Last updated March 2, 2023
If you are a recent graduate or young professional interested in serving in the United States government, check out this list of fellowships in US Government for recent graduates and young professionals. There are opportunities in a variety of departments and fields, including policy, science, technology, and international affairs. Several of the programs are for recent Ph.D. recipients. If one of these sounds exciting to you, make sure to bookmark it to your ProFellow account!
AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships
Fellows select assignments in Congressional offices or federal agencies. This is a year-long opportunity, beginning September 1 and ending August 31. AAAS seeks candidates from a broad array of backgrounds and a diversity of geographic, disciplinary, gender, and ethnic perspectives, as well as disability status. Fellows have ranged in age from late 20s to early 70s. They represent a spectrum of career stages, from recent PhD graduates to faculty on sabbatical to retired scientists and engineers. Stipend of $75K – $100K.
AIP State Department Science Fellowship Program
This Fellowship is intended to enhance the science & technology capacity of the U.S. Department of State by enabling at least one scientist annually to work at the Department’s Washington, DC headquarters for a one-year term. Fellowships are for one year, usually running September through August, and include a stipend of $82,400. Scientists at all career stages, including mid and late-career professionals, are encouraged to apply. If you are a U.S. citizen and have a PhD or equivalent research background in physics or a closely-related field you may be eligible to apply.
APSA Congressional Fellowship Program for Political Scientists
The fellowship gives early to mid-career political scientists an opportunity to learn more about Congress and the legislative process. A comprehensive orientation begins each year in November. Office assignments as full-time legislative aides in the House of Representatives and/or Senate run from December to August. Candidates must have a PhD completed within the last 15 years or a dissertation near completion, and a scholarly interest in Congress and the policymaking process. Fellows receive a stipend of $38,000, plus a small travel allowance.
Barbara A. Ringer Copyright Honors Program
The Ringer Honors Program offers 18-24-month paid fellowships for attorneys in the initial stages of their careers who demonstrate promising ability and interest in copyright law (“Ringer Fellows”). Ringer Fellows work closely with senior attorneys and others in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), the Office of Policy and International Affairs (PIA), the Office of the Register (REG) and/or the Registration Program Office (RP) on a range of copyright-related law and policy matters. The Program accepts applications from individuals who are in their final year at a U.S.-accredited law school or have graduated from such a law school (receiving a J.D. or LL.M.) within the 5-year period preceding their application date. Ringer Fellows serve as full-time federal employees and are eligible for salary and benefits.
Capital City Fellows Program (CCFP)
The Capital City Fellows Program (CCFP) is a mayoral initiative to attract recent graduates of master’s degree programs who are interested in public service to work for the city of Washington, DC. Selected Fellows are appointed for 18-month during which they may complete three six-month rotations in different city agencies within the government operations, health and human services, public safety and justice, planning and economic development, or education clusters. Fellows receive an initial salary of $50,000. Must have US Citizen or Legal Non-Citizen Resident status.
Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship Program
For those who want to become Foreign Service Officers in the U.S. Department of State, the Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program provides benefits of up to $95,000 over two years toward a two-year master’s degree, arranges internships on Capitol Hill and at U.S. embassies, and provides mentorship and professional development support. Fellows can use the fellowship to attend two-year master’s programs in U.S. institutions to study any area of relevance to Foreign Service. Applicants must be college seniors or graduates looking to start two-year graduate programs in the fall, must have GPAs of at least 3.2, and must be U.S. citizens.
Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship
This 12-week professional development fellowship engages fellows in the analytical process that informs US science and technology policy. Fellows develop the basic skills necessary to participate in science policy at the federal, state, or local levels. Graduate and professional school students and those who have completed a graduate degree within the last 5 years may apply. Areas of study may include any social/behavioral science, medical/health discipline, physical or biological science, any field of engineering, law, business, public administration, or any relevant interdisciplinary field. Fellows receive a stipend of $8,500.
Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship
The Cleveland Foundation Public Service Fellowship offers emerging young leaders from across the country the skills and networks needed to create the community they envision and jumpstart a career in public service. A select group of 3-5 Fellows will spend a year embedded in public sector agencies in Cleveland working on the front lines of civic innovation. If you are a recent college graduate considering a public service career, choose Cleveland and continue the reinvention of a Rustbelt city on the rise. The 12 month fellowship includes a $35,000 salary with health benefits.
Cybersecurity Talent Initiative
The Cybersecurity Talent Initiative recruits our nation’s next cadre of cybersecurity leaders to protect the digital infrastructure from global threats. Recent graduates and students in undergraduate or graduate degree programs in cybersecurity-related fields have a unique opportunity to jump-start their professional lives with access to cross-sector cyber roles and developmental support through leadership development seminars, mentorship, and training. Students spend two years gaining valuable public sector experience in a federal agency. As their service ends, participants will be invited to apply for select positions with some of the most innovative private sector companies in the world. Candidates are U.S. citizens currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution in an undergraduate or graduate cybersecurity-related degree program.
Dave Kennedy Fellowship
The Institute for Justice recruits law students from across the country for its summer fellowship program to substantively contribute to active and future strategic litigation in both state and federal courts. Fellows work closely with IJ attorneys to develop litigation strategies and assist in the nuts and bolts of civil rights litigation. IJ fellows benefit from a summer packed with valuable opportunities to network with and learn from the country’s leading liberty advocates, policymakers, and practitioners through IJ’s summer speakers series and annual Law Student Conference. Fellows are paid $7000 for the 10-week program. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.
Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration Laboratory Residency Graduate Fellowship
The DOE NNSA LRGF is open to U.S. citizens engaged in full-time study toward a doctoral degree at an accredited U.S. university. The fellowship requires a university program of study that includes courses in the physical, engineering, mathematical, and/or computer sciences. Fellows must also complete a minimum of two 12-week laboratory residencies at one of four approved NNSA facilities. Benefits include a $38,000 yearly stipend; payment of full tuition and required fees during the appointment period at any accredited U.S. university; an annual $2,000 academic allowance for research or professional development expenses, and more.
Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration Stewardship Science Graduate Fellowship
The Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration Stewardship Science Graduate Fellowship (DOE NNSA SSGF) is open to any U.S. citizen planning full-time, uninterrupted study toward a doctoral degree at an accredited U.S. university. Those eligible to apply to include senior undergraduate students and first- and second-year graduate students focusing their studies on high energy density physics, nuclear science, or properties of materials under extreme conditions and hydrodynamics. Recipients will receive a $38,000 yearly stipend; payment of full tuition and required fees during the appointment period at any accredited U.S. university; a term of up to four years, subject to annual renewal, and other benefits.
Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship
The Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship is an opportunity for students to pursue an IT-related degree and launch a career in the U.S. Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist. Fellows receive up to $43,500 annually for their junior and senior years in an IT-related undergrad program, or for a two-year master’s program. These funds are applied toward tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees, and some travel expenses. Plus, you’ll receive stipends, housing, and travel allowances for the two summer internship experiences. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in an undergraduate program relevant to Information Technology and entering the junior year OR seeking admission in an IT-related master’s degree program, at a U.S.-based accredited institution.
Govern For America Fellowship
The Govern For America (GFA) Fellowship is a 2-year paid fellowship for recent graduates to serve in high-impact roles in governments across the country as a part of a diverse community of engaged leaders. Roles include data analyst, fiscal analyst, and program manager. The program actively seeks applicants from traditionally underrepresented in government leadership, including people of color, first-generation college students, women, and gender non-binary individuals, members of the LBGTQ community, and individuals from low-socioeconomic backgrounds. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree before the fellowship begins be a US Citizen, Permanent Resident, DACA Recipient, or have US Sponsorship for 2 years.
HillVets House Fellowship
Since its inception, HillVets has helped hundreds of veterans in their pursuit to become involved in their SecondService to our Nation. The program provides support to fellows, who are veterans, as they find full-time positions, especially on Capitol Hill. Fellows attend classes on the legislative process, assist in constituent relations and correspondence, and work with staff on specific issues including the budget and appropriations process. They work closely with Member office staff on projects and to develop and advance legislation. Housing in Washington D.C. and a stipend are provided for up to eight months.
International Leadership Foundation (ILF) Civic Fellowship Program
The ILF Civic Fellowship Program is the nation’s top Asian-Pacific American leadership development program in Washington, D.C. Each year, approximately 30 outstanding college students are inducted into the summer-long Fellowship Program and participate in a supervised training curriculum. These students are subsequently placed in an 8-week public service internship (in a federal agency, non-profit or non-governmental organization, or a congressional office) and are enrolled in educational seminars. Students must be U.S. citizens to apply. Fellows receive a stipend of $2,000.
Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program
The Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program provides undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students with opportunities to gain hands-on research experience with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE). The goal of the MLEF program is to improve opportunities for women and minority students in STEM majors, however, all eligible candidates are encouraged to apply. Selected candidates will train under the mentorship of program officials and scientists on focused research projects. During the 10 weeks, Fellows will receive a stipend and some may be eligible to receive housing and a travel allowance.
Mike Mansfield Fellowship Program
The Mansfield Fellowship Program was established to build a corps of U.S. federal government employees with proficiency in the Japanese language and practical, firsthand knowledge about Japan and its government. Through their placements, fellows develop networks of contacts in Japan and an understanding of the political, economic, and strategic dimensions of the U.S.-Japan relationship. The fellowship is for 1 year, beginning with a 7-week course of intensive language study and followed by 10 months of full-time work in Japanese government offices. Fellows are required to serve at least 2 years in the federal government after the fellowship.
NASA Postdoctoral Program
The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) provides early-career and more senior scientists the opportunity to share in NASA’s mission, to reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn will benefit all humankind. NASA Postdoctoral Fellows work on 1 to 3-year assignments with scientists and engineers at NASA centers and institutes to advance missions in earth science, heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, space bioscience, aeronautics, engineering, human exploration, space operations, astrobiology, science management. Stipends start at a minimum of $60K/year and include other benefits and travel allowances.
New York City Urban Fellows Program
The Urban Fellows Program is a highly selective, nine-month fellowship that combines work in Mayoral offices and City agencies with an intensive seminar series that explores current urban issues impacting public policy. Program participants are diverse and come from all over the country to work in New York City. After participating in an extensive interview process, New York City Urban Fellows are placed at an array of agencies across the City where they learn about public policy through a hands-on approach. Fellows receive a nine-month stipend of $31,563.
Oak Ridge Institute of Science and Education Department of Defense Fellowship Program
To ensure the robust supply of scientists and engineers to meet the U.S. Department of Defense’s future science and technology needs, the ORISE program places individuals from the academic community (students, recent graduates, and faculty) in DoD research projects. The ORISE Research Participation Programs accept applications from students, recent graduates, and faculty researchers year-round. Research appointments can vary from three months to one year and may be renewed for additional appointment terms. The program provides a salary, training, and travel allowances.
PostBaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (Postbac IRTA/CRTA)
The NIH Postbac IRTA program provides recent college graduates who are planning to apply to graduate or professional (medical/dental/pharmacy) school an opportunity to spend one or two years performing full-time research at the NIH. Postbac IRTAs/CRTAs work side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world, in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research. Applicants must be college graduates who received their bachelor’s degrees less than two years prior to the date they begin the program. The stipends for trainees are adjusted yearly. Applications are accepted year-round.
Public Health Informatics Fellowship Program
The Public Health Informatics Fellowship Program (PHIFP) is a 2-year applied training fellowship for professionals with a master’s or higher degree. We train professionals to apply principles of public health informatics to the practice of public health. Public health informatics is the systematic application of information and computer science and technology to public health practice, research, and learning. A doctoral (e.g., PhD, MD, PharmD) or masters level degree is required. Relocation to Atlanta, Georgia is required. U.S. citizenship is not required.
Robertson Foundation for Government Fellowships
The RFG Fellowships fully fund master’s degrees in international relations, policy, and related fields at select partner universities. Individuals interested in a fellowship may apply to one or more of RFG’s partner schools. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and have functional fluency in a foreign language (or attain by graduation). Fellows agree to the fellowship requirement to work for the federal government for a minimum of three of the first seven years after graduation. Contact the individual schools for more information on their application and selection processes and deadlines to pursue a fellowship.
Running Start Congressional Fellowship
Each spring and fall, eight Running Start Congressional Fellows are selected through a highly competitive application process. Running Start is nonpartisan and looks for applicants from across the political spectrum for this program. Fellows intern for a female Member of Congress Monday through Thursday and each Friday are trained by political experts in Running Start’s office and then mentored by high-level political mentors. Fellows live together in a house on Capitol Hill, free of charge, and are provided with a $2,500 living stipend for the semester.
Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program
The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program is an opportunity for students pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines to receive a full scholarship and be gainfully employed upon degree completion in the U.S. Department of Defense. Includes full tuition and a stipend of $25K – $38K, and other benefits. Undergraduate applicants must be currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university. Graduate applicants can be either currently enrolled in a U.S. university or awaiting notification of admission.
STPI’s Policy Fellowship Program
This two-year fellowship provides recent bachelor’s degree recipients with a unique opportunity to use their critical thinking and analytic skills to work on a diverse set of challenges in science and technology (S&T) policy areas. Fellows will be involved in collaborative research for leaders in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in the Executive Office of the President and other Federal Government organizations. Fellows work with teams of researchers to support a wide variety of S&T policy-related tasks. Individuals who earned a recent bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply for the Fellowship. The fellowship is a paid, benefits-eligible position.
Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship
The Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowships provide full funding to graduate students as they prepare to join the U.S. Foreign Service as diplomats. Fellows are funded $37,500 per year to help cover tuition costs first then room and board, books, mandatory fees, and travel, pending availability of funds. Graduate-level Fellows receive stipends during participation in one 10-week domestic summer internship, and one 10-week summer overseas internship following the second year of graduate school. Fellows must obtain graduate degrees in international affairs or a related subject such as public administration, public policy, international relations, business administration, economics, history, political science, communications, or foreign languages at a graduate school approved by the Pickering Program.
USGS Mendenhall Research Fellowship Program
The mission of the U.S. Geological Society is to provide reliable scientific information to (1) describe and understand the Earth; (2) minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; (3) manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and (4) enhance and protect our quality of life. The USGS invites postdoctoral scholars to conduct concentrated research in association with selected members of the USGS professional staff. Fellows will have two-year appointments to the USGS, receiving a full salary and benefits at the GS-12 level. Applicants must have their PhD degree no earlier than 5 years before the application opening date and prepare a proposal in addition to other application materials. Each Research Opportunity has a different application deadline, so double-check the web page to confirm.
VFW-SVA Legislative Fellowship
Fellowships for VFW members who are currently enrolled at a college or university with an active SVA chapter and pursuing a degree in political science, government, communications, history, law, or a related field. Fellows will be flown to Washington, DC to participate in the VFW National Legislative Conference with the opportunity to advocate alongside VFW staff and represent their states. This is an opportunity to share issues facing today’s student veterans alongside mentors from the VFW National Legislative Committee. The conference opens many doors for fellows and all expenses for attending the conference are covered by the fellowship.
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