Nonprofit
Open Communities Alliance's 2027 Pottenger Fellowship
Details
Description
Open Communities Alliance (OCA) seeks one full-time law student fellow for summer 2027.
About OCA
OCA is a civil rights organization that works to redress generations of discriminatory actions and policies based on race, ethnicity, and income to create open and inclusive housing opportunities in historically exclusionary communities, and to bring investments and equitable policy change that generate meaningful improvements in under-resourced communities of color.
About Jay Pottenger
J. L. Pottenger, Jr. (“Jay”), a co-founder of OCA, was a tireless advocate for fair housing and equal justice. His dedication to OCA remains at the heart of our work to unwind Connecticut’s stark history of government-perpetuated segregation and our effort to reduce social, economic, and health disparities experienced by low-income families of color. Jay also demonstrated his passion for housing justice through his devotion to the Yale Law School Clinical Program, where he served as a professor and mentor for 45 years. Jay's legacy of a life devoted to service is being honored with The Pottenger Fellowship Fund.
The Pottenger Fellowship
The Pottenger Fellowship offers law students nationwide an unparalleled opportunity to delve into a legal/public policy career with a focus on strategies that address housing segregation and its impact. Fellows will explore the historical and legal foundations of housing segregation, hone their advocacy and organizing skills, and deepen their knowledge of housing justice-related legislation and litigation. This immersive program equips Fellows with practical expertise and lays the groundwork for their long-term professional growth.
Pottenger Fellows will contribute to OCA’s groundbreaking work to redress housing segregation, with an emphasis on fair housing, zoning reform and voucher choice/mobility. Fellows will work closely with the OCA Legal Team with opportunities for legal research and writing, policy development and advocacy, and direct client casework. In addition, Fellows will work collaboratively with OCA’s Policy and Advocacy teams, gaining the benefit of OCA’s interdisciplinary approach.
Benefits
What are the qualifications?
Eligible candidates:
- Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of the United States;
- Must be an enrolled law student; and
- Should have a dedicated commitment to affordable housing policy, housing data, zoning policies, racial equity, and regionalism.
Location
Associated Location
Suite 1-210
How to Apply
When is the deadline to apply?
OCA is currently accepting applications for candidates interested in becoming Pottenger Fellows during the Summer of 2027. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications submitted by January 8, 2027.
How do I apply?
To apply, please fill out the online application here: Pottenger Fellowship Application. If you have any questions about the Fellowship, please contact Abi Dresser (adresser@ctoca.org).
- If you require a disabilityrelated accommodation to submit your application, please email apply@ctoca.org. Otherwise, due to high email volume, we are unable to respond to queries about application status.
OCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other status protected by law.
Research has shown that traditionally marginalized communities (people of color, people with disabilities, etc.) often don’t apply for jobs if they don’t meet every single qualification. If you think you can do this job but don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to still apply. We seek to build diversity, equity, and inclusion both within our organization and in partnership and allyship with the communities we serve.
