State House Fellows Program

DURING THE APPLICATION CYCLE TO BE SELECTED AS A STATE HOUSE FELLOW, WHICH IS OPEN FROM SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 UNTIL OCTOBER 5, 2025, PLEASE CLICK THE APPLY BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM RIGHTHAND SIDE OF THE PAGE TO BEGIN.

The State House Fellows Program places Colby students directly in Maine’s policymaking arena during the month of January. Coordinated by the Public Policy Lab, Fellows gain firsthand experience working alongside elected officials, state agencies, and nonpartisan committees — while receiving structured mentorship, financial support, and academic credit during Jan Plan. All State House Fellows are awarded $2,000 to support this full-time Jan Plan experience at the Maine State House. This competitive fellowship covers expenses while giving students a prestigious, hands-on role in public service, professional skill-building, and civic leadership.

Here’s how the program works:

• Application: Students apply to the Public Policy Lab in the fall semester through a competitive process. Selection emphasizes academic preparation, commitment to public service, and interest in state-level policymaking.

• Placement: Accepted Fellows will be placed in one of several State House–based offices, including: The office of a Maine legislator (with students able to select the party of the legislator); The Office of the Governor; A nonpartisan committee in the State House; A Maine state agency.

• Stipend & Support: Fellows receive a $2,000 stipend to accommodate lost wages, travel expenses, and other material needs as they begin full-time Jan Plan internships in Augusta. This unrestricted support ensures that all Fellows can fully participate in this immersive program. Additional award funding may be available in cases of extraordinary need (transportation or lodging), but must be approved by the Director of the Public Policy Lab prior to application.

• Expectations: Fellows are expected to work full-time throughout the month of January. Internships are based in Augusta, with the expectation that students will live at Colby (or their usual residence) during Jan Plan.

• Academic Credit: Fellows earn one Jan Plan credit for successful completion of the program. Students must apply for internship academic credit and complete a final project in consultation with the Policy Lab Director prior to academic deadlines set by the college.

• Extended Opportunities: In some cases, Fellows may be able to continue their internship into the spring semester. Additional funding is available to support this continuation, particularly to account for lost wages.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with Director of the Public Policy Lab – Nicholas Jacobs, nfjacobs@colby.edu – before submitting an application. Support is available for refining proposals, thinking through opportunities, and strengthening application materials.


APPLICATION QUESTIONS TO PREPARE:

As part of your application, please submit a 1-page cover letter (maximum 500 words). This letter should be tailored to this program and should address the following:

1. Your Interests
   Identify the policy or issue areas you are most eager to explore through this program, and explain why they matter to you.

2. Your Experience
   Describe a relevant academic, civic, or professional experience that has prepared you to contribute to a host organization.

3. Your Approach
   Share how you approach working with people who may hold different perspectives, political views, or policy priorities than your own.

Your cover letter will help us assess your preparation and professionalism, and it will also guide us in making strong placements that align with your interests and skills.

APPLICATION TIMELINE:

Monday, 9/29: Applications for admission opens.

Sunday, 10/5: Application deadline.

Wednesday, 10/15: All applicants will be notified of their selection status via email from the Director of the Public Policy Lab.

Friday, 10/17: Selected students must determine if they will enroll in the program.

Wednesday, 10/22: Final enrollment deadline and program roster finalized. Students receive their funding award letters shortly after.

Friday, 12/5: Successful applicants will work directly with the Director of the Public Policy Lab to finalize placement sites, secure a faculty advisor, and meet all fund disbursement requirements.