YIP Public Policy Fellowship 2026 | Online Fellowship for High School & Undergraduate Students

Applications are now open for the YIP Public Policy Fellowship – Fall 2026 Cohort, a highly selective online leadership and policy program organized by the Institute for Youth in Policy (YIP). This two-month fellowship is designed for young leaders who are passionate about public policy, civic engagement, advocacy, and creating meaningful social change. With an average acceptance rate of 5–8%, the fellowship offers an immersive learning experience through workshops, policy analysis, mentorship, and a capstone project.

The fellowship empowers participants to collaborate with peers, policy experts, educators, and community leaders while developing innovative solutions to social, political, economic, and environmental challenges. Fellows gain practical skills in public policy, leadership, project management, communication, and teamwork, culminating in the publication and presentation of original policy work.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Organization: Institute for Youth in Policy (YIP)
• Program: Public Policy Fellowship
• Format: Fully Online
• Duration: 2 Months
• Fall 2026 Cohort: 12 September – 7 November 2026
• Application Deadline: 19 August 2026 (11:59 PM PST)
• Eligible Applicants: High school and undergraduate students (ages 13–23) in the United States

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Participation in an intensive public policy fellowship.
• Mentorship from YIP executives, policy professionals, and educators.
• Interactive seminars and policy workshops.
• Opportunities to collaborate with talented peers.
• Guest speaker sessions featuring policy experts.
• Development of an original policy capstone project.
• Publication opportunities for outstanding policy work.
• Priority consideration for future YIP leadership and internship opportunities.

Fellowship Curriculum

Throughout the fellowship, participants explore:

• Public Policy Analysis
• Civic Engagement
• Community Leadership
• Policy Reform
• Social Innovation
• Urban Development
• Education Policy
• Technology and Smart Infrastructure
• Project Management
• Communication and Public Speaking
• Policy Writing
• Critical Thinking and Debate

Program Structure

The fellowship is designed to fit busy student schedules.

Participants will attend:

• Two mandatory live sessions each week
  • Wednesdays: 8:00 PM EST
  • Saturdays: 12:00 PM EST
• Weekly workshops
• Collaborative policy discussions
• Group policy brief development
• Individual capstone project

The expected time commitment is 4–6 hours per week, including live sessions and independent work.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be 13–23 years old.
• Be a high school or undergraduate student.
• Have an interest in:
  • Public policy
  • Civic engagement
  • Community organizing
  • Advocacy
  • Leadership
  • Social impact
• Be able to participate in weekly online meetings.

Graduate students and graduates are not eligible. The fellowship is designed primarily for students in the United States, and international applicants are generally not eligible because of scheduling and the program’s focus on U.S. public policy.

Capstone Project

Every fellow completes an original capstone project that explores a real-world policy challenge.

Projects may focus on:

• Education
• Technology
• Criminal Justice
• Environmental Sustainability
• Healthcare
• Housing
• Economic Development
• Community Innovation
• Civic Participation

Outstanding projects may be published by YIP.

Why Apply?

The fellowship offers participants the opportunity to:

• Learn directly from policy experts.
• Build practical leadership skills.
• Publish original policy research.
• Strengthen analytical and communication abilities.
• Expand a nationwide network of future leaders.
• Gain priority consideration for future YIP positions.
• Develop experience valued in public policy and civic leadership.

Important Dates

How to Apply

1. Visit the official YIP Public Policy Fellowship webpage.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Submit all required information before the application deadline.
4. Wait for the admissions committee to review your application.
5. Selected applicants will receive their admission decision via email.

The YIP Public Policy Fellowship 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for motivated high school and undergraduate students who want to explore public policy, strengthen leadership skills, and contribute to meaningful civic change. Through expert mentorship, collaborative learning, policy writing, and a capstone project, fellows gain valuable experience that prepares them for future careers in public service, law, public policy, and social impact. Due to its highly competitive 5–8% acceptance rate, interested students are encouraged to submit strong applications before the 19 August 2026 deadline.