University of Georgia senior Eliza Fausset has been selected as a 2026-28 FAO Schwarz Fellow, according to a May 7 announcement. Fausset, who is from Atlanta and majors in sociology and Spanish at the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and the Jere W. Morehead Honors College, is one of seven students nationwide chosen for this highly selective postgraduate fellowship.
The FAO Schwarz Fellowship is recognized as one of the nation’s most competitive programs focused on social impact and nonprofit leadership. Fellows are placed with nonprofit organizations in cities such as Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia to gain practical experience and leadership training aimed at addressing community needs.
Fausset will complete her two-year paid fellowship with the Brooklyn Public Library in New York City. She will engage in direct service work and strategic projects designed to expand access to educational resources. “It’s an honor to be named an FAO Schwarz Fellow and to support the important work of the Brooklyn Public Library,” Fausset said. “I am excited to learn alongside other young people passionate about social change, and I’m deeply grateful for the professors, classmates, co‑organizers and neighbors who made my time in Athens so meaningful.”
Selection for this fellowship involves a rigorous process that includes input from both host organizations and the foundation itself. Fausset was noted as a finalist by two host organizations during this process—an uncommon recognition that highlights her leadership potential.
“This year, we are also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the fellowship — 20 years of helping to launch young leaders like Eliza into social change careers,” said Priscilla Cohen, executive director of the FAO Schwarz Fellowship program. “It is an inspiration for us to see such dedication among new graduates to making a difference in the world.”
Ray Clere, executive director of the UGA Career Center, said: “We are proud to see Eliza selected for the FAO Schwarz Fellowship. This recognition reflects both her dedication to service and the strength of her academic and community engagement at UGA. We are confident she will make a meaningful impact through her work with the Brooklyn Public Library.”
FAO Schwarz Fellows receive salary, benefits, professional development programming including mentoring opportunities, cohort-based experiences, and attend two four-day retreats each year. According to program information provided by UGA officials involved with student career guidance services at UGA Career Center,
more than 90% of former fellows continue their careers in social impact or public service fields.
