Deadline: 02-Feb-2026
The Cooperative Leaders and Scholars (CLAS) Fellowship 2026 is an eight-month leadership program managed by the Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF). Designed for emerging North American professionals and students, the fellowship provides cross-sector training, professional networking, and financial support, including a $600 honorarium and a $1,000 travel stipend. Participants engage in intensive workshops in New York and Washington, D.C., to advance the cooperative business model and build an inclusive economy.
The CLAS Fellowship is a premier leadership development initiative focused on the cooperative business model. It bridges the gap between academic theory and practical application by connecting emerging leaders with industry experts, policymakers, and peer networks across North America.
Why It Matters: Advancing the Cooperative Economy
Cooperatives are member-owned businesses that prioritize social and economic needs over profit maximization.
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Inclusive Economics: The fellowship trains leaders to use the cooperative model to reduce economic inequality.
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Cross-Sector Collaboration: Participants gain exposure to various sectors, including credit unions, mutual insurance, and worker cooperatives.
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Policy Influence: Fellows engage with stakeholders in Washington, D.C., to understand the legislative landscape affecting cooperatives.
Key Concepts and Definitions
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NCBA CLUSA: The National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International, the primary trade association for co-ops in the United States.
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Capstone Project: A co-created final project where fellows apply their learning to a real-world cooperative challenge or research topic.
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Inclusive Economy: An economic system that ensures opportunities for all participants, particularly those traditionally marginalized.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must reside in North America and meet at least one of the following criteria:
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Emerging Leaders: Professionals in cooperatives, credit unions, or mutual insurance between the ages of 18 and 35.
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New to Cooperatives: Individuals of any age with fewer than five years of professional experience in the cooperative sector.
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Students: Current post-secondary students of any age interested in cooperative studies or careers.
Program Benefits and Financial Support
Selected fellows receive a comprehensive package of professional and financial benefits:
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Registration Fees: Covered entry for the Co-op IMPACT Conference, the Cooperative Hall of Fame, and a specialized course from Saint Mary’s University.
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Travel Stipend: A total of $1,000 to assist with transport costs.
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Stipends & Honorarium: A $600 honorarium upon program completion and a $30 metro card for Washington, D.C. travel.
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Logistics: Accommodations and most meals are provided during the two mandatory in-person convenings.
2026 Fellowship Timeline
The program follows a structured eight-month hybrid schedule:
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Application Deadline: February 2, 2026 (11:59 pm EST).
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Notification Date: February 16, 2026.
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Virtual Kick-off: April 1, 2026.
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In-Person Convening I: April 20–24 (Hudson Valley, NY & New York City).
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Virtual Programming: May through September.
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In-Person Convening II: October 5–9 (Washington, D.C.).
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Graduation: December 2026.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
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Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet the age, experience, or student status requirements and reside in North America.
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Prepare Professional Bio: Highlight your involvement or interest in the cooperative sector.
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Submit Online: Complete the application via the Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) portal by the February 2 deadline.
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Interview/Review: Successful candidates are selected based on their potential to contribute to the cooperative movement.
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Commitment: Ensure availability for both the virtual sessions and the mandatory weeklong trips in April and October.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Missing In-Person Dates: This is a mandatory hybrid fellowship. If you cannot attend the weeks in New York (April) and D.C. (October), your application will not be considered.
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Vague Capstone Ideas: While the project is “co-created,” having a clear sense of which cooperative challenges interest you will strengthen your application.
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Late Submission: The 11:59 pm EST deadline on February 2 is strictly enforced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is there an age limit for the fellowship? The age limit of 18–35 only applies to the “Emerging Leader” category. If you are a student or new to cooperatives (under 5 years experience), there is no age limit.
2. Does the fellowship cover international travel? The program is restricted to residents of North America. The $1,000 travel stipend is intended to offset costs for the two mandatory in-person sessions.
3. What is the “Capstone Project”? It is a cumulative project where fellows work together to apply cooperative principles to a specific issue, often presented at the end of the program.
4. Can I participate if I work for a credit union? Yes. Credit unions are financial cooperatives, and employees fall under the “Emerging Leader” or “New to Cooperatives” categories.
5. Are the in-person sessions mandatory? Yes. Attendance at the April session in New York and the October session in Washington, D.C., is a requirement for graduation and receiving the honorarium.
6. What is the Co-op IMPACT Conference? It is the flagship event of NCBA CLUSA, focusing on how cooperatives can impact the economy and community through social and economic integration.
7. Who hosts the academic portion of the fellowship? The International Centre for Co-operative Management at Saint Mary’s University provides a specific one-day course as part of the October convening.
Conclusion
The CLAS Fellowship is a transformative opportunity for those dedicated to the cooperative movement. By combining high-level networking in Washington, D.C., with practical on-the-ground tours in New York, the program equips the next generation of leaders with the tools to build a more equitable North American economy.
For more information, visit Cooperative Development Foundation.
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