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Policy fellowships

Fellowships are one of the best entryways into US policy work. This page includes:

What are policy fellowships?

There are dozens of US policy fellowships aiming to help people with different backgrounds and career stages gain first-hand policy experience. Some of these programs support recent graduates in exploring their fit for policy, while others target mid-career professionals from non-policy fields (e.g. STEM, business, law) to help them pivot into public service work.

These fellowship programs can boost your professional development and provide employment opportunities in all the major policy institutions (see congressional fellowships, think tank fellowships, and executive branch fellowships). Other common fellowship benefits include funding, training, mentoring, networking opportunities, application support, and the possibility of post-fellowship employment. Also, policy fellowships are often competitive and prestigious, providing a valuable credential.

What is meant by a “fellowship” can differ substantially as the term is not used consistently. The structure, benefits, and eligibility requirements may vary widely depending on the program. Many fellowships offer full-time placements in host organizations, while others provide part-time training and mentoring, and some “fellowships” are simply scholarships or internships. Occasionally, “fellowships” are just titles to confer an association or endorsement of a fellow by the fellowship-granting organization.

Alternatives to fellowships for those seeking to work in US policy include doing a policy-relevant graduate degree (ideally in Washington DC) and applying directly for policy jobs or internships. Potential advantages of policy fellowships over these alternatives include that they are:

  • Often less competitive than many full-time roles if you don’t have prior policy experience (many fellowships are designed as bridge programs for people from non-traditional backgrounds such as tech or academia);
  • Better paid than most internships and entry-level jobs;
  • Providing more post-completion employment opportunities;
  • Better and cheaper for career exploration than graduate school; and 
  • Offering additional benefits (e.g. training, networking, prestige).

Tips for a successful fellowship

Crowdsourced advice on succeeding as a fellow

There is no one path to succeeding as a fellow, as each program is different and fellows can have many different goals. Still, here are some broadly applicable tips from former fellows on how to make the most of the experience (focusing on full-time fellowships):

  • Prioritize mentorship: Having a dedicated mentor—who is experienced enough to show you how things work, but not so senior that they’re not able to spend much time with you—can be very important for having a successful fellowship. A lot of what is needed to succeed in a fellowship can’t be read in a book and needs to be translated via direct guidance from a mentor. During the application and interview process, try to clarify who will be your supervisor and asking about their approach to mentorship (e.g. you should aim to have at least a weekly check-in meeting, and ideally daily contact at the start of the fellowship). If possible, also politely ask previous fellows and staff about their experiences and the reputation of the supervisor. It can be a good idea to prioritize mentors who have experience hosting fellows.
  • Build trust: It’s very important to build trusted relationships with your colleagues. Decisions are often made quickly and under time pressure. If you’re trusted, you’re more likely to be given the freedom to work on consequential topics and make decisions. Performing well in your job and building trust will also help you get support from your supervisor and colleagues in finding follow-on opportunities after the fellowship (e.g. a strong reference, application tips). You can build trust by showing that you can quickly deliver on projects that are important to the organization and being careful in how you engage with external stakeholders (e.g. checking with your supervisor before scheduling official outside meetings). It’s also helpful to show that you understand the broader context of the organization you’re working in (e.g. if working for an agency or a congressional office, get familiar with their previous work and the broader political context).
  • Network: Developing a wide network is very important for understanding how DC works, and can help you learn information that improves how you do your job. Deliberate networking may feel unfamiliar, but it can greatly boost how much you get out of the fellowship experience. Your professional network is also instrumental in helping you identify and land jobs after the fellowship. Aim to regularly reach out to new people for informal chats over “coffee” (you don’t actually have to drink coffee!), join relevant group chats, attend happy hours, and go to presentations and conferences related to your field. Cold outreach is not unusual in policy circles, so don’t be afraid to reach out to people even if you don’t have an existing relationship. It’s important to be polite and respectful of people’s time; for introductory conversations, keep them to 30 minutes or less unless the other person offers more.
  • Look for placements where you will be treated as a full member of staff: Some fellowship placements, particularly those that have not previously had fellows, may not have a clear idea of how best to train and use you as a fellow, and as a result, you could struggle to gain the full experience. Ask any previous fellows how they were treated in the office, and ask the office roughly what level of employee they consider fellows equivalent to. Try to also clarify with the office what the key goals are for you as a fellow (e.g. do they have particular projects that they want you to work on).
  • Pitch in: Fellows may have set ideas about what they want to or are qualified to work on, but they often find themselves working on a much wider range of issues than they expected. It can be very useful for fellows to be proactive about this and willing to jump into a wider range of topics than they’re familiar with, which can help them better understand the issues and processes used by their organization.

There’s a fellowship database, links to specific fellowship guides, and fellowship listings here, which are omitted from this narration.

Fellowship database

We created a database of US policy fellowships listing more than 50 opportunities.

Other databases: 

How to use the database

When using the database, you may find it helpful to use the ‘Filter’, ‘Group’, and ‘Sort’ functions to look only at fellowships relevant to your situation.

For example, you may use the ‘Filter’ function to only see Washington DC-based fellowships involving a job placement for early-career individuals.

