About the opportunity
The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program, established in 1982, is a flagship initiative of the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware. Managed by the Institute for Public Administration, the program competitively selects students to conduct nonpartisan, in-depth research for the Delaware General Assembly. Fellows work directly with state legislators and staff on critical policy issues such as healthcare, criminal justice reform, and government transparency. The program runs from January to June, combining hands-on legislative experience in Dover with a three-credit academic seminar on state government management and policy.
Funding and benefits
- Paid fellowship compensation
- Direct professional experience working with state legislators and staff
- Valuable networking opportunities with government officials and community leaders
- Three-credit academic seminar: State Government: Management and Policy
- Complimentary vanpool transportation from the University of Delaware campus to Dover
Who can apply?
- Must be a full-time master's degree student or an especially qualified junior- or senior-level undergraduate student at the University of Delaware or Delaware State University
- Minimum GPA of 3.4 for undergraduate applicants
- Strong background in relevant fields such as public administration, public policy, political science, sociology, urban affairs, communications, international relations, criminal justice, history, economics, or business administration
- Strong writing skills and an interest in the legislative process, government, or public policy analysis
Required documents
- Completed online Legislative Fellows Program Application
- Online or printable Recommendation Form
- Department Chair or Program Director Confidential Comments Form
- Permission Form for Research Assistants (if applicable)
When to apply
- The application deadline for the 2027 Legislative Fellows Program is Friday, October 30, 2026
- Legislative Fellows are competitively selected each spring and fall for the upcoming legislative session
How to apply
- Step 1: Submit the online application form along with all required supporting documents and recommendations
- Step 2: Complete a virtual, one-hour timed-writing exercise simulating legislative duties (writing a sample memorandum to a state legislator)
- Step 3: Participate in an informal 30-minute initial interview with the program manager
- Step 4: Participate in a formal 15-minute panel interview with legislative staff supervisors
Additional information
- Fellows work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from January 12 to June 30, 2027
- A mandatory orientation is conducted during the first full week of January
- Vanpool transportation departs the UD campus at 11:00 a.m. and returns at 6:30 p.m. on scheduled workdays
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Students at UD or DSU majoring in public policy, political science, or public administration who want direct, hands-on state government experience.
- Applicants with strong writing and analytical skills who excel in fast-paced, research-intensive environments.
- Those looking to build a robust professional network with Delaware state legislators and executive branch leaders.
What should you think carefully about?
- Restricted exclusively to full-time master's students or high-GPA (3.4+) juniors/seniors at the University of Delaware and Delaware State University.
- Requires a significant time commitment on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from January to June, including travel to Dover.
- Includes a rigorous multi-step selection process, including a timed virtual writing exercise and two rounds of interviews.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This program is an exceptional fit for students aiming to transition into public service, legislative affairs, policy analysis, or advocacy. It bridges academic learning with real-world legislative operations, offering a rare insider's view of state-level decision-making. Even for those not planning a career in government, the transferable skills in nonpartisan research, policy writing, and stakeholder communication are highly valuable across the nonprofit and private sectors.
Our take
Seriously consider applying if you are an eligible student at UD or DSU with a passion for public policy and a desire to directly influence state legislation. It is less suitