Are you captivated by the charm of living in the nation’s capital while pursuing a transformative fellowship experience? Washington, D.C. is a small but vibrant area that offers numerous opportunities and prestigious fellowships for professional growth, leadership development, STEM, and public service. These fellowships are not just about financial support and moving to a new area. They provide unique experiences that will shape your career and contribute to positive change in your niche. From the White House to the Library of Congress, these programs offer a gateway to meaningful work in government, NGOs, cultural institutions, and think tanks, offering a dynamic landscape to advance your career.
Whether you’re interested in creating policy publications, the impact of STEM policy, new careers for veterans, or Muslim American public service, you’re bound to find a program that allows you to further your career endeavors while living in the nation’s capital.
Be sure to bookmark any programs you’re interested in in your ProFellow account.
1. William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students
The William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship, offered by the Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation (PSI) in Washington, D.C., is a prestigious opportunity open to undergraduate and graduate students. Recipients serve as interns for research, writing, logistical support, and administrative tasks for various leadership initiatives and public programs. Candidates should demonstrate a strong interest or experience in nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and the social sector. Fellows work 15-20 hours per week during the semester and 25 hours per week in the summer in Washington, D.C. The fellowship offers hourly compensation and insights into philanthropy and social enterprise.
2. ISF Congressional Policy Fellowship
The ISF Congressional Policy Fellowship is a prestigious 9-month, full-time program designed for American Muslims dedicated to careers in public service. Fellows gain experience working on legislative and public policy issues within Congressional offices. They conduct policy research, draft bills, and speeches, and prepare members for hearings. This selective and non-partisan program promotes diversity and inclusion on Capitol Hill, providing fellows access to Congressional members and staff, professional development events, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Participants receive a salary of $35,000 for housing in Washington, D.C., and additional benefits, including roundtrip airfare, health insurance reimbursement, and placement in a congressional office. This fellowship offers a pathway for emerging leaders to make a meaningful impact in policy-making and public service.
3. White House Fellowship
The White House Fellows program, established in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, is an esteemed and competitive initiative for nurturing leadership and public service. Selected participants undergo a transformative year-long experience working alongside senior White House Staff, Cabinet Secretaries, and top-ranking government officials. They gain insights into the complex governance processes. It offers a non-partisan platform for emerging leaders to engage with sector leaders and learn about national and international policy. Fellows are considered Federal employees and receive a competitive salary during the fellowship. They must also participate in seminars, policy trips, and community service projects in the District.
4. Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship
The Christine Mirzayan Graduate Fellowship Program is a 12-week training and educational initiative for early-career individuals at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Washington, D.C. Fellows gain an understanding of science and technology policy and the role scientists and engineers play in shaping national agendas. Through close mentorship and hands-on engagement, fellows explore new careers and expand their networks within the science and policy communities. The fellowship is in-person and takes place at the National Academies office. However, participants can follow a hybrid schedule based on the assigned unit. Participants receive a stipend of $11,000 to offset living expenses.
5. Presidential Innovation Fellows
The Presidential Innovation Fellows (PIF) program promotes innovation within the federal government. It brings together the expertise of mid-to-senior-level technologists, designers, entrepreneurs, and strategists to address critical challenges in technology and policy. PIF recruits top innovators from the private sector and places them in federal agencies for 12-24 months as entrepreneurs-in-residence. Fellows collaborate closely with agency leaders to identify and scale solutions using industry best practices across data science, design, engineering, product development, and more. PIF fosters a culture of collaboration, empathy, courage, and meaningful impact. As full-time employees of the federal government, fellows receive a GS-15 salary.
6. Fellowships at the Wilson Center
The Wilson Center Fellowship program offers 9-month residential fellowships to scholars, practitioners, journalists, and public intellectuals from around the globe. Committed to advancing knowledge and addressing pressing global challenges, the Wilson Center invites fellows to conduct research and produce scholarly works in their respective fields. Participants also work with policymakers in Washington, D.C., and fellow scholars in residence. Emphasizing non-advocacy and policy-relevant proposals, the fellowship program provides a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. Eligible candidates include post-doctoral academics who have published beyond their PhD dissertations, practitioners, and policymakers with equivalent professional achievements. Fellows also receive a $90,000 stipend for their residency in the District.
7. Halcyon Incubator Fellowships
The Halcyon Incubator Fellowships offer programs in innovation, impact-driven entrepreneurship, and positive change. Through an 8-week in-person program in Washington, D.C., fellows receive expert training and critical resources to accelerate their ventures, focusing on sectors such as telemedicine, health data analytics, and preventative medicine. With a cohort structure designed to facilitate collaboration and learning, the Health Fellowship equips entrepreneurs with the skills and tools needed to navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape while driving equity and inclusivity in the workplace and society.
8. Kluge Fellowships
The Kluge Fellowships offer an exciting opportunity for scholars to explore diverse topics in humanities, social sciences, and professional fields like law or architecture at the Library of Congress. Founded in 2000, this program provides scholars with access to the world’s most extensive law library and other special collections, cultivating a vibrant research community in Washington, D.C. Each year, twelve fellows are selected through a competitive process, receiving a stipend of $5,000 per month for their research projects. The program lasts 4-11 months and should result in a publishable product, such as a complete book. With opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with Library staff, the Kluge Fellowships empower scholars to make meaningful contributions to academic and public knowledge.
9. NGA Visiting Senior Fellowships
The Visiting Senior Fellowship Program presents an opportunity for seasoned scholars to conduct full-time research in Washington, D.C. Fellows are provided with a dedicated study space and, for those relocating, housing near the National Gallery of Art. Access to extensive resources, including art collections, libraries, and specialized research facilities, enhances the scholarly experience. Up to seven fellowships are awarded annually, supporting research in various fields of the visual arts. The program encourages applications from scholars with diverse backgrounds. It provides stipends ranging from $7,000 to $12,500 and support for future research and publication expenses. Qualified applicants should have a PhD for at least five years or equivalent professional achievements.
10. The Robert Frederick Smith Applied Public History Fellowship for HBCU Graduates
This two-year program provides advanced training and scholarly support in public history, museum management, and community outreach. Fellows engage in immersive learning experiences. They also receive a $55,000 stipend yearly, plus additional funds for health insurance, research, and conference travel. During the residency, fellows contribute to the Community Curation Program, bridging the digital divide by bringing museum services to diverse communities nationwide. Key outcomes include competency in managing museum projects, developing public outreach initiatives, producing scholarly publications, and building strong professional networks in African American history and culture preservation. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, with a preference for recent master’s graduates with academic training in a museum or cultural management and African American history.
11. Veterans Innovation Partnership Fellowship
The Veterans Innovation Partnership (VIP) Fellowship Program is a unique twelve-month professional fellowship administered by the U.S. Department of State. It prepares talented veterans with master’s degrees in international affairs and political science for careers in diplomacy. Through hands-on projects and rotations within the department, fellows gain valuable experience in foreign policy, leveraging their military background and expertise. Fellows receive a competitive salary as federal employees and mentorship, networking, and career development opportunities. The program aims to enhance veterans’ competitiveness for permanent positions in foreign policy and international development careers. It also focuses on transitioning veterans from defense to diplomacy.
Ready to apply for a fellowship in Washington, D.C.? Be sure to bookmark your favorites to your ProFellow account.
© 2024 ProFellow, LLC. All rights reserved.