Fellows FAQs
What do Blue Engine Fellows do?
Blue Engine Fellows provide high doses of small-group instruction to help entire grade levels of high school students in New York City master advanced academic material. In addition, Fellows perform secondary roles (as teaching assistants, for example) and help lead afterschool programming in the school community.
What is the time commitment?
Blue Engine is an 11-month, full time service commitment. Training begins in early August and service continues through the end of June. Fellows work in school-based teams from 7:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Occasional weekend and service day commitments will be required and will be publicized well in advance.
Do Fellows receive training?
The Blue Engine Fellowship begins in August each year with an intensive, three-week training institute in New York City. Fellows will be provided with opportunities to observe and participate in effective tutorials and will learn concrete skills necessary to become effective tutors in an urban high school setting.
Where will I live?
Blue Engine Fellows are responsible for securing housing in New York City by August 1st. To make the fellowship year affordable, Fellows will have the chance to connect with each other and pursue housing options in groups. Blue Engine has established connections with a “no-fee” apartment brokerage that specializes in placing members of service corps (like Teach For America) in safe and affordable neighborhoods across the city. We will also provide Fellows with a resource guide that will help you learn about NYC neighborhoods and rental market. Fellows will be notified of school placements prior to start of service to allow enough time for informed housing decisions.
How much will I be paid?
Fellows are paid $1,200 per month for 11 months ($14,400 per year) before taxes. Transportation cards, health insurance and school supplies are covered by Blue Engine. Learn more about living on a budget in New York.
Which subjects will I be tutoring?
During our first year, we’ve selected a single subject— Algebra I—in order to develop a high level of support for our Fellows. (Why Algebra?). In future years, the number of courses we support will expand. Please note that Blue Engine is actively recruiting students from all academic backgrounds to apply, not just those with advanced math skills.
I’ve heard people talk about the possibility of serving a second year with Blue Engine. Is this possible?
Yes. A limited number of Blue Engine Fellows will have the opportunity to apply for a second year of service.
May I enroll in grad school while I’m a Fellow?
Blue Engine is a more-than-full-time commitment. Fellows will not have time to devote to additional coursework while still maintaining a high standard of excellence during their Fellowship year.