Database information

The information included in the database is as follows:

  1. Name of the fellowship
  2. Brief description: a 1-2 sentence description of the fellowship
  3. Website
  4. Organizing institution
  5. Work hours: full-time or part-time
  6. Benefits: Job placement, Training, Funding, Networking
  7. Location: most US policy fellowships are located in Washington, DC
  8. Host institution category: e.g. executive branch, legislative/Congress, or think tank / nonprofit
  9. Policy area: the area the fellowship is most relevant to. Most fellowships listed are area agnostic and could benefit your policy career whatever issues you work on (in which case it is coded as “All”).
  10. Duration
  11. Eligibility: which criteria must candidates meet to be eligible to apply?
  12. Degree requirements
  13. Career level: who is the fellowship aimed at? E.g. early-career (0-4 years of work experience), professional (4+ years), mid-career (10+ years)
  14. Citizenship requirement: US citizen, US permanent resident (green card), US work authorization, or US student visa (F-1, J-1)
  15. Citizenship notes: additional information on citizenship requirements
  16. STEM requirement: whether the fellowship only or preferentially accepts candidates with STEM backgrounds
  17. STEM notes: additional information on STEM requirements
  18. Security clearance requirements: does the fellowship require getting a security clearance (sometimes required for executive branch positions)
  19. Clearance notes: additional information on security clearance requirements
  20. Open date / close date: when do applications open / close
  21. Notes: links and other information about the fellowship
Limitations
  • The database is a work in progress and we appreciate any feedback (e.g. fellowships we missed, factual errors, better ways to structure the table) via this form or in the comments. The database does not aim to be comprehensive and focuses on fellowships most likely to be relevant to those interested in emerging technology policy. Many (but far from all) of the programs included have a US national security focus.
  • The database only includes US federal-level fellowships, not those at the state or lower levels. There are an increasing number of state-level fellowships, which go beyond the initial scope of the database but which we may add later. If you know of promising state-level US policy fellowships, please send them to us via the above-linked feedback form.
  • If you’re a foreign national interested in US policy work, note that virtually all fellowships in our database require at least having a US work authorization (i.e. they don’t sponsor visas, but you may be eligible if you are already in the US and are authorized to work).

Fellowship guides

These in-depth guides provide information and advice on several select fellowships, drafted by former fellows otherwise unaffiliated with this website.

AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship

A 1-2 year full-time fellowship in the executive branch or Congress in Washington, DC for PhD-level scientists or engineers.

US Google Public Policy Fellowship

A summer or semester-long fellowship for college and graduate students offering part-time and full-time opportunities at tech policy think tanks and industry groups in Washington, DC.

TechCongress Fellowship

A 10-12 month full-time bipartisan congressional fellowship for early- to mid-career professionals with technical experience.

STPI Science Policy Fellowship

A 2-year full-time science and technology policy fellowship with US executive branch offices for recent college graduates.

Scoville Peace Fellowship

A 6-9 month full-time security policy fellowship with DC-based NGOs and think tanks for early-career bachelor’s or master’s graduates.

Boren Awards

A 2-12 month language scholarship for US undergraduates and graduate students that facilitates post-fellowship employment with the US government.

Fellowship highlights

These are fellowships we particularly recommend for those seeking to work in emerging technology policy or advance their professional development for policy work.

Horizon Fellowship
  • Resources: Website, Become a Fellow, FAQ, Fellow bios
  • Brief description: A 6-24 month full-time US emerging technology policy fellowship providing job placements in the US executive branch, Congress, or think tanks for early- and mid-career individuals.
  • Eligibility: Depends on the fellowship track. All tracks require an undergraduate degree and US work authorization at minimum, but the mid-career roles have higher requirements (including several years of work experience). Candidates need to demonstrate expertise related to AI or biosecurity. Executive branch positions may require eligibility for a security clearance.
  • Deadlines: Annually around late August
  • Note that this website is a project of the Horizon Institute for Public Service, which also runs the Horizon Fellowship.
AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship
  • Resources: Fellowship guide, Website, Program FAQ, Application FAQ
  • Brief description: A 1-2 year full-time fellowship in the executive branch or Congress in Washington, DC for PhD scientists or engineers with 3+ years of experience.
  • Eligibility: Science PhDs (broadly defined), or master’s degrees in engineering plus three years of professional engineering experience. US citizenship is required. May need to be eligible for a security clearance depending on the position.
  • Deadlines: annually around early November
RAND Technology and Security Policy Fellowship
  • Resources: Website
  • Brief description: A 1-3 year full-time or part-time fellowship with the RAND Corporation, focused on AI policy, open to candidates from all experience levels, from undergraduate students to mid-career professionals.
  • Eligibility: Candidates are welcome from all experience levels, from undergraduate students to mid-career professionals.
  • Deadlines: rolling application
TechCongress Fellowship
  • Resources: Fellowship guide, Website (Junior Track), Website (Senior Track), Fellow bios, 
  • Brief description: A 10-12 month full-time bipartisan congressional fellowship for early- to mid-career professionals with technical experience.
  • Eligibility: Tech-savvy, with experience working in or studying the tech sector; 2-6 years of professional experience (early-career Fellows) or 8+ years of professional experience or graduate study (mid-career Senior Fellows); able to work full-time in-person in DC for 10-12 months; US citizenship, green card, or dreamer (DACA); no prior policy experience is required
  • Deadlines: Annually between July and mid August
Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship
  • Resources: Website
  • Brief description: A 3-month full-time training and networking program for graduate degree holders and current graduate students at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Washington, DC.
  • Eligibility: Current or former graduate students. For current graduate students, preference is given to those at later stages of their studies. Former graduate students must have graduated within the previous 5 years. Areas of study may include social/behavioral sciences, health and medicine, physical or biological sciences, engineering, law/business/public administration, or relevant interdisciplinary fields. Non-US citizens may participate but require specific US visas (no visa sponsorship). 
  • Deadlines: Annually around late October
STPI Science Policy Fellowship
  • Resources: Fellowship guide, Website, FAQ
  • Brief description: A 2-year full-time science and technology policy fellowship with US executive branch offices for recent bachelor’s graduates.
  • Eligibility: Completed undergraduate degree within the previous two years. Need to demonstrate interest in science and technology policy (but previous policy experience is not required. US citizenship is required. Need to be eligible to receive a security clearance.
  • Deadlines: Annually around mid January
Scoville Peace Fellowship
  • Resources: Fellowship guide, Website, FAQ, Host organizations 
  • Brief description: A 6-9 month full-time security policy fellowship with DC-based NGOs for early-career bachelor’s or master’s graduates.
  • Eligibility: Recently completed undergraduate degree. Need to demonstrate background and interests relevant to international peace and security. Need at least US work authorization or permanent residence (i.e., green card) but not citizenship.
  • Deadlines: Biannually around early October for the Spring cohort and early January for the Fall cohort

