SPIN places fellows in substantive year-long paid positions with organizations working in the public interest. Graduating seniors submit applications, including an essay and two letters of recommendation, to SPIN. SPIN coordinators evaluate the applications and interview students. SPIN refers 1 to 3 top candidates to each organization filling a position. The organizations conduct a second round of interviews and rank their candidate choices. SPIN coordinators finalize placement decisions based on student and organization preferences.

SPIN places an emphasis on public interest community buildling. Fellows will be assigned a mentor in the field of their interest and will have the chance to participate in community service events, networking events, and cultural events in New York.