Applications Open for the 2026 Housing Policy Fellowship
Two fellowships are available, each offering a $12,000 annual stipend.
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency announces the opening of applications for its 2026 Kathy A. Possinger Housing Policy Fellowship. This opportunity is designed to fund valuable research while nurturing leadership development in the field of housing.
Two fellows will be selected to undertake a research project for a maximum of 12 months, each receiving a monthly stipend of $1,000, totaling $12,000 in funding. This support is intended for a variety of activities essential to the research effort, such as interviews with experts, acquiring study materials, and attending relevant conferences.
The fellowship aims to encourage diverse perspectives by selecting one fellow from academia and another from outside the academic sphere. This variety is expected to lead to different research topics and enrich the discourse surrounding important housing issues.
By backing research addressing current housing and community development challenges, this fellowship contributes positively to the housing sector. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of individuals keen on becoming leaders in housing policy. The findings from these projects will be publicly accessible, benefiting the community at large.
"In 2026, we plan to fund the research of two fellows," said PHFA's Executive Director and CEO Robin Wiessmann. "The diverse perspectives from our fellows will enhance the research quality and provide valuable insights to housing professionals and the public alike, directly benefiting the state’s housing industry."
This fellowship honors Kathy Possinger, a dedicated advocate for affordable housing who made significant contributions over two decades in both public and private sectors. Her impactful work with nonprofit and government agencies has greatly influenced affordable housing and community development fields.
The application for the fellowship can be found on the agency's website. All legal residents over the age of 18 are eligible to apply, though PHFA staff and board members are excluded. Submitted applications will be reviewed based on established fellowship criteria available on the website.
Over the years, the Housing Policy Fellowship has awarded individuals with various research interests. Topics have ranged from property taxes impact on aging populations, cooperative housing models, innovative land trusts, to the intersection of zoning laws and racial equity.
The application deadline for the fellowship is 5 p.m. on a specified date in the near future.
For inquiries regarding the fellowship, interested parties may contact Amy Sechrist at the provided phone number.
About PHFA
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency is dedicated to providing affordable homeownership and rental housing options for older adults, low- and moderate-income families, and individuals with special housing requirements. Through well-managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, PHFA actively promotes economic development. Since its establishment in the early 1970s, the agency has generated over $19.7 billion to support housing initiatives, facilitating home loans and constructing rental units, while aiding numerous families in avoiding foreclosure. The agency operates without public tax funding, relying on revenues from securities sales and user fees.
Media Contact Information
For media-related inquiries, Scott Elliott can be reached through the provided phone number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Housing Policy Fellowship?
The fellowship is designed to fund research on pressing housing topics while nurturing future housing leaders.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Residents over 18 years old are eligible to apply, excluding PHFA staff and board members.
How much funding is available through the fellowship?
Each fellow receives a total stipend of $12,000 over a maximum of 12 months of research.
What types of research topics have been covered in the past?
Previous research has included topics like property tax implications for aging individuals and the affordability of different housing models.
Who should I contact for more information about the fellowship?
For inquiries, you can contact Amy Sechrist at the phone number provided.