Fellowships by policy area

The below is a list of fellowships for different emerging technology policy areas (AI, biosecurity, China and tech, civic tech, cyber, nuclear weapons, and space).

🤖 AI policy-relevant fellowships
  1. Horizon Fellowship (Horizon Institute for Public Service) – a 6-24 month full-time US emerging technology policy fellowship facilitating job placements in the US executive branch, Congress, and think tanks for early- and mid-career individuals. (Note that the Horizon Fellowship and this website are both projects of the Horizon Institute for Public Service.)
  2. RAND Technology and Security Policy Fellowship (RAND Corporation) – a 1-3 year full-time or part-time fellowship with the RAND Corporation, focused on AI policy, open to candidates from all experience levels, from undergraduate students to mid-career professionals.
  3. FAI Conservative AI Policy Fellowship (Foundation for American Innovation)  – a six-week, part-time (work-compatible) paid program for conservative early- and mid-career professionals in DC interested in AI and emerging technology. Fellows receive mentorship, gain specialized expertise, and build their networks through weekly lunch sessions, evening workshops, and a weekend retreat.
  4. AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowships (American Association for the Advancement of Science) – a 12-month fellowship in DC with four separate tracks, that places fellows within the executive branch, judicial branch, legislative branch, or in a nonprofit. The fellowship is for individuals with a doctoral-level degree. (There is also a similar California-specific S&T policy fellowship)
  5. Congressional Innovation Fellowship (TechCongress) – a 10-12 month full-time fellowship for early and mid-career professionals involving placements with a Member of Congress or a Congressional Committee.
  6. STPI Science Policy Fellowship (Institute for Defense Analyses) –  a 24-month, full-time fellowship for recent bachelor’s or master’s graduates, in which fellows work with teams of researchers to support S&T policy tasks.
  7. US Google Public Policy Fellowship – a semester-long fully-funded fellowship for ~20 US college and graduate students per year offering both part-time and full-time work opportunities in the summer, fall, and spring at a tech policy-related host organization (a mix of nonprofits, think tanks, and industry groups).
  8. NobleReach Scholars (NobleReach Foundation) – a 1-2 year full-time technology policy fellowship in government or mission-driven private companies for early-career technologists focusing on AI, biotech, computing & cybersecurity, or other areas.
  9. Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (Aspen Tech Policy Hub) – a full-time, paid, 3-week program teaching science and technology professionals about policy.
  10. Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine) – a 12-week full-time science and technology policy training and networking program in Washington DC for graduate degree holders and current graduate students.
  11. Paragon Fellowship – a part-time (5 hours/week) fellowship aiming to “connect students with opportunities in the science and tech policy space [by] researching and writing a policy brief on key issues for their state and local governments”.
  12. GovAI Research Scholars (Centre for the Governance of AI) – a one-year visiting position  supporting AI governance researchers and practitioners in policy research, social science, technical research, and applied projects. Scholars gain mentorship, professional development, and opportunities to engage with policymakers.
  13. GovAI Research Fellows (Centre for the Governance of AI) – a full-time, two-year renewable position for researchers working on AI governance topics like regulation, international governance, and risk assessment. Fellows receive mentorship, project funding, and access to a broad policy network, with opportunities for policy advising and direct engagement with policymakers.
  14. GovAI Summer and Winter Fellowships (Centre for the Governance of AI) – a paid, three-month, London-based program for early-career individuals or professionals new to AI governance to conduct independent research under expert mentorship.
  15. IAPS AI Policy Fellowship (Institute for AI Policy and Strategy) – a paid, remote-first, four-month program where participants learn from AI policy experts, develop research skills, and support policy research under expert supervision, including an in-person 2-week period in Washington, DC.
  16. LawAI Summer Research Fellowships (Institute for Law & AI) – a paid, remote-first summer program for law students, professionals, and academics to conduct research on AI, law, and policy with expert mentorship, including an in-person week in Washington, DC.
  17. Technologist-in-Residence Fellowship (Council on Foreign Relations) – a 10-month full-time, paid research fellowship at the intersection of emerging technologies and foreign policy (highly competitive; strong preference for a candidate “currently working at a private-sector technology company”).
  18. Emerging Scholars in Technology Policy (Princeton University, Center for Information Technology Policy) – a 2-year tech policy research position with coursework and mentoring.
  19. Academic-Year Externships (Center for Democracy & Technology) – an unpaid academic-year long program for college, law, and graduate students with an interest in internet and technology policy, human rights, and/or civil liberties.
  20. Technology and Geopolitics Fellowship (Belfer Center, Harvard Kennedy School) – a 10-month academic research fellowship at Harvard University for doctoral students, PhD holders, or mid-career professionals, including “employees of government, military, private research institutions…or the private sector who have appropriate personal experience.”
  21. Global Perspectives: Responsible AI Fellowship (Stimson Center) – “convening stakeholders from developing countries to discuss artificial intelligence, evaluate its impacts around the world, and propose responsible ways forward.”
  22. Future Impact Group Fellowship – a 5-10 hour/week program matching postgraduate students from diverse academic backgrounds with senior researchers on AI policy projects, including on national and international policy.
  23. Post-Graduate Law Fellowships (Center for AI and Digital Policy) – a program for law school students with a strong interest in AI law and policy to participate in public interest litigation in support of AI and democratic values.
