Public Policy Fellows Program

The Public Policy Lab’s Public Policy Fellows Program provides competitive funding for Colby students to pursue formative internships and substantive research in public policy. Students from any major may apply to be a Public Policy Fellow. Fellows receive direct financial support to offset wages, travel, and other material needs, ensuring that all students — regardless of background — can fully participate in these formative opportunities.


What it supports
  • Internships: Funding for otherwise unpaid or underpaid internships in government, nonprofits, advocacy, or policy research.
  • Research Awards: Support for senior theses, independent studies, or original projects that address pressing policy challenges.
How it works
  • Students apply through DavisConnects’ general funding cycle (application deadlines are determined by DavisConnects).
  • Applicants must directly apply to the Public Policy Fellows fund and complete two supplemental questions specific to the Lab
  • A faculty sponsor is required for all applications. A funded opportunity does not require academic credit, although that option is permitted.
  • Students must submit a detailed budget outlining anticipated expenses.
  • Awards are competitive and typically range from $2,000–$4,000, depending on scope and need.
  • All recipients are recognized as Public Policy Fellows for the academic year, a designation that signals both the prestige of the award and the Lab’s investment in their professional growth.
Expectations of Fellows
  • Fellows are expected to share their experiences with the Lab community — either through a brief written reflection, a public presentation, or participation in a Lab‑sponsored event.
  • Fellows must acknowledge PPL support in all related work (including presentations, papers, or reports).
  • Fellows are encouraged to remain engaged with the Lab community throughout the year, serving as peer resources for other students interested in policy‑related opportunities.
  • A short budget reconciliation and faculty sponsor confirmation are required at the end of the fellowship.

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.

Award
$2,000 - $4,000 +
Deadline
10/16/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. How will your proposed internship or research connect classroom knowledge to the practice of policymaking? In what ways do you anticipate working with or learning from communities, organizations, or institutions beyond Colby?
  2. (If an Internship, otherwise skip this question): What do you hope to gain from this experience, and how will it prepare you for future work in public policy or public service?
  3. (If an Independent Study Project, otherwise skip this question): What is the central question or problem your project addresses, and how will your research help us better understand public policy or public life?