Getting Started in Politics, Advocacy, Government at the Local & National Levels
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Local and state government offers students a great opportunity to see how agencies and legislation work on a smaller scale. For students passionate about their state or a particular issue, state politics is a wonderful place to get started! Below, I highlight a few ways to get involved in politics at the local (including at Wellesley!) and state level. In terms of gaining experience at the national level in US politics and policy, DC is the place to go. This document will address finding a range of internships in DC as well tips for networking. We’ll start with the three branches of government, briefly address other government agencies, move to international organizations, and finish with think tanks and nonprofits. For students interested in international affairs and government, intern and/or study abroad to demonstrate your regional expertise and intercultural communication and adaptability skills.
Wellesley Career Education Summer Internship Grants (Stipends for Student-Identified Placements)
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Through the ongoing and generous support of our donors, the College is able to offer funding to support unpaid internships which students identify on their own. Many award recipients pursue internships in nonprofit organizations focused on education and other community development areas, but funding is available for opportunities in other sectors both within the United States and internationally, as well. In addition to the stipends, Wellesley Career Education staff provide ongoing professional development and career education training throughout their summer experiences.
Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship - direct application deadline for spring semester
Eligible: graduating seniors and recent alumnae with US citizenship/permanent residency or OPT/appropriate work permit.
The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship Program invites recent college and graduate school alumni to apply for full-time, six-to-nine month fellowships in Washington, DC. Outstanding individuals will be selected to work with nonprofit, public-interest organizations addressing peace and security issues. Explore further details and the application HERE.
*Did you know? Lizamaria Arias '17 was a Scoville Fellow in Fall 2018? Read more...
Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship - direct application deadline for fall semester
Eligible: graduating seniors and recent alumnae with US citizenship/permanent residency or OPT/appropriate work permit.
The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship Program invites recent college and graduate school alumni to apply for full-time, six-to-nine month fellowships in Washington, DC. Outstanding individuals will be selected to work with nonprofit, public-interest organizations addressing peace and security issues. Applications are especially encouraged from candidates with a strong interest in these issues who have prior experience with public-interest activism or advocacy.
*Did you know?...
Immigrant Justice Corps - Justice Fellowships - expected direct application deadline
Eligible are those who will complete their JD at a US law school in the spring following application and recently minted JDs. (For full details, please see official website.)
Each year Immigrant Justice Corps (IJC) awards Justice Fellowships to approximately 25 recent law graduates from across the United States – individuals with tremendous talent, promise, and a demonstrated commitment to providing legal services for low income people and immigrants. [IJC also offers Community Fellowships for recent college graduates, with an application deadline in the spring.]
IJC trains Justice Fellows to...