  24. The IPR Policy Fellowship Programme: Artificial Intelligence (University of Bath) – a program for senior policymakers and decision-makers from government and the third sector involving tailored virtual or in-person meetings with selected academic AI experts.
  25. UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship (United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research) – program for junior to mid-career women diplomats comprising “a week-long, in-person training programme in Geneva, as well as a series of engagements with relevant experts and stakeholders.”
  26. Equitech Scholars Program (Equitech Futures) – an 8-week technical “program for current undergraduates from all disciplines who want to learn how to use cutting-edge technology tools in data science and artificial intelligence to tackle societal challenges” involving “cohort-based classes, mentorship, and networking opportunities.”
🦠 Biosecurity and pandemic preparedness policy-relevant fellowships
  1. Horizon Fellowship (Horizon Institute for Public Service) – a 6-24 month full-time US emerging technology policy fellowship facilitating job placements in the US executive branch, Congress, and think tanks for early- and mid-career individuals. (Note that the Horizon Fellowship and this website are both projects of the Horizon Institute for Public Service.)
  2. AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowships (American Association for the Advancement of Science) – a 12-month fellowship in DC with four separate tracks, that places fellows within the executive branch, judicial branch, legislative branch, or in a nonprofit. The fellowship is for individuals with a doctoral-level degree. (There is also a similar California-specific S&T policy fellowship)
  3. Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity (ELBI) Fellowship (Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security) – a 10-month part-time program allowing talented graduate students and professionals to deepen their expertise, expand their network, and build their leadership skills through workshops and other events.
  4. Fellowship for Ending Bioweapons (Council on Strategic Risks) – a 12-month part-time program, allowing fellows to work with leading experts from CSR’s team and network to generate ideas for ending the threat of state biological weapons programs.
  5. Mid-Career Biodefense Bootcamp (Council on Strategic Risks) – a 2-month part-time hybrid fellowship involving a virtual course, a 3-day in-person workshop in DC, and a vibrant network for mid-career citizens of NATO countries and certain other US allies (i.e. typically 10+ years of professional and/or academic experience).
  6. Epidemic Intelligence Service (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) – a “2-year post-graduate fellowship in applied epidemiology…EIS officers help public health officials investigate and control infectious disease outbreaks”
  7. Health Policy Fellowship (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation) – a 1-year full-time executive branch job placement program focused on health and biosecurity policy for mid-career professionals.
  8. Biosecurity Game Changers Fellowship (Brown University Pandemic Center) – a 1-year half-time (~50%) fellowship for mid-career African and US American health security experts (i.e. at least 5 years of experience) with leading biosecurity and global health organizations (CEPI, GAVI, IBBIS, BWC ISU, etc.)
  9. NobleReach Scholars (NobleReach Foundation) – a 1-2 year full-time technology policy fellowship in government or mission-driven private companies for early-career technologists focusing on AI, biotech, computing & cybersecurity, or other areas.
  10. Scoville Peace Fellowship – a 6-9 month full-time security policy fellowship with DC-based NGOs (including some working on biosecurity, like NTI) for early-career bachelor’s or master’s graduates.
  11. Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine) – a 12-week full-time science and technology policy training and networking program in Washington DC for graduate degree holders and current graduate students.
  12. Biotechnology Innovation & International Security Fellowship (Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University) – an academic research fellowship for predoctoral and postdoctoral students, and junior faculty, for applicants from the US and abroad.
  13. Science Policy Fellowship (Research!America) – a 1-year paid fellowship for individuals with a PhD or other terminal degree who seek science policy experience in the areas of biomedical research, health services research and other health research disciplines
  14. Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship (United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs) – a 3-month part-time learning and networking program involving online workshops and a Geneva visit for advanced degree holders under the age of 40 who are citizens in a low- or middle-income Biological Weapons Convention State Party
  15. Laboratory Leadership Service (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) – a 2-year full-time program that “delivers expert training in the competencies required to lead a public health laboratory or program.” Fellows must hold a PhD in a laboratory-related discipline.
🇨🇳 China and tech policy-relevant fellowships

Language fellowships

  1. Boren Awards (Department of Defense) – 2-12 month language program for US undergraduates (“Boren Scholarship”) and graduate students (“Boren Fellowship”)
  2. Critical Language Scholarship (State Department) – 8-10 week summer language program covering “approximately one academic year of university-level language coursework”. Program completion provides benefit of non-competitive hiring at federal agencies. “Formal classroom language instruction is provided for a minimum of 20 hours per week”
  3. Chinese Language Fellowship (National Bureau of Asian Research) – “providing fellowships of up to $50,000 for American graduate students (PhD and current or recent MA) so that they can devote one year to intensive Chinese language training at an institution of the fellow’s choice, generally in China or Taiwan”
  4. Blakemore Freeman Fellowships (Blakemore Foundation) – “awarded for one academic year…of advanced level language study in East or Southeast Asia. Eligible languages are Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Khmer, Thai, and Vietnamese.”
  5. Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships (US Department of Education) – “assist meritorious undergraduate students and graduate students undergoing training in modern foreign languages and related area or international studies.”

Research, study abroad, and policy fellowships

  1. Wilson Center China Fellowship – 1-year part-time non-residential China policy fellowship with the Wilson Center. Fellows need to have a PhD/JD and receive a stipend of $20,000. “Fellows conduct research and write in their areas of interest, publish their research through the Wilson Center, and will have the opportunity to interact with policymakers and thought leaders in Washington.”
  2. Princeton in Asia – provides work placements with educational institutions, businesses, media organizations, and NGOs throughout Asia
  3. WSD-Handa Fellowship (Pacific Forum) – 6-12 month program offering “resident and non-resident fellowships, in addition to hosting a number of in-person and virtual gatherings” with a focus on “the geopolitical dynamics of East Asia with a particular focus on Japan.”
  4. Undergraduate Diversity Fellowship (National Bureau of Asian Research) – “aims to provide paid educational, professional, and mentorship opportunities community college and undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing a career in the field of international affairs or Asia policy”
  5. Taiwan Scholarship (Global Taiwan Institute) – “outstanding researchers from the United States who perform valuable Taiwan policy research…Selected candidates travel to Taiwan throughout the year to pursue their research projects”
  6. Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange (CCKF) Programs – “encourage scholars in Taiwan and overseas to undertake research projects in the humanities and social sciences that can shed new light on Chinese culture and society…Full-time faculty may apply for research grants, conference and seminar grants, publication subsidies, database grants, lecture series grants, etc. Graduate students may apply for doctoral dissertation fellowships and grants for short-term overseas research.”
  7. Luce Scholars – 13-month full-time fellowship to work in various NGOs across East and South Asia, and complete an intensive language course (including in Chinese). Open to seniors, graduate students, and young professionals with interdisciplinary backgrounds and limited prior Asia experience or language skills. The program aims to “to find a placement relevant to each Scholar’s field.” Policy-relevant opportunities may be possible, such as policy journalism.
  8. The Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) Liu Xiaobo Fellowships – paid fellowship program offered each summer (full-time) and spring (part-time) for graduates of Bachelor’s, Master’s, J.D. Programs, or current graduate-level students. Fellows work with the Commission and its staff on issues concerning human rights, the rule of law, and governance in China. “Fellows should be able to read Chinese well enough to assist with research in newspapers, journals, and government documents.”

Networking programs

  1. Young Professionals Network (Eurasia Foundation) – “identifies emerging Eurasia specialists [between 22 and 33] in the DC area…and connects them with more established professionals from a variety of fields.”
  2. Young China Watchers – network of China-focused young professionals with 10 local groups conducting “regular roundtables and talks with senior figures in the China academic, policy and business communities”
  3. Fung Scholars & Fellows (Victor and William Fung Foundation) – “aims to nurture future world leaders by supporting university students to experience different cultures and environments early in their careers”

Study abroad scholarships

  1. PRC study scholarships (some government-funded)
  2. Fulbright, Taiwan
  3. Taiwan government scholarships (e.g. Huayu Enrichment Scholarship)
💻 Civic tech-relevant fellowships
  1. US Digital Corps – A 2-year full-time executive branch fellowship for early-career technologists.
  2. Presidential Innovation Fellowship – A 1-2 year full-time executive branch fellowship for mid-to-senior-level technology experts.
  3. Just Tech Fellowship – A 2-year fellowship for “diverse and cross-sector cohorts of practitioners to imagine and create more just, equitable, and representative technological futures. Fellows have committed to identifying and challenging injustices emerging from new technologies and pursuing solutions that advance social, political, and economic rights.”
  4. FUSE Corps – a 1-year executive fellowship for experienced professionals in city and county agencies aiming to accelerate systems change and reduce racial disparities.
  5. Civic Tech Institute (Equitech Futures) – A 10-week program for recent graduates and early-career professionals working in governments, nonprofits, and social enterprises.
  6. Coding it Forward Fellowship – a paid, 10-week summer opportunity for early-career technologists to innovate in local, state, and federal government offices.
  7. Paragon Fellowship – a part-time (5 hours/week) fellowship aiming to “connect students with opportunities in the science and tech policy space [by] researching and writing a policy brief on key issues for their state and local governments”.
  8. Community Fellowship Program (Code for America) – puts technologists in local government positions to help make digital government work.
  9. Siegel Public Interest Technology Summer Fellowship (Princeton University) – an 8-10 week paid technology policy summer internship with a government agency or nonprofit for rising juniors and seniors interested in technology policy.
  10. xD Emerging Technology Fellowship (US Census Bureau) – annual fellowship for mid-career technologists to work on technical topics for the US Census Bureau
  11. Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (Aspen Tech Policy Hub) – a full-time, paid, three-week program teaching science and technology professional about policy
  12. Ford Foundation Technology Fellowship – hires technologists to assist in Ford’s grantmaking programs.
  13. Media Democracy Fund Public Interest Technology Fellowships
    1. Ford/MDF Technology Exchange Matching Fund – creates opportunities for emerging technology leaders around the world to gain experience working with civil society organizations on public interest tech issues.
    2. PhDX: Talent for the 21st Century – a fellowship program designed to pair graduate or PhD level university students with a background in technology with DC-based public interest technology policy organizations for an immersive fellowship experience over two consecutive summers.
  14. Mozilla Foundation Fellowships
    1. Open Web Fellowship – fellows work in the realm of public interest technology, addressing issues like privacy, security, and inclusion online. These open web activists embed at leading human rights and civil society organizations around the world, lending their technical expertise.
    2. Tech + Society Fellowship – fellows are embedded with local organizations to create a ‘third space’ where key civil society organizations and tech-focused individuals address issues at the intersection of technology and society.
  15. Cornell University Public Interest Tech Impact Fellowships
    1. PiTech Runway Startup Postdoc – a paid opportunity for PhDs from anywhere in the world. Fellows join the Jacobs Institute’s Runway program to develop and apply their expertise on behalf of the public interest through the creation of a non-profit or a social-purpose startup.
    2. Siegel PiTech Impact Fellowship for PhD Students – provides Cornell University doctoral students with project matching and direct financial support as they embed within a community, NGO, foundation, or public sector organization.
  16. Siegel PiTech Impact Fellowship for Faculty – supports U.S.-based computer science and engineering faculty who are seeking to pursue a public interest tech venture or initiative during their sabbatical/leave.
🌐 Cyber policy-relevant fellowships
  1. US Digital Corps – a 2-year fellowship offers an early-career technology opportunity for recent graduates to build their skills in the five broad skill tracks of cybersecurity, software engineering, data science and analytics, product management, and design. Fellows will be able to convert to a full-time career position upon successfully completing the program.
  2. NobleReach Scholars (NobleReach Foundation) – a 1-2 year full-time technology policy fellowship in government or mission-driven private companies for early-career technologists focusing on AI, biotech, computing & cybersecurity, or other areas.
  3. Cybersecurity Talent Initiative (Partnership for Public Service) – “Receive an employment offer from a federal agency for two years.”
  4. CISA Cyber Innovation Fellows Initiative (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) – a four-month fellowship for technical experts from the private sector to work with CISA’s cybersecurity teams.
  5. DHS Intelligence and Cybersecurity Diversity Fellowship Program (Department of Homeland Security) – “During the 12-week program, participants will be immersed in a federal work environment by collaborating with subject matter expert mentors on projects and performing assigned tasks on the intelligence and cybersecurity track.”
  6. CyberCorps Scholarship for Service – a scholarship for up to 3 years for cybersecurity undergraduate and graduate (MS or PhD) education, providing tuition and education related fees, an annual stipend of $34,000 for graduate students, and a professional allowance of $6,000 for SFS Job Fair and other travel, professional certification, etc. Involves a post-graduation service requirement equal to the scholarship’s duration in the US government, in a cybersecurity-related position.
  7. #ShareTheMicInCyber Fellowship (New America) – a 12-month fellowship supporting mid-career cybersecurity professionals from diverse backgrounds to conduct policy research.
  8. Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (Aspen Tech Policy Hub) – a full-time, paid, three-week program that teaches science and technology professional about policy, including a focus on cybersecurity.
  9. Catherine Hinman Memorial Fellowship (Silverado Policy Accelerator) – a summer program for US graduate students pursuing public policy careers. Cybersecurity is among the program policy areas of focus.
  10. Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society Fellowship Program – a 12-month academic research fellowship at Harvard University.
  11. Social Media Lab Fellowship (Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University) – an academic research fellowship for predoctoral and postdoctoral students, and junior faculty, coordinated by Stanford’s Cyber Policy Center and Social Media Lab
  12. Global Emerging Leaders in International Cyberspace Security (GEL-ICS) Fellowship (State Department, Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy) – 12-month cyber policy fellowship for non-American mid-level or emerging leaders in ministries of foreign affairs or other relevant agencies
☢️ Nuclear security policy-relevant fellowships
  1. Scoville Peace Fellowship – a 6-9 month full-time security policy fellowship with DC-based NGOs for early-career bachelor’s or master’s graduates.
  2. NNSA Graduate Fellowship (National Nuclear Security Administration) – a one-year, full-time nuclear security fellowship for graduate and postgraduate students or early-career individuals.
  3. Nuclear Scholars Initiative (Next Generation Nuclear Network, CSIS) – “Fellows are hosted once per month over the course of six months at CSIS in Washington, DC where they participate in daylong workshops…with senior experts on nuclear weapons issues”
  4. PONI Mid-Career Cadre (Next Generation Nuclear Network, CSIS) – a 3-year part-time networking and professional development program for nuclear professionals with at least 7 years of relevant experience in the field. 
  5. New Voices on Nuclear Weapons Fellowship (Federation of American Scientists) – a 4-month research fellowship for people from diverse demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  6. Fellowship for Reducing Nuclear Weapons Risks (Council on Strategic Risks) – a 6-month part-time networking and research program on nuclear risk reduction.
  7. Kendall Fellowship (Union of Concerned Scientists) – two-year full-time research fellowship for PhD-level scientists with technical/STEM backgrounds. The program prioritizes projects “that are primarily scientific, technical, or analytic in nature but also show interest in the application of science to policy.”
  8. Public Policy Fellowship (Nonproliferation Policy Education Center) – eleven lunchtime seminars  “designed to give congressional, executive, and diplomatic staff and journalists the scientific, technological, legal, and historical background needed to gain a deeper understanding of civil and military nuclear policy.”
  9. Martin J. Sherwin Fellowship (Wilson Center) – a 3-6 month residential fellowship for junior scholars (post-doc/recent PhD/junior faculty) in the fields of nuclear policy and history research.
  10. Managing the Atom Fellowship & Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship (Belfer Center, Harvard Kennedy School) – 10-month academic research fellowships for current doctoral students in the dissertation-writing stage, post-doctoral scholars, and university faculty members and other mid-career professionals with relevant expertise
  11. Nuclear Security Fellowship (Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University) – an academic research fellowship for predoctoral and postdoctoral students, and junior faculty, for applicants from the US and abroad.
  12. Arms Control Negotiation Academy – a part-time “12-month, high-level professional development program for a competitively selected cohort of [16] rising international security experts and practitioners” involving three week-long workshops
  13. Editorial Fellows (Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists) – a 1-year program for diverse authors with experience in nuclear risk, climate change, or disruptive technologies to produce a regular column, including financial compensation
  14. Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons (UN Office for Disarmament Affairs) – an online learning program “aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and network to join global efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons.”
🚀 Space policy-relevant fellowships
  1. John Bahcall Public Policy Fellowship (American Astronomical Society) – a 1-2 year postdoctoral science policy appointment for early-career astronomers 
  2. NASA Fellowships –  NASA offers various fellowships for graduate students and postdocs, some of which can involve policy research.
  3. Brooke Owens Fellowship – summer fellowship at policy, science, or engineering institutions for female and gender minority undergraduates interested in aerospace.
  4. Center for Space Governance Fellowship – remote fellowship involving work as Research Fellows, Research Affiliates, and Policy Affiliates.
  5. Berkner Space Policy Internship Program (National Academies) – DC-based internships in civil space research policy for undergraduate and graduate students (applications open twice a year).
  6. George Washington University, Space Policy Institute Fellowships – academic scholarships for students affiliated with the Space Policy Institute.
  7. Space Policy Fellowship (Nonproliferation Policy Education Center) – a “six-lecture virtual fellowship on the fundamentals of civil and military space policy followed by an additional round table policy discussion and a space war game.”

Fellowships by policy institution

Our pages on working in Congress, think tanks, and the executive branch include lists of fellowships facilitating work in these institutions.

Congress fellowships
Think tank fellowships
Agency fellowships

Part-time fellowships

Many policy organizations host part-time fellowships, which typically involve some combination of networking sessions, workshops, and sometimes a (fairly) small writing commitment. They usually target professionals and are thus compatible with full-time work. 

These programs can be very competitive, especially if they’re prestigious and have existed for a long time; they often target mid-career professionals but some may also be open to junior fellows.

Here are some examples of part-time fellowships or professional networks relevant to emerging technology policy and national security:

General science and technology policy

  • Paragon Fellowship – a part-time (5 hours/week) fellowship aiming to “connect students with opportunities in the science and tech policy space [by] researching and writing a policy brief on key issues for their state and local governments”.
  • US Google Public Policy Fellowship – semester-long fully-funded fellowship for ~20 US college and graduate students per year offering both part-time and full-time work opportunities in the summer, fall, and spring at a tech policy-related host organization (a mix of nonprofits, think tanks, and industry groups)
  • Arms Control Negotiation Academy – “a 12-month, high-level professional development program for a competitively selected cohort of [16] rising international security experts and practitioners” involving three week-long workshops.

AI policy

  • FAI Conservative AI Policy Fellowship (Foundation for American Innovation)  – a six-week, part-time (work-compatible) paid program for conservative early- and mid-career professionals in DC interested in AI and emerging technology. Fellows receive mentorship, gain specialized expertise, and build their networks through weekly lunch sessions, evening workshops, and a weekend retreat.
  • Future Impact Group Fellowship – a 5-10 hour/week program matching postgraduate students from diverse academic backgrounds with senior researchers on AI policy projects, including on national and international policy.
  • Tech Policy Press Fellowship – “we are looking to support five reporting fellows in researching and writing on issues and questions related to artificial intelligence (AI) policy, governance, and regulation. Selected fellows will receive a stipend of $10,000 to support their work.”

Biosecurity

  • Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity (ELBI) Fellowship (Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security) – a 10-month part-time program allowing talented graduate students and professionals to deepen their expertise, expand their network, and build their leadership skills through in-person workshops and other events.
  • Ending Bioweapons Fellowship (Council on Strategic Risks) – a 12-month part-time program, allowing early-career fellows to work with leading experts from CSR’s team and network to generate ideas for ending the threat of state biological weapons programs.
  • Mid-Career Biodefense Bootcamp (Council on Strategic Risks) – a 2-month part-time hybrid fellowship involving a virtual course, a 3-day in-person workshop in DC, and a vibrant network for mid-career citizens of NATO countries and certain other US allies (i.e. typically 10+ years of professional and/or academic experience).
  • Biosecurity Game Changers Fellowship (Brown University Pandemic Center) – a 1-year half-time (~50%) fellowship for mid-career African and US American health security experts (i.e. at least 5 years of experience) with leading biosecurity and global health organizations (CEPI, GAVI, IBBIS, BWC ISU, etc.)

Cyber policy

  • Cyber Policy Leadership Institute (POPVOX Foundation) – a part-time networking and educational program for US college and graduate students of all disciplines “from historically marginalized groups, with the aim of cultivating the next generation of diverse cyber policy leaders.”

