participation
- Transportation covered for in-person sessions
- Refreshments and a mini lunch provided during in-person sessions
- Leadership and civic engagement experience
- Training in research, advocacy, and public speaking
- Resume-building experience and professional references
- Community service hours
- Opportunities for continued leadership with Surmount
Who should apply?
High school students age 16 or older based in Yonkers, the Bronx, or Manhattan that want hands-on, real-world experience learning about community challenges and advocacy.
Are there any requirements?
No prior experience required, just commitment and curiosity.