Applications are now open for the Public Interest Fellowship (TPIF) 2026 Stipend Fellowship Cohort, a highly respected two-year leadership program designed for recent graduates and young professionals interested in American constitutional government, public policy, and liberal democracy.
The Public Interest Fellowship (TPIF) offers participants a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of governance, public service, and political philosophy while gaining access to extensive networking opportunities with leading policymakers, scholars, and public figures.
Based in Washington, DC and New York City, the fellowship combines professional development, policy education, and intellectual engagement through seminars, retreats, and networking events.
The program is designed for individuals who want to build careers in public policy, government, law, journalism, and national security while strengthening their understanding of the traditions of freedom and constitutional democracy.
About the Public Interest Fellowship (TPIF)
The Public Interest Fellowship’s flagship program is a two-year fellowship that brings together a cohort of highly talented young professionals committed to public service and the principles of liberty and constitutional governance.
Participants engage in rigorous intellectual study alongside practical professional development. The fellowship creates a collaborative environment where fellows regularly explore key political texts, engage in policy discussions, and interact with experienced leaders from across the public and nonprofit sectors.
Fellows meet regularly to study foundational writings on modern liberal democracy and American constitutionalism, guided by leading scholars and policy experts. These discussions aim to strengthen participants’ understanding of political systems and contemporary policy challenges.
In addition to academic study, fellows attend policy-focused lectures addressing pressing domestic and international issues, including national security, economic policy, and governance.
Fellowship Structure
The fellowship runs for two years, with programming held from September to June each academic year.
Fellows participate in:
- Twice-monthly academic seminars
- Policy lectures on current national and international issues
- Monthly dinners with prominent public figures
- Professional development workshops
- Networking opportunities with policy professionals
Participants are expected to complete approximately 75 pages of reading per week, covering both historical texts and contemporary policy analysis.
The program also includes multi-day academic retreats and policy trips, which allow fellows to further engage with scholars, policymakers, and fellow participants.
Full-Time Fellowship Option
The full-time track offers paid professional placements for fellows.
Participants typically complete two professional rotations, each lasting 9–12 months, with organizations involved in public policy, governance, research, or advocacy.
These placements are carefully selected by the fellowship leadership in consultation with fellows to ensure that each role provides meaningful professional experience and mentorship.
The full-time fellowship for 2027 will open later in the fall.
Stipend Fellowship Option
The stipend fellowship track is designed for professionals who already hold full-time positions in Washington, DC or New York City.
Instead of rotating professional placements, stipend fellows receive an annual stipend while participating fully in the fellowship’s academic and networking programming.
This track allows professionals to continue their careers while engaging in the intellectual and leadership components of the fellowship.
Applications for the 2026 stipend fellowship cohort are currently open.
Professional Development Opportunities
The fellowship also offers a variety of additional opportunities to help participants develop leadership and policy skills.
These include:
- Speech and debate training
- Media and communications training
- Access to national policy conferences
- Networking with policymakers and scholars
- Mentorship from leaders in government and nonprofit sectors
Fellows also attend exclusive dinners with members of Congress, senior government staff, nonprofit leaders, and policy experts, providing valuable insights into real-world policy decision-making.
Ideal Candidates
The fellowship seeks individuals with strong intellectual curiosity, leadership potential, and a deep interest in public policy.
Applicants should be:
- Recent college graduates or young professionals with up to five years of experience
- Interested in public policy, constitutional governance, and democratic institutions
- Strong writers and communicators
- Creative thinkers capable of independent work
- Demonstrating professionalism and leadership potential
Candidates with interest in the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:
- Politics and governance
- Freedom of speech and rule of law
- Education reform
- Economic and domestic policy
- Foreign policy and national security
- Journalism and public discourse
- U.S.–Israel relations
Location
The fellowship operates in two major policy centers in the United States:
- Washington, DC
- New York, NY
Duration
Two years
Programming runs September – June each year
Deadline
18 May 2026
For more opportunities click here
