The Legislative Fellowship Program 2027 | Call for Applications

Applications are open for the Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program 2027. The University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration manages this program. Fellows link university research capacity to the Delaware General Assembly. The program began in 1982 and has grown significantly since.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: Institute for Public Administration, University of Delaware
• Funding: Paid fellowship, with a competitive hourly stipend
• Duration: Spring legislative session, January through June 2027
• Eligibility: Graduate students or qualified juniors/seniors, GPA 3.4+
• Participating Schools: University of Delaware and Delaware State University

Focus Areas

• Nonpartisan legislative research and policy analysis
• Criminal justice reform and government transparency
• Healthcare policy and state government operations
• Legislative communications and committee staffing

About the Fellowship

This program connects students directly with Delaware’s state legislature. Fellows conduct nonpartisan research assisting legislators on pressing state issues. They also take a three-credit seminar on state government management. Over 380 alumni have gone on to work in government roles.

What Fellows Receive

Fellows earn a competitive hourly stipend throughout the legislative session. They also gain direct access to legislators and senior government officials. Fellows build professional networks across state and local government sectors. Two fellows are additionally placed within legislative communications teams.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be full-time graduate students or qualified undergraduates. Undergraduates need junior or senior standing with a 3.4 GPA minimum. Students must attend the University of Delaware or Delaware State University. Strong writing skills and interest in public policy are expected.

Required Materials

Applicants submit a recommendation form and department chair comments. An unofficial transcript, resume, and sample policy memo are required. Applicants also provide three character references and complete FERPA consent.

How to Apply

Submit your application before the deadline.

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Conclusion

This fellowship offers students rare, hands-on experience inside state government operations. Its decades-long track record has launched hundreds of public service careers. Given the competitive selection process, applicants should prepare strong writing samples early. Confirm full requirements through the Institute for Public Administration’s official programme page.

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