Opportunities in Public Service or Public Policy

This information was obtained from the Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA) is not guaranteed to be current.  Be sure to verify the application deadlines and eligibility.

Alston/Bannerman Fellowship Program

The Alston/Bannerman Fellowship Program is committed to advancing progressive social change by helping to sustain long-time activists of color. The program honors those who have devoted their lives to helping their communities organize for racial, social, economic and environmental justice. Each year, ten Fellows receive an award of $15,000 to take sabbaticals of three months or more for reflection and renewal. The sabbaticals may be used to explore new interests, travel, relax, visit with other activists, or do whatever the Fellows think is necessary to prepare for their future work.
Contact Information: 410-327-6220, info@Alston/Bannerman.org
Annual Program: Deadline - December 1st

American Association of University Women (AAUW) - American Fellowships

AAUW is a national organization that promotes education and equity for all women and girls. The AAUW Educational Foundation is one of the nation's largest sources of private funding exclusively for graduate women pursuing educational programs or professions that directly benefit women and girls. The Foundation funds pioneering research on girls and education, community action projects, and fellowships and grants for outstanding women around the globe. The American Fellowships support women doctoral candidates completing dissertations or scholars seeking funds for postdoctoral research leave from accredited institutions.
Contact information: 1-800-326-AAUW, aauw@act.org
Annual Program - Application deadline: November 15th

American Association of University Women (AAUW) - International Fellowships

AAUW is a national organization that promotes education and equity for all women and girls. The AAUW Educational Foundation is one of the nation's largest sources of private funding exclusively for graduate women pursuing educational programs or professions that directly benefit women and girls. The Foundation funds pioneering research on girls and education, community action projects, and fellowships and grants for outstanding women around the globe. The International Fellowships are awarded to women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents for full-time study or research for both graduate and postgraduate studies at accredited institutions.
Contact information: 1-800-326-AAUW, aauw@act.org
Annual Program - Application deadline: December 15th

American Political Science Association Minority Fellows Program

The Minority Fellows Program was established to increase the number of minority scholars to enter a doctoral program in political science for the first time. Since its inception in 1969, it has designated more than 300 fellows and contributed to the successful completion of doctoral political science programs for over 70 individuals. Remaining steadfast in its endeavor, the Association has refocused and increased its efforts to assist minority students in completing their doctorates by concentrating not only on the recruitment of minorities, but to the retention of these groups as well. The APSA Minority Fellows Program designates six stipend minority fellows each year.

Arthur Liman Public Interest Program at Yale Law School

The Arthur Liman Public Interest Fellows program supports third year law students and all graduates of Yale law interested in working in public interest law. Each year, at least one student will receive a fellowship to work full-time for one year in a law related study designed to further public interest through mentorship with an existing organization or a start up project, meetings with other Fellows, advocates and scholars from across the country in an annual public interest law colloquium, and financial support.

Arthur Liman Undergraduate Summer Fellowship, The

The Arthur Liman Undergraduate Summer Fellowship program offers college students an opportunity to participate in public interest law projects during the summer. Past Fellows have worked on issues such as children's rights, immigrations' rights, drug policies, and the death penalty. Placement of a fellow can include organizations providing civil or criminal legal services to individuals, representation of particular groups, entities focused on problems of legal and public policy and law related media. The fellowship is only offered to undergraduate students at Yale, Brown and Harvard University.

Ashoka: Innovators for the Public

Ashoka's mission is to seek and invest in social entrepreneurs from around who exhibits creativity, a strong drive, and the ethical fiber to promote positive social change. Fellows are supported financially through a living stipend and professionally through Ashoka's global network of social entrepreneurs. Fellows work to serve the public in many areas including education, environment, health, human rights, civic participation and economic development. Ashoka has more than 1,400 Fellows across the world transforming the lives of millions of underserved people.
Contact Information: 703-527-8300, USCanadaProgram@ashoka.org
Application Deadline: rolling

Capital City Fellows Program (Washington, DC)

The Capital City Fellows Program (CCFP) is an initiative of Mayor Anthony Williams to attract recent graduates of master's degree programs in public administration, public policy, urban planning, and related fields to work for the city of Washington, DC. The fellowship term is two-years and consists of four six-month rotations in different city agencies including the Office of the City Administrator, Office of Personnel, Office of Chief Financial Officer, and many more. The program prepares Fellows to meet the challenges of local government and develops management talent for the city. Fellows are considered regular District government employees and as such receive the standard benefits available to all city employees such as health insurance, life insurance, vacation days, leave accrual, etc...

