Presidential Fellows Program

The Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC) created the Presidential Fellows Program in 1970 to inspire and equip college students to become civic-minded leaders that could guide our nation’s future.

Today, the program continues that mission by providing top collegiate students with the opportunity to study the federal policymaking process and the inner workings of the executive and legislative branches. Over the course of an academic year, the Fellows learn about leadership and governance, hone their research skills, and engage in civil discourse with public officials, policy experts, and their peers.

Since its inception, the Fellows Program has positively impacted the lives and careers of over 1,500 students. A number of our Fellows have been awarded the prestigious Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, Truman, and Gates Scholarships. Alumni of the Fellows Program have gone on to work as elected officials, Capitol Hill and White House staff, award-winning journalists, CEOs of corporations and non-profit organizations, senior military leaders, and university presidents.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Travel to Washington D.C.
Fellows travel to Washington, D.C. for a leadership conference. During this multi-day event, they discuss today’s most pressing challenges and innovative ideas while interacting with national policymakers and leading experts. Read our newsletter for a summary of the 2024 conference.

Research
The centerpiece of the Fellowship is a 10-15 page research paper on the key issues of the past, present and/or future as they relate to the Presidency and Congress.

Publishing and Awards
All students present their research at the leadership conference and are eligible to receive one of five monetary awards for their papers while competing for publication in CSPC’s journal, The Fellows Review.

Global Engagement
Fellows have the chance to network with peers from across the globe through the International Presidential Fellows program. International Fellows from Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico, Panama, and other countries participate alongside their U.S. counterparts.

Special Events
Over the course of the program, the Fellows attend special events like CSPC’s Annual Awards Dinner, which honors leading public servants including, U.S. Senators, Governors, Cabinet Secretaries, and military leaders. As alumni, Fellows are invited to come back and join CSPC for the Awards Dinner, alumni social events, and other convenings.

Learn more about the program

• From a Fellow’s perspective

• Spring 2024 newsletter

BECOMING A FELLOW

Under the guidance of CSPC, Fellows are selected by their colleges and universities who are partner institutions in the Fellows Program. For students who do not attend one of our partner institutions, we have two pathways to become a Fellow: our At-Large Presidential Fellowship, and Innovation Fellowship (specifically for STEM students). To get in touch with the program coordinator at your school or to find out how you can participate, please email us at fellows@thepresidency.org.

Fellows can come from any major or specialization, but they all have strong academic credentials, a demonstrated interest in the institutions of the Presidency and Congress, and a desire to make public service a part of their careers. Typically, Fellows are seniors in an undergraduate program, but advanced underclassmen or graduate students can also participate. Upon completion of the program, Fellows join the more than 1,500 alumni who have come before them.

To learn more information about how to sponsor a fellow, please email fellows@thepresidency.org.

Partner Institutions

ADDITIONAL PARTNERS

The U.S.-Japan Research Institute supports Japanese Fellows
The Richard Lounsbery Foundation supports Innovation Fellows
Horatio Alger Association supported by James F. Dicke II

Celebrating 50 Years of Presidential Fellows

In recognition of 50 years of Presidential Fellows, CSPC is excited to launch our commemorative digital publication “Presidential Fellows, Celebrating 50 Years.”

This current moment in our nation’s history is the perfect time to reflect on the founding of the Fellows program. The program was established in the immediate aftermath of the Kent State and Jackson State shootings and within the broader context of the social unrest that plagued the late 60s and early 70s. CSPC set out to build a program that would bridge the divide between America’s youth and our federal government, and give young people the tools to play a meaningful role in reshaping our civil discourse.

As we again face turbulent waters as a nation, it is important to remember the role that young people can play in building a better, brighter, and more equitable future.

Please join us in reflecting on the past 50 years by exploring our commemorative publication.

Please contact fellows@thepresidency.org for further questions about the program.