Here at Blue Ridge Labs, we are excited to announce the launch of applications for our 2022 Fellowship, and we could use your help finding talented people: software engineers, product designers and managers, as well as experts in the topic area to join us. We’re looking for potential Fellows who are ruthlessly dedicated to addressing the most pressing issues for low-income communities in NYC, both getting an idea off the ground and sustaining it long-term.
Each year, we run an intensive, full-time Fellowship program. The 2022 program runs from July 11 – November 11. At its core, it is a co-design process, working directly with hardest-hit communities to reimagine new technology-enabled products and services.
The 2022 Fellowship will focus on expanding digital equity for New Yorkers. We see digital equity as all individuals and communities having the technology, capacity, and access needed for full participation in our society (definition from the Brooklyn Public Library).
Today, accessing critical public services can require use of an app or website. But often technology is not designed to consider diverse needs or inadequate access. This shift is leaving behind low-income communities, people of color, older adults, and people with disabilities, shining a spotlight on issues around access, inclusion, and equity.
The Fellowship will explore the opportunities for mindfully designed solutions that expand access, equity, and inclusion for all New Yorkers, including but not limited to:
- Accessing services like health care, education, transportation, etc.
- Supporting small businesses, gig workers, and entrepreneurs in a digital economy
- Fostering social connection and community engagement
Our alums have built Providers, an app that helps more than 2 million families manage their food stamps and JustFix.nyc, a platform for tenants to hold their landlords accountable.
Blue Ridge Labs
We are a social impact incubator based in NYC. Blue Ridge Labs is a place where technologists and communities work together to explore and build new solutions for New Yorkers. We provide space, funding, and resources to help launch and grow tech platforms that address economic inequality in NYC.
The Fellowship
The Fellowship is an intensive, full-time program to create and build new products, using technology to address systemic inequality in NYC. We believe in the co-design process. Fellows collaborate directly with hardest-hit communities, community-based organizations, nonprofits, issue area experts, and government agencies. We are looking for designers, product managers, engineers, and experts (community leaders and practitioners in digital equity).
The 2022 program runs from July 11 to November 11.
Our alums have built Providers, an app that helps millions of families manage their food stamps, Unlock NYC, an app that helps New Yorkers report housing voucher discrimination, and so much more.
The 2022 Topic
The 2022 Fellowship will focus on expanding digital equity for New Yorkers.
We see digital equity as all individuals and communities having the technology, capacity, and access needed for full participation in our society (thank you Brooklyn Public Library for this definition).
This year’s Fellowship will examine the barriers brought on by digital tools and the issues New Yorkers face while navigating an increasingly digital society. Fellows will discover opportunities for mindfully designed solutions that expand access, equity, and inclusion for all New Yorkers. Read more about the topic on our website.
Issues we seek to explore include (but are not limited to)
- Accessing services like health care, education, transportation, etc.
- Supporting small businesses, gig workers, and entrepreneurs in a digital economy
- Fostering social connection and community engagement
What We Provide
- Funding. A full-time stipend, health insurance reimbursement, and research budget
- Co-founders. A group of talented peers with complementary skills
- Access. The chance to connect with hundreds of users and experts through our Design Insight Group and community partners
- Community. Join an ecosystem of high-impact startups and mentors
Curious about applying?
- Watch our webinar about the Fellowship and who we’re looking for.
- RSVP for our Virtual Open House to meet our team and ask us your questions!
- Check out our website to explore alumni and learn more about our program.
- Apply today!