Nationally Competitive Opportunities for Students in Public Service

There are many opportunities for students interested in public service, from summer institutes to research/project awards to multi-year fellowships that fund graduate degrees. Please review the details for the opportunities you're interested in and stay tuned for announcements throughout the year.

American Institute for Economic Research Summer Internships Apply through Independent Application Process
Founded in 1933, the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) is one of the oldest and most respected nonpartisan economic research and advocacy organizations in the country. As a paid intern at AIER, you will work closely with staff on projects relating to your interests. During your 10-12 week internship, your skills can be applied to scholarly research, program/event planning, marketing, graphic design, communications, editorial writing, and development/fundraising.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program Apply through Independent Application Process
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are Federal Pell Grant recipients to pursue academic studies (study abroad) or credit-bearing, career-oriented internships abroad.

Boren Undergraduate Scholarship and Graduate Fellowship Apply through the Office of Global Engagement at Stockton University and an Independent Application Process
The Boren Scholarship program awards scholarships to American undergraduates for study of world languages and regions critical to U.S. foreign policy interests, including Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin American & the Caribbean, and the Middle East. The Boren Fellowship program funds research and language study proposals by U.S. graduate students in world regions critical to U.S. interests.

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program Apply through Dr. Balasco in Political Science and an Independent Application Process
The James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, an international policy think tank based in Washington D.C., is designed to provide a substantive work experience for students who have a serious career interest in the area of international affairs. Approximately 15 fellows work as employees each year on a full-time basis for 10–12 months. Fellows provide research assistance to scholars working within Carnegie’s programs and have the opportunity to conduct research, contribute to op-eds, papers, reports, and books, edit documents, participate in meetings with high-level officials, contribute to congressional testimony and organize briefings attended by scholars, activists, journalists and government officials.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute: Public Policy Fellowship Program Apply through Independent Application Process
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) offers paid fellowships for recent college graduates pursuing a career in public policy. You will spend nine months working in Washington, D.C., with significant exposure to leaders in congressional offices, federal agencies, national nonprofit advocacy organizations, government-related institutes, and more.

Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs Apply through Independent Application Process
The Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs (FPPA) is a comprehensive and rigorous national fellowship that equips emerging civic leaders with the knowledge, skills and networks that transform them as individuals with the promise that they then transform their organizations, communities and beyond. The program is an in-person, full-time, 7–9 month immersive leadership development program in one of five locations in the US. The Fellowship runs annually from September to May.

Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship Apply through Independent Application Process
The Payne Fellowship awards up to thirty fellowships valued at up to $52,000 annually over two years for graduate school, internships, and professional development activities. The Program seeks to attract outstanding young people who are interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Upon successful completion of the Payne Program and USAID entry requirements, Fellows receive an appointment to the USAID Foreign Service, with a required five years of service.

Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Apply through Independent Application Process
The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity sponsors an annual essay contest for full-time undergraduate juniors and seniors. Students are prompted to write essays that raise questions, single out issues and are rational arguments for ethical action.

Ellison Scholars Apply through Independent Application Process
The Ellison Scholars program for graduate study is offered by the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT), in partnership with the University of Oxford in England. The program fully funds DPhil (PhD) study at Oxford where the Scholars' doctoral research will center on an EIT project. EIT projects seek to accelerate innovation in health and medical science, food security and sustainable agriculture, climate change and clean energy, and government innovation in an era of artificial intelligence. Applicants must be eligible to enroll in a DPhil course at Oxford, and must also meet the criteria of the Ellison Scholars program.

Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Apply through Independent Application Process
The Hollings Scholarship Program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to $9,500 per year) for two years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time paid ($700/week) internship at a NOAA facility during the summer. The internship between the first and second years of the award provides the scholars with hands-on, practical experience in NOAA-related science, research, technology, policy, management, and education activities. Awards also include travel funds to attend a mandatory NOAA Scholarship Program orientation and the annual Science & Education Symposium, scientific conferences where students present their research, and a housing subsidy for scholars who do not reside at home during the summer internship.

FAO Schwarz Fellowship Apply through Independent Application Process
The FAO Schwarz Fellowship is a paid two-year program that helps new college graduates gain the skills and experience needed to become social impact leaders. Fellows work at leading nonprofit organizations in Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia known for delivering significant value to their communities. The Fellowship program also includes professional development, mentorship, and networking experiences.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program Apply through the Office of Global Engagement at Stockton University and Independent Application Process
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program seeks to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Grants are available to support study and research in most fields (including in the creative and performing arts) and to teach English.

Fulbright UK Summer Institutes Apply through Independent Application Process
The US-UK Fulbright Commission offers special Summer Institutes for US citizens to study in the UK.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship Apply through Independent Application Process
Gates Cambridge Scholarships cover the full cost of studying in a post graduate degree program at the University of Cambridge.

Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship Apply through Independent Application Process
The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship Program invites recent college and graduate school alumni to apply for full-time, six-to-nine month fellowships in Washington, DC. Outstanding individuals will be selected to work with nonprofit, public-interest organizations addressing peace and security issues. Applications are especially encouraged from candidates with a strong interest in these issues who have prior experience with public-interest activism or advocacy. Fellows receive a monthly salary, and a professional development stipend.

Humanity in Action Fellowships Apply through Independent Application Process
Humanity in Action conducts three-week summer educational programs that run simultaneously in major cities in Europe and the United States.

James Madison Graduate Fellowship Apply through Independent Application Process
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation offers $24,000 James Madison Graduate Fellowships to individuals desiring to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary school level. Fellowship applicants compete only against other applicants from the states of their legal residence.

Knight-Hennessy Scholarship, Stanford University Apply through Independent Application Process
Enrolling its first class in 2018, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program annually identifies a group of 100 high-achieving students from around the world with demonstrated leadership and civic commitment to receive full funding to pursue a wide-ranging graduate education at Stanford, with the goal of developing a new generation of global leaders.

Marshall Scholarship Apply through Reed Fellowships and Awards Committee
Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for one or two graduate degrees in the United Kingdom over a two year period with a goal of strengthening the relationship between the people of the US and the UK. Applicants may apply for a one year Marshall Scholarship instead, but they must have strong reasons for being unable to commit to the two-year scholarship.

McCall MacBain Scholarships at McGill Apply through Independent Application Process
The McCall MacBain Scholarship covers tuition and fees for an eligible master’s program (over 150 eligible programs) or a second-entry professional undergraduate program at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, a monthly living stipend during academic terms, a one-time relocation grant, and options for summer funding. Scholars also participate in a leadership development program, connect with mentors and advisors, and attend a breadth of workshops and talks.

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Apply through Independent Application Process
The National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program stipend is currently $37,000 for a 12-month tenure, for up to three years of financial support.

NYC Urban Fellows Program Apply through Independent Application Process
The Urban Fellows Program is a highly selective, nine-month fellowship which combines work in Mayoral offices and City agencies with volunteer service opportunities and a seminar series that explores current urban issues impacting public policy

Oregon Sea Grant Undergraduate Opportunities Apply through Independent Application Process
Established at Oregon State University in 1971, Oregon Sea Grant is one of 34 programs within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Sea Grant College Program. Oregon Sea Grant's vision is one of thriving coastal communities and ecosystems in Oregon. They achieve this vision by serving as a catalyst that promotes discovery, understanding and resilience for Oregon coastal communities and ecosystems. They offer multiple programs, mostly over summer, which are available to undergraduate students. Oregon Sea Grant has hands-on internship opportunities for undergraduates that help them prepare for graduate school and careers in marine science, policy, management and outreach.

Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans Apply through Independent Application Process
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans provides merit-based funding for New Americans, immigrants and children of immigrants, who are poised to make significant contributions to US culture, society and academia. This fellowship supports thirty individuals for up to two years of graduate study in any subject at any accredited university in the United States.

Projects for Peace Summer Grants Apply through Independent Application Process
Projects for Peace is a global program that encourages young adults to develop innovative, community-centered, and scalable responses to the world’s most pressing issues. Along the way, these student leaders increase their knowledge, improve skills, and establish identities as peacebuilders and changemakers. Projects for Peace awards $10,000 in grant funding for an original project designed to be implemented over the summer. Reed College has been a partner with Projects for Peace since 2008 and has awarded grants nearly every year. Projects for Peace is a global program housed in the Middlebury College Center for Community Engagement and was previously known as the Davis Projects for Peace.

Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowship & Junior Summer Institute Apply through Independent Application Process
The Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowship grants future public policy leaders access to the Junior Summer Institute (JSI), a fully funded and rigorous graduate school preparation program, and lifetime participation in PPIA's Alumni Network and annual Public Service Expo. The summer institute program is composed of six-week summer programs hosted at some of the top graduate policy schools in the nation.

Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program Apply through Independent Application Process
The Rangel Program's goals are to promote greater diversity and excellence in the U.S. Foreign Service. The program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically under-represented in the Department of State. The fellowship provides support for up to two years of study towards a degree in an area of relevance to the work of the Foreign Service.

Rhodes Scholarship Apply through Reed Fellowships and Awards Committee
The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded, full time, postgraduate award which enables talented young people from around the world to study at the University of Oxford. It is the oldest, and one of the most prestigious, international scholarship programs in the world. This scholarship looks for young people of outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service. Rhodes Scholars go to the UK for two or more years and can apply to study most full-time postgraduate courses offered by Oxford University. The scholarship covers course fees and provides an annual stipend to cover accommodation and living expenses. They also cover visa fees, the National Health Service fee, airfare to and from the UK, and offer a settling in allowance upon arrival in Oxford.

Rotary Grants, Scholarships, and Fellowships Apply through Independent Application Process
Rotary is an international service organization that requires membership. Their stated mission is to "provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders." They offer grants, scholarships, and fellowships connected to their mission, including grants for undergraduate and graduate study. Most of these require Rotary club membership, except for for their Peace fellowships.

Rotary Peace Fellowships for M.A. Programs Apply through Independent Application Process
The Rotary Peace Fellowships support M.A. degrees at partner universities in fields related to peace and conflict prevention and resolution.

Samuel Huntington Public Service Award Apply through Independent Application Process
The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides a $30,000 stipend for a graduating college senior to pursue one year of public service anywhere in the world.

Samvid Scholars Apply through Independent Application Process
A scholarship for future leaders and changemakers, Samvid Scholars was established in 2021 by Samvid Ventures to invest in the graduate education of future leaders who are committed to effecting positive change in society. An eligible candidate will pursue a full-time graduate program of two years or longer at a university in the United States, in one of the following eligible programs: MD, MBA, JD, MPP/MPA, MPH, MS/MA in the social sciences or STEM. Scholars receive up to $50K for tuition and fees each year for two years of study in a graduate program, as well as two years of leadership development programming.

Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Apply through Independent Application Process
The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program is a program funded by the U.S. Department of State, administered by Howard University, that attracts and prepares outstanding young people for Foreign Service careers in the U.S. Department of State. It welcomes the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department, women, and those with financial need. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in our diplomatic efforts, the program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, social, and geographic diversity.

Truman Scholarship Apply through the Hughes Public Policy Center annually (approx. Dec-Jan)
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship provides awards of up to $30,000 to approximately 60 students each year to support graduate degrees leading to careers in government or the nonprofit and advocacy sectors.

Udall Undergraduate Scholarship Apply through Reed Fellowships and Awards Committee
The Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation awards approximately 55 scholarships each year to undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers related to the environment and conservation as well as to Native American and Alaska Native undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers in health care and tribal policy. Udall Scholars receive access to the Udall Alumni Network, participate in an in-person summer Scholar Orientation, and receive up to $7,000 for eligible academic expenses.

Voyager Scholarship Apply through Independent Application Process
The Voyager Scholarship (also known as the Obama Chesky Scholarship for Public Service) gives college students financial aid to alleviate the burden of undergraduate college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand their horizons, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them. Applicants should have a passion for helping others, experience serving in or building community, and an expansive view of what’s possible through public service. The scholarship provides financial aid for the junior and senior year, a grant to pay for a summer voyage between the junior and senior year, and ten-year annual travel stipend from Airbnb. Awardees are invited to a fall summit each year, and gain access to a network of leaders via the Obama Foundation.