Nuclear security

  • Fellowship for Reducing Nuclear Weapons Risks (Council on Strategic Risks) – a 6-month part-time networking and research program on nuclear risk reduction.
  • Nuclear Scholars Initiative (Center for Strategic and International Studies) – “Fellows are hosted once per month over the course of six months at CSIS in Washington, DC where they participate in daylong workshops…with senior experts on nuclear weapons issues”
  • Project on Nuclear Issues Mid-Career Cadre (Center for Strategic and International Studies) – a 3-year part-time networking and professional development program for nuclear professionals with at least 7 years of relevant experience in the field.
  • New Voices on Nuclear Weapons Fellowship (Federation of American Scientists) – a 4-month research fellowship for people from diverse demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Public Policy Fellowship (Nonproliferation Policy Education Center) – eleven lunchtime seminars  “designed to give congressional, executive, and diplomatic staff and journalists the scientific, technological, legal, and historical background needed to gain a deeper understanding of civil and military nuclear policy.”

Space policy

  • Space Policy Fellowship (Nonproliferation Policy Education Center) – a “six-lecture virtual fellowship on the fundamentals of civil and military space policy followed by an additional round table policy discussion and a space war game.”

Demographic programs

  • The Public Leadership Education Network (PLEN) aims to “empower, educate, and engage women and marginalized gender groups in public policy”, including by organizing multi-day policy seminars in DC (scholarships are available).
  • Make Room initiative (Center for a New American Security) – an “inclusive professional development network…aim[ing] to train, empower, and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities in the national security and foreign policy spheres…There are no costs nor prerequisites to join.”
  • NatSecGirlSquad is a community that aims to “build and support competent diversity in national security and defense through its professional development community and strategic advisory services.”
  • Foreign Policy for America’s NextGen Initiative “works to spotlight and support diverse young leaders from across the country…Cohort members benefit from four pillars of activities: knowledge building, political engagement, professional development and social connections.”
  • Women of Color Advancing Peace, Security, and Conflict Transformation (WCAPS) is a community that seeks to “cultivate a strong voice and network for its members while encouraging dialogue and strategies for engaging in policy discussions on an international scale.”
  • The Leadership Council for Women in National Security is an organization seeking to advance “gender parity in national security and foreign policy decision-making.” While largely focused on experienced policy professionals, they also organize some events and highlight opportunities relevant to early-career professionals.
  • Women’s Global Leadership Program (Center for Strategic and International Studies) – “year-long program designed for rising executives [with at least 15 years of experience] who wish to deepen their understanding of critical geopolitical trends”; tuition cost of ~$25,000
  • Editorial Fellows (Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists) – a 1-year program for diverse authors with experience in nuclear risk, climate change, or disruptive technologies to produce a regular column, including financial compensation
  • UNIDIR Women in AI Fellowship (United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research) – program for junior to mid-career women diplomats comprising “a week-long, in-person training programme in Geneva, as well as a series of engagements with relevant experts and stakeholders.”
  • Rising Experts Program (Young Professionals in Foreign Policy) – a virtual writing workshop to help early professionals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds refine their analytical writing, publish in major outlets, and build their policy expertise. Fellows commit approximately 5 hours/week for a term to publishing bi-monthly articles and leading discussions in their specialization, which spans regional and functional foreign policy topics. Applications typically open in mid-November and close in mid-December.

Other programs

  • Millenium Fellowship (Atlantic Council) – a 12-month program consisting of “engaging virtual content and an in-person Study Tour…Other key components…include monthly master classes with distinguished senior leaders and subject matter experts, individualized executive coaching, and intentional networking.”
  • Rising Leaders Program (Aspen Strategy Group) – over 10 months, fellows (with a “passion for national security and foreign policy”) participate in monthly meetings with high-level officials and work on policy papers to be published on the Aspen Institute’s website and/or newsletter.
  • Next Generation National Security Leaders (Center for a New American Security) – a 1-year part-time program for 20-25 “emerging national security leaders between the ages of 27 to 35” who participate in a monthly dinner series and other events to “learn best practices and lessons in leadership” from “thought leaders on leadership principles and national security.” The program is capped by a week-long international study tour.
  • National Security Fellows (Foundation for the Defense of Democracy) – a 12-month program supporting 30-40 year-old professionals with a “minimum of seven years of employment in national security or foreign policy.” The program provides “networking, skill-building workshops, and roundtable conversations with high-level experts”; opportunities include dinners and mentorship and collaboration opportunities with policy professionals.
  • Young Leaders Program (Pacific Forum) – aims “to enhance cross-cultural opportunities for young scholars and foreign policy professionals to improve their policy analysis skills at an early juncture in their careers….Young Leaders [between 25 and 35] will have access to the 15-20 conferences and events that Pacific Forum organizes each year.”
  • International Strategy Forum (Schmidt Futures) – “seeks out non-traditional talent […] then knits that talent together into a lifelong community, pairing fellows with mentors and providing them with a framework to better analyze and tackle hard strategic problems in global affairs.”
  • Young Professionals Network (Eurasia Foundation) – “identifies emerging Eurasia specialists [between 22 and 33] in the DC area…and connects them with more established professionals from a variety of fields.”
  • George C Marshall Fellowship (Heritage Foundation) – a national security-focused education program for “25 exceptional conservative, DMV based, mid-level congressional staff, executive branch personnel, policy analysts, and defense industry employees.”
  • Penn Keble Forum on Democracy (National Endowment for Democracy) – “promotes bipartisan conversation among young foreign policy leaders in Washington, DC…The Forum convenes monthly for off-the-record dinner conversations led by foreign policy experts, government officials (past and present), and democracy practitioners.”

State-level science and tech policy fellowships 

Source: Rockefeller Institute (February 2024).

In February 2024, the Rockefeller Institute of Government published this helpful overview of US state-level science and technology policy fellowships, including information on fellowship duration, application period, eligibility criteria, cohort size, placement types, and more.

While we recommend checking out the original document, the listed fellowships are: