Pros
Organizing and forging a sense of solidarity with equally dissatisfied fellows
Cons
Lead for America exemplifies everything that is broken about the job market and the supposed "hustle culture" that awaits young professions. I was a fellow in the first cohort, and LFA placed all of the impetus and responsibility on me (MANY fellows had similar experiences) to secure a local placement and funding for my position AFTER I was successful in their extensive application process. This expectation was framed as an "opportunity," and LFA did not help beyond sending a few introduction emails on my behalf to local organizations. LFA expects fellows to subsist on poverty-level wages and additionally counts on many fellows to find "in-kind housing" for the duration of their fellowship. What was supposed to be an exhilarating post-graduate experience left me deeply disempowered professionally and dependent upon outside work/family support. My life has improved immeasurably since leaving my position. I would recommend anyone who is considering the program get in touch with multiple alumni, NOT just the ones LFA recommends, before applying.