Capital Fellows Program (Sacramento, CA)

The Capital Fellows Program is an eleven-month post-graduate internship and seminar program in Sacramento, CA. Within the Capital Fellows Program, you can apply for one or more of the following fellowships: California Senate Fellows, Assembly Fellowship Program, Judical Administration Fellowship and the California Executive Fellows program. The work assigned to each Fellow will be similar to those of a legislative assistant and committee consultant. Fellows receive health benefits, a monthly stipend of $1,972 and are considered an employee of California State University, Sacramento.

Center for Third World Organizing (CTWO) -Movement Activist Apprenticeship Program

CTWO is a racial justice organization that works towards the building of a social justice movement led by people of color. This resource center promotes the advancement of racial justice; sending out messages worldwide. It works to establish model multi-racial community organizations, build an active network of organizations and activists of color, and train the new participants, including members of the Movement Activist Apprenticeship Program. Members of MAAP participate in an internship working on the movement towards economic social justice. Placed with any one of CTWO's partnering organizations, members work full-time on an organizing campaign with a community organization or labor union.
Contact Information: 510-533-7583, ctwo@ctwo.org
Application deadline: Annually, April

Center for Urban Redevelopment Excellence at Penn Fellowship

The Center for Urban Redevelopment Excellence aims to support the next generation of urban redevelopment leaders. The Center does this by placing talented early-career professionals in Fellowships with top redevelopment organizations nationwide. Fellows are employees of their host organizations for two years, during which they perform as project managers and receive mentorship from senior staff. The Center also enhances the Fellows\' individual field experience with technical training, leadership development, and exposure to different markets, organization structures, and cases addressing both physical and non-physical redevelopment issues. Finally, by sharing their work with each other and reflecting on their own experiences in a structured way, the Fellows internalize this information and exposure more quickly than most practitioners. They emerge from the program able to use these experiences and insights as effective urban redevelopment entrepreneurs.

Charles G. Koch Summer Fellow Program

The Koch Summer Fellow Program is an intensive ten-week summer internship program that offers an essential combination of free-market policy experience and professional training. Work with top policy experts, journalists, and academics while exploring market-based solutions to social and economic problems. Through your internship, an opening seminar and periodic speaker series, meet people who can be an important resource for your future career and build lasting relationships with them. Benefits: $1,500 stipend + travel expenses to and from Washington, DC, furnished housing (over $2000 value), books, seminars and career workshops. College students and recent college graduates are welcome to apply.
Contact Information: Scott Barton, (703) 993-4957, sbarton1@gmu.edu
Application Deadline: January 31 (Annual program)

Charles H. Revson Fellows Program on the Future of the City of New York at Columbia University

The Charles H. Revson Fellowships on the Future of the City of New York seeks professionals who show great potential in contributing positive social change to the urban area and encourages them to spend a year at Columbia University. There, they will choose between a diverse set of university courses and attend weekly seminars with key leaders from both public and private sectors including union officials, housing experts, and directors of social and development agencies that have made an impact on many communities.

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Congressional Fellows Program, The

The CBCF Congressional Fellows Program is an in-depth nine-month Fellowship that allows for greater research and public policy analysis opportunities. It was established after the Committee on House Administration released a report finding that Black professionals were seriously under-represented on Capitol Hill. Fellows gain invaluable experience from assisting in the development of legislative and public policy initiatives while working as congressional staff. Fellows work 40 hours per week on a range of staff assignments, including research and analysis, responding to constituent mail, drafting legislation and coordinating logistics and public testimony for Congressional hearings.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute - Public Policy Fellowship Program

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Public Policy Fellowship program was created by CHCI to assist in the development of the next generation of Latino leaders in public policy. Each year, the nine-month fellowship program provides up to 21 promising Latinos from across the U.S. an opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the national level in the public policy area of their choice. Some fellows have worked on international affairs, economic development, educational or housing policies. After careful considerations and interviews, fellows are placed in organizations/agencies such as the congressional offices, federal agencies, Washington-based media, corporate federal affairs offices, national advocacy organizations, and government-related institutions. In addition to the invaluable hands-on experiences gained from these placements, fellows are also provided with the opportunity to work on a community service project, attend a weekly seminar and receive a monthly stipend.

