About

Launched in 2015, The Public Interest Fellowship draws on the legacy of that great journal of ideas and policy founded by Daniel Bell and Irving Kristol. The Public Interest nourished generations of individuals dedicated to meeting the moral and political challenges of the day through the rigorous study of contemporary America and the reclaiming of the enduring principles of the American constitutional tradition. Conceived in that spirit, The Public Interest Fellowship provides exceptional young men and women with professional opportunities and a continuing education in the tradition of freedom. The unique combination of work and study is designed to advance fellows’ pursuit of careers devoted to enriching the political and cultural life of the United States.

Opportunities

  

THE PUBLIC INTEREST FELLOWSHIP

A two-year-long program offering paid, full-time employment to a highly select cohort of fellows. Fellows will typically complete two professional rotations, each lasting approximately nine to twelve months. The positions will be carefully selected by The Public Interest Fellowship – in consultation with the fellows – and will be designed to advance the work of a host organization within the Fellowship’s network, while providing fellows with professional experience relevant to their particular career paths. Outside of their jobs, fellows will complete studies in the tradition of freedom and the contemporary challenges to individual liberty and democratic self-government delivered through twice-monthly evening seminars and academic retreats; attend monthly dinners with prominent public figures; participate in professional development sessions; and take advantage of extensive networking opportunities. The next class of The Public Interest Fellowship will commence in September 2019.

 

The Public Interest Fellowship will also consider accepting highly qualified professionals who wish to participate only in evening seminars, academic retreats, monthly dinners, professional development, and networking opportunities on a stipend basis. Please click here for an application for the 2019 cohort stipend program.

 

Fellowship Components:

  • Work experience (for those employed full-time by the Fellowship)
  • Evening seminars
  • Academic retreats
  • Monthly dinners with prominent public figures
  • Professional development seminars
  • Networking opportunities

APPLY FOR THE PUBLIC INTEREST FELLOWSHIP

We invite applications from individuals with the following qualifications:

  • Recent college graduates or young professionals with up to five years of relevant work experience.
  • A passionate interest in one or more of the following areas: politics, rule of law and freedom of speech, education reform, domestic and economic policy, foreign policy and national security, Jewish life and Israel, and journalism.
  • Excellent academic credentials.
  • Excellent communications skills.
  • Demonstrable leadership potential.
  • An ability to think creatively, work independently, and maintain high levels of discretion and professionalism at all times.

Applications for The Public Interest Fellowship’s 2019 class are now closed.

SECURITY AND STRATEGY SEMINAR

Hosted by The Public Interest Fellowship, the Alexander Hamilton Society, and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies

 

Beginning in mid-October 2018, this seminar will consist of 12-14 sessions on Wednesday evenings until June 2019. Over the course of those sessions, taught by guest instructors from public policy think tanks and academia, fellows will gain a clear understanding of the history of America’s relationship with Iran, starting with the coup of 1953, continuing through the reign of the Shah and the Islamic Revolution, touching on the Iranian nuclear threat, and ending with the current relationship between America and Iran. Fellows will gain a deeper understanding of the present challenges America faces in its dealings with Iran through an extended inquiry into the roots of the current adversarial relationship, with particular focus devoted throughout the course to the tactics and strategies employed by Washington policymakers at various moments of crisis. Fellows will be responsible for approximately 30 pages of reading per class and an occasional short writing assignment in preparation for class discussions.

APPLY FOR SECURITY AND STRATEGY SEMINAR

Ideal candidates are 25 to 35-year-old professionals working in national security and foreign policy institutions and organizations, such as government, academia, think-tanks, media, and defense and intelligence communities. Applications for the 2018-2019 cohort are now closed.

THE ANTONIN SCALIA FELLOWSHIP

The Antonin Scalia Fellowship (ASF) hosted by The Public Interest Fellowship will consist of 10 seminars, to be held approximately monthly on Thursday evenings in DC from mid-October 2018 to June 2019.

 

Over the course of these sessions, a highly select cohort will discuss America’s Constitutional framework, beginning with a study of the Federalist Papers; explore the conservative movement in historical perspective; delve into current legal policy debates; and consider opportunities and strategies for advancing the rule of law in a variety of areas. Each seminar will be led by a prominent guest instructor and Fellows will be responsible for 20-30 pages of reading in preparation for each session.

 

APPLY FOR THE ANTONIN SCALIA FELLOWSHIP

Ideal candidates will be early to mid-career professionals with a legal background working in government, the legal sector, think-tanks, academia, or media. Applications for the 2018-2019 cohort are now closed.

Enriching the political and cultural life of the United States

Staff

Kate
Matus

Director of Outreach and Special Projects

Ian
Lindquist

Executive Director

Peter
Berkowitz

Dean of Students

Nani
Beraha

Program Manager

Contact

For more information please contact Nani Beraha using the form below.

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