Public Policy Fellowship 2026

The Public Policy Fellowship 2026 is a two-month program for young leaders to collaborate on innovative solutions for social, political, economic, and environmental issues while developing skills in project management, policy analysis, and more.

What it offers

• An intensive two-month program focused on collaboration and skill-building
• Workshops, discussions, and guest speaker sessions with policy experts
• Completion of an original capstone project and policy brief
• Ongoing mentorship and guidance throughout the program

Who can apply

• High school and undergraduate students aged 13–23
• Interest or experience in social impact, community organizing, civic engagement, design thinking, advocacy, or discourse
• Not open to graduate students, graduates, or international applicants

What you'll do

• Collaborate with peers, mentors, and leaders to analyze and develop solutions for current issues
• Participate in two mandatory weekly synchronous meetings (Wednesdays at 8pm EST and Saturdays at 12pm EST)
• Work on an individual capstone project and presentation from the second week to the end of the program
• Engage in seminars, debates, workshops, and guest speaker events

How to apply

• Fill out the short form on the fellowship website
• Applications close at 11:59pm PST on the deadline date
• Application due date for the Fall cohort of the 2026 Fellowship: August 19th
• Decisions will be released on August 26th
• Email questions to fellowship@yipinstitute.org

Good to know

• The program accommodates students in Eastern, Central, and Pacific time zones
• Fellows receive priority consideration for hiring and other positions with YIP
• Capstone projects are published on the fellowship website