Congressional Hunger Center - The Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellows Program

The Congressional Hunger Center is a private, bi-partisan non-profit organization that fights hunger by developing leaders. The Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellows Program, a project of the CHC, is a unique leadership development opportunity for motivated individuals seeking to make a difference in the struggle to eliminate hunger and poverty. Each year 20 participants are selected for this twelve-month program. Fellows are placed for six months with urban and rural community organizations involved in fighting hunger at the local level, such as food banks, local advocacy groups, economic development agencies, and faith-based organizations. They then move to Washington, D.C. to complete the year with six months of work at advocacy and public policy organizations involved in the anti-hunger and poverty movement at the national level. Through this unique program, bridging community grassroots efforts and national public policy, Bill Emerson National Hunger Fellows develop as effective leaders in the anti-hunger movement. Applications are encouraged from candidates reflecting diverse educational, cultural, personal and experiential backgrounds. A living allowance, health insurance, travel expenses, professional development training opportunities, and an end of service award are included. For more information about the program and for details on the application process, please visit their website: http://www.emersonapplication.org/.
Contact Information: (202) 547-7022 ext. 29, fellows@hungercenter.org
Annual Program - Applications are due in Mid-January. Please see our website for Application Instructions: http://www.emersonapplication.org/

Congressional Hunger Center - The Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program

The Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program is a two-year initiative that begins with a one-year field placement in countries throughout South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America. The following year is spent in Washington, D.C. at national nonprofit organizations working on hunger and poverty policy. The fellowship trains emerging leaders in the fight against hunger and provides them with a broad understanding of the problem of hunger, the skills necessary to contribute to a solution, and the personal experience that puts faces and names to these issues.
Contact Information: Susannah Wood, Assoc. Dir., 202-547-7022 ext. 24,, swood@hungercenter.org
Application cycle: Every 2 years: Application Deadline: January 15, 2007.

Coro Community Problem-Solving Fellowship

The Coro Community Problem-Solving Fellowship is a ten-week summer program designed to encourage African American college sophomores, juniors and seniors to experience Pittsburgh, specifically the progressive, innovative Pittsburgh that values diversity. The purpose of the program is to expose bright talented minority college students to the professional, economic and social resources that exist in the region through multi-sector field assignments, seminars and networking events.
Contact Information: Jeffrey O'Neale, Regional Institutes Manager, (412) 258-2676, joneale@coro.org
Annual Program - Application Deadline: Mid-March

Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs

The Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs is a full time, graduate-level experiential leadership training program that introduces a diverse group of young professionals to all aspects of the public affairs arena. Each year about 64 participants are selected from a national pool of applicants to serve at one of the following locations: Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, Pittsburgh and San Francisco. For nine months, Coro Fellows spend at least 50 hours a week in a unique series of field assignments, site visits, interviews, public service projects and seminars. Fellows are encouraged to view the program as their laboratory; to experiment with and experience life in the public affairs arena.
Contact information: 816-931-0751, national@coro.org, 415-986-0521, x107, recruitSF@coro.org
Annual Program - Application Deadline: Early January

Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology (DFBSST)

The Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology (DFBSST) is an endowment fund which provides scholarships to African American undergraduate students enrolled in scientific or technical fields of study at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Fund was established by a group of concerned black technical professionals who realized that it is essential to provide financial assistance to talented black students who choose to pursue scientific or technical careers. Additionally, these students are supported at historically black institutions of higher learning, where it has been demonstrated that they will experience the highest rates of retention and graduation. The Development Fund provides scholarships of up to $2,000 per year, for a period of up to 4 years. Scholarship Applications are only available through the Financial Aid Offices of pre-qualified schools.

Echoing Green

Echoing Green seeks social entrepreneurs who exhibit fearlessness in defending their ideas, an unwavering belief that all individuals have the potential to contribute meaningfully to society, and a powerful passion for developing new solutions to some of society's most challenging problems. The Fellowship Program last two years and provides Fellows with financial and technical assistance (ranging from a large global network to a close peer-to-peer learning) to enhance their leadership skills and ensure organizational sustainability. Instead of working on a predefined project with an existing organization, each Fellow creates and builds his/her own organization to execute his/her own vision for social change.
Contact information: 212-689-1165, info@echoinggreen.org
Applications are online - Deadline: January

Education Policy Fellowship Program

The Education Policy Fellowship Program's mission is to prepare mid-level leaders in the public and private sector for greater responsibility in creating and implementing sound public policy in education and related fields. There are currently 12 EPFP sites across our nation. The Program consists of a 10-month, in-service leadership development program which combines events of national scope with activities specific to each of the 12 state sites in the U.S. Leaders will sharpen their leadership skills, build upon their knowledge of policy issues and processes, and create and extend their network of professionals. They will engage in stimulating discussions with policy players, scholars, visit agencies and state capitals and attend national meetings where they will meet their peers from all over the nation.
Contact information: 202-822-8405, iel@iel.org
Application deadline: Annually, August

Equal Justice Works--Pro Bono Legal Corps

Pro bono legal services are influential in improving access to justice for the nation's low-income communities. Recognizing the value and need for more legal resources among the low-income communities, Equal Justice Works' PBLC program offers law graduates the opportunity to collaborate with community legal aid and develop initiatives which expand and promote public service among their peers and at their law school, while allowing them to develop their own legal and professional skills. The Fellow may also receive a stipend, health insurance, child care assistance, loan forbearance and an educational award from the Program.

Eureka Fellowship

The Eureka Fellowship is focuses on changing communities through the participation and commitment of non-profit leaders, specifically executive directors. Through frequent forums, special workshops, and networking events, Fellows are able to build their skills and tackle issues important to the nonprofit sector. However, the heart of the Fellows' leadership development is their study trip to visit a Mentor organization with similar missions in another region. Fellows will learn new and effective methods of practice from their peers and then put these critical innovations in to action. At the completion of their fellowship, Fellows emerge with confidence in their managerial and leadership abilities to improve the quality of life in their communities. Membership in the Eureka National Learning Network is lifetime; always providing new access to finding support from other sectors, volunteers, and modern, innovative practices.

Fulbright for Non-U.S. Students Program

The Fulbright for Non-U.S. students is designed to strengthen the understanding and communication between U.S. and other countries. As an educational exchange program it offers insight into society and values to future leaders from around the world. Foreign students apply for Fulbright Fellowships through the binational Fulbright Commission or U.S. Embassies in their home countries.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The U.S. Student Program is designed to give recent college graduates, master's and doctoral candidates, and young professionals and artists opportunities for personal development and international experience. Most grantees plan their own programs. Projects may include university coursework, independent library or field research, classes in a music conservatory or art school, special projects in the social or life sciences, or a combination.
Contact information: N/A,
Annual Program - Application Deadline: Mid-October.

Galbraith Scholars Summer Program

The program aims to illuminate graduate school and career options for talented undergraduates who aspire to apply themselves to important social problems. Students selected for the program win full scholarships covering travel, accommodation, and activity expenses to attend a special five-day session at Harvard University led by Harvard faculty, doctoral fellows, and other invited speakers and social policy practitioners. Galbraith Scholars explore a range of social policy issues through graduate-style seminars, panel discussions, workshops, off-site field trips, and collaborative activities.

Gates Millennium Scholars Program, The

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program is available to graduating high school seniors. The initiative, funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and administered by the United Negro College Fund and partners, is aimed at increasing higher education access and opportunity to underrepresented groups to reflect the diverse society in which we live. The Foundation seeks to raise the number of African-Americans, American Indians/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Islander Americans, and Hispanic Americans enrolling in and completing undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Contact Information: 1-877-690-4677,
Nominations are due mid January for the next academic year

Greenlining Institute - The Academy Fellowship Program

The Greenlining Institute is a California based organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for low-income and minority communities. It runs the Greenlining Academy Fellowship Program and the Academy Summer Associate Program. The Academy Fellowship Program is an annual leadership training program for multi-ethnic individuals focused on low-income advocacy and community economic development. Generally, fellows conduct research, write report and position papers, help organize community events, and interface regularly with multi-ethnic community, corporate and government leaders. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate studies and be enrolled in, or preparing for, graduate studies in public policy, urban planning, minority advocacy or economic development.

Greenlining Institute - The Academy Summer Associate Program

The Greenlining Institute is a California based organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for low-income and minority communities. It runs the Greenlining Academy Fellowship Program and the Academy Summer Associate Program. The Academy Summer Associate Program is an intensive, ten-week leadership training program for multi-ethnic graduate level students who want experience working on low-income and minority economic development issues as policy analysts, advocates and community organizers. Each Associate manages or co-manages a research or advocacy project with the direction of a Program Manager and the Academy Director.

Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation, The

The Truman Scholarship provides $26,000 of which $24,000 goes towards graduate study in the United States or abroad in a variety of fields. The Truman Foundation seeks college or university students with junior-level academic standing who wish to attend professional or graduate school to prepare them for positions in (government, the nonprofit and advocacy sectors, and education) in public service. Not only does the Foundation provide support for graduate study but it also provides leadership training and Fellowship with Scholars from all across the nation who possess similar passion in making a difference through public service.
Contact information: 202-394-4831, office@truman.gov
Deadline for receipt of nominations: February

Hispanic College Fund

The Hispanic College Fund provides talented and underprivileged Hispanic youth with vision, mentors, resources and scholarships. HCF is passionate about its mission to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals and it's partnerships with business, government and foundations that are making their success a reality. HCF has various scholarship opportunities such as the Salle Mae Fund First in My Family Scholarship Program and Sodexho Scholarship Program. To apply or for more information, please visit: www.hispanicfund.org

Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF): HSF/Pfizer, Inc. Fellowship Program

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is the nation's leading organization supporting Hispanic higher education. It is committed to encouraging Hispanic students to pursue higher education by providing various scholarships. The HSF/Pfizer, Inc. Fellowship Program provides up to 10 Fellowships annually to Hispanic American students to complete their graduate education which focuses on such fields as social sciences, school of engineering, school of management, and school of public health. The Fellowship is open to prospective/current graduate students at selected institutions.
Contact Information: 415-445-9930,
Annual Program - Application deadline: October 1st

Initiative for Diversity in Civic Leadership

The mission of the Initiative for Diversity in Civic Leadership is to develop new leaders of color committed to public service in Greater Boston. A collaboration between Suffolk University, and MassVOTE, the Initiative provides training in public policy, leadership, strategy, and ethics to help individuals successfully gain appointed or elected office. The Initiative is a training program that will bring 20-30 new leaders together once a week for 16 weeks. Classes will be held Mondays, from 5:30-8:30pm starting April 2nd. To apply or for more information, please visit: http://www.initiativefordiversity.net

Institute for International Public Policy

The Institute for International Public Policy fellowship program, currently administered by the United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation, was established in 1994 to enhance US national security and global competitiveness by promoting excellence, international service and cultural competence among a broader, more diverse cross-section of the American citizenry. The IIPP Fellowship Program provides underrepresented minority students with the education and training needed to successfully enter, advance and lead in international affairs careers through its summer policy institutes, study abroad, intensive language training, internships, graduate study, mentoring and career development. To qualify you must be a college sophomore enrolled full-time at a four-year institution, US citizen or permanent resident, 3.2 GPA or above, strong interest in international affairs, and an underrepresented minority.

John Kenneth Galbraith Public Policy Fellowship Program, The

The Galbraith Fellowship program is designed for recent college graduates and graduate students who exhibit special interest in developing careers in public policy or economics. Fellowships are provided for full-time work of four, six, eight, or twelve month periods under the sponsorship of the Americans for Democratic Action Education Fund. Fellows are awarded a $1,000 monthly stipend. Complete applications must be received no later than one month before the start of each Fellowship.

Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation Public Policy Fellowship Program

The Kennedy Foundation supports a Public Policy Fellowship Program for professionals in the field of mental retardation. The Program annually brings outstanding individuals to Washington where they observe and participate in public policy development by working closely with the staff of a congressional committee and/or a federal department. Fellows develop practical programs to benefit individuals with mental retardation, their families and their communities. People with experience in state-level advocacy for persons with developmental disabilities, education, law, criminal justice, child welfare or other social services, mental health care delivery, or experience in development of family support services are strongly encouraged to apply. The Program provides a one year, full-time, hands-on experience with public policy decision making processes, a stipend, and relocation expenses.

Latino Issues Forum - Public Policy Summer Fellowship Program

The Latino Issues Forum, a leading policy and advocacy institution, seeks three Fellows interested in shaping a better vision for California and improving the lives of Latin communities. Students will gain valuable hands-on experience shaping public policy by assisting program staff in research, legislative/policy analysis, coordination of advocacy campaigns, and participate in the organization\'s educational seminars and conferences. Additional instructions on policy analysis, advocacy, and various aspects of California policy will be provided. The Fellowship Program is a three-month full time summer fellowship (June-August 2005) where participants All of which will involve working with public, private and community organizations. Fellows will receive a $1,900 monthly stipend and a $100 per month Commuter Checks for public transportation.

Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa Program (LAWA)

The LAWA is a fellowship program that trains promising lawyers from Africa committed to advancing the cause of women's right upon return to their countries. Program participants study for and receive a Masters of law degree with an emphasis on gender studies at Georgetown University Law Center. Additionally, they complete a major graduate paper on an issue that affects African women's rights. Afterwards, they are assigned to work in various public interest or government organizations that are compatible with their interests and long-term plans such as the World Bank, or the Women's Rights Division of Human Rights Watch.

Marshall Scholarship

The Marshall Scholarship award is given to select individuals to study abroad in the United Kingdom. Approximately forty young American students are selected each year to study at any British University. Scholarships are provided for two academic years to study in any discipline leading to receipt of a British graduate, and on some occasion an undergraduate degree. As future leaders, these individuals will strengthen the relationship between the British and American people, their governments, and institutions.
Contact information, MACC@acu.ac.uk
Application deadline: Annually, October 1st

National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Graduate Fellowships

The Boren Fellowship program was designed to encourage U.S. graduate students to specialize in a regional and language study not commonly studied by U.S. graduate students. The fellowship gives students the opportunity to add an international dimension to their own education and future careers. Fellows pursue a study of languages, cultures, and world regions that are critical to U.S. National Security and enable the nation to remain integrally involved in global issues.

National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships

The NSEP undergraduate Scholarship program was designed to provide American students with the opportunities and resources needed to prepare them for today's world and future international endeavors that are critical to our nation's security. Scholars will enter their professional life with a profuse knowledge of a foreign language, culture, cross-cultural understanding and global outlook, which could be used in career and leadership opportunities in all fields of business, government, education, science and technology.

National Urban Fellowship Award

The National Urban Fellows Program is a leadership development program that recruits and prepares mid-career women and minorities to become urban leaders. Each year, a class of 30 Fellows is recruited into a 14-month academic and mentorship program. Combining graduate academic education and a mentorship experience with a major urban organization, Fellows are prepared to be more effective leaders in government, nonprofit and private sectors working to sustain and enhance the urban communities. Through this program, fellows acquire a master's degree in public administration, priceless experience, and insight into urban policy formation, decision-making and management.

New Voices National Fellowship Program

New Voices National Fellowship Program is a leadership development and capacity-building grant program that supports U.S. based nonprofit organizations in bringing in new professionals with distinct "voices" dedicated to advancing social, economic and political justice in our world. Official sponsored programs of study include foreign policy, international economic policy, peace and security, international human rights, women's rights, reproductive rights, migrant and refugee rights and more. New Voices Fellows are offered financial assistance, training, mentorship, and other opportunities for personal and professional development. Fellows' host organizations are provided with salary-support grants. Duration of program is 2 years.

New York City Urban Fellows Program

The Urban Fellows Program is a prestigious nine-month program which introduces college graduates to local government and public service. The Program curriculum includes a full-time employment opportunity with the City government and weekly seminar series exploring the process of the local government. These seminars are often led by commissioners, elected officials, and people at all levels of the government. Fellows will work in the most challenging of areas, including but not limited to, budget process, agency operations, low income housing, affordable health care, education and economic development. A $25,000 stipend for nine months and health insurance is awarded.

Next Generation Leadership Program

The Rockefeller Foundation created the Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Program from a desire to build a stronger, more sustainable democracy for the United States. NGL creates a network of highly qualified leaders from all sectors of the government and non-profit organizations to develop and share problem-solving models in response to the social, economic, and technological challenges which hinder the progress of democracy today. The Program consists of four modules which allow its participants to examine case studies, practices, address issues connected to these problems and develop action-oriented solutions. The final stage is to put these plans into action with the help of their peers, organizations, and/or advisors. Three of the sessions take place in the United States while the fourth one is overseas in order for participants to experience a global perspective of economic, social and technological disparities.

Open Society Institute - Baltimore Community Fellowship Program

The Baltimore Community Fellowship Program supports individuals who wish to utilize their education and professional experiences in serving marginalized communities. The Program allows Fellows to work under the mentorship of a nonprofit organization in Baltimore City or work independently on a project geared towards specific problems that affect marginalized communities in Baltimore. Among the benefits Fellows receive are stipend for living expenses, a network of Fellows and alumni, an opportunity to interact with their New York counterparts and more. Duration of the program is 18 months.
Contact information: 410-234-1091,
Application Deadline: Annually, Early-March

Open Society Institute - Medicine as a Profession, Soros Advocacy Fellowship for Physicians

Physicians are especially qualified to advocate on behalf of their patients and the communities they serve. They hold a position of prestige and credibility that, with the right skills, can be a powerful tool in improving societal conditions. Thus, the Soros Advocacy Fellowship brings doctors together to share and enhance one another's skills as they work closely on projects in partnership with advocacy organizations in a 12-24 month period. Participating Fellows will design and implement personal projects that address health, service delivery, or deficiencies caused by social issues in the community such as racism, violence, income equality, or inadequate education. Future Fellows work with other advocates, outside experts, OSI staff, and an advisory board; all ready to advise and support the Fellows' endeavors. Financial award is based on the physician's salary.
Contact information: 212-548-0600,
Application deadline: Annually, Mid-January

Open Society Institute - New York Community Fellowship Program

The New York City Community Fellowship Program was established to encourage and support activists who create innovative social justice projects in response to critical community issues. The Program seeks individuals with a passion, dynamism and creativity to remove social barriers in marginalized and disadvantaged communities when given the right tools and opportunities. Fellows participate in workshops and conferences while working on projects in a variety of areas ranging from healthcare, the arts, workers' rights, civic participation, education to economic justice. Fellows become members of a growing network of service leaders with whom they can exchange innovative practices and resources. Duration of the program is 18 months and financial support is given as well.
Contact information: 212-548-0152,
Application deadline: Annually, Mid-April

Presidential Management Fellows

For twenty-seven years, the Presidential Management Fellows Program has appealed to master's and doctoral-level students who wish to work in the Federal Government. The Program provides an opportunity for Fellows to apply the knowledge they gained while in graduate study towards a career in the Federal service. Fellows participate in domestic and international affairs, technology, science, criminal justice, health, financial management, and other fields in public service. Students who have completed a graduate degree from an accredited college or university are eligible to be nominated by their schools. The Program seeks graduates who have a breadth and quality of achievements, leadership skills, and have demonstrated dedication to pursuing a career in public policies. Those accepted receive Federal benefits.

Robert Bernstein Fellowship in International Human Rights

The Bernstein Fellowship in International Human Rights provides financial support to allow two determined Yale Law School graduates to pursue full-time international human rights work for one year. Fellows work on a project of their own design in cooperation with appropriate organizations. The project may deal with issues anywhere in the world, including monitoring human rights developments in a specific country or countries, conducting on-site investigations, drafting reports on human rights conditions, and engaging in advocacy aimed at publicizing human rights violations as a method of curtailing abuses. An annual symposium is given every spring during which current fellows give a presentation about their work. This gives Fellows an opportunity to network and receive guidance from the Schell Center staff and other fellows as well. An annual stipend is awarded and health insurance may be provided.

Samuel Huntington Public Service Award

The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides $10,000 stipend for a graduating college senior to pursue public service anywhere in the world. The Award allows recipients to engage in a meaningful public service activity for one year before proceeding on to graduate school or career.

Skadden Fellowship

The Skadden Fellowship was created to support graduating law students who have shown exceptional promise in the field of public interest law. For two years, Fellows are given the opportunity to pursue public interest work by providing legal services to the poor, elderly, homeless and disabled, as well as those deprived of human rights or civil rights. Previous Fellows have created projects geared towards economic development and community renewal. An annual salary of $37,500 plus benefits is awarded for two years.

Soros Justice Fellowship Programs

The Soros Justice Advocacy Fellowship programs provide funding for outstanding individuals working in law, organizing, public health, public policy and other disciplines to initiate innovative projects that will impact the underlying issues of the U.S. Justice Fund's criminal justice priorities. Such priorities include goals to reduce the Nation's over reliance on policies of punishment and incarceration, eliminate race and class disparities in the U.S. criminal justice system and restore judicial discretion, and encourage successful resettlement of people returning from prison. Thus, Fellows will design individual projects to be implemented in conjunction with a nonprofit organization or government agency for a period of two years. Benefits of this program include exposure and connections to other advocates, lawyers, scholars, journalists and more. Fellows are committed for two years and receive an annual stipend.
Contact information: 1-212-548-0600, ncordova@sorosny.org
Application deadline: Late-September

Thomas R. Pickering: Foreign Affairs Fellowship

Are you an ambitious, driven, and enthusiastic undergraduate student? Have you ever considered a career as a Foreign Service Officer? Would you like to represent the United States and its interests in world affairs? Do you love to travel, learn new languages, cultures, meet new people, and work amongst the most high-level professionals from around the world? If so, then the Picking Fellowship is looking for you. Students from all ethnic, racial and social backgrounds, with an unusual level of commitment, uncommon motivation, and the ability to endure any and all directives with invariable dedication to U.S. interests are desired. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, a college sophomore, and have a 3.2 GPA or higher at the time of application. Each successful candidate is required to serve as a Foreign Service Officer for a minimum of four and a half years.

Thomas R. Pickering: Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship

Are you a graduate student interested in pursuing a Foreign Service career with the U.S. Department of States? If so, then the Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship may be for you. The Fellowship seeks outstanding students who reflect the diversity and excellence of our nation. The program arms it fellows with the necessary skills to successfully represent America's interests abroad. Applicants must be a citizen of the United States, have a 3.2 or higher, and be seeking admission to a graduate program for the following academic year. Fellows are expected to enroll in a two-year full-time master's degree program (such as public policy, international affairs, public administration, foreign languages, sociology, economics, etc) in the United States. Each successful candidate is required to serve as a Foreign Service Officer for a minimum of three years.

Udall Foundation-Native American Congressional Internship Program

The Internship Program is a ten-week summer internship in Washington, DC, for Native American and Alaska Native students who wish to learn more about the federal government and issues affecting Indian country. The internship is fully funded: the Foundation provides round-trip airfare, housing, per diem for food and incidentals, and a stipend at the close of the program. Interns work in congressional and agency offices where they have opportunities to research legislative issues important to tribal communities, network with key public officials and tribal advocacy groups, experience an insider's view of the federal government, and enhance their understanding of nation-building and tribal self-governance.

Women's Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program (WLPPFP), Georgetown University Law Center

The WLPPFP brings lawyers to Washington for one year to work in public interest organizations on pressing women's rights issues. The selection process for Fellows is highly competitive and draws recent law graduates from across the country and recently from outside the United States. Fellows selected for participation are placed with different organizations, including women's rights groups, civil rights groups, Congressional offices, government agencies, and the Georgetown University Law Center Domestic Violence Clinic.
Contact Information: (202) 662-9650, wlppfp@law.georgetown.edu
Annual Program - Application Deadline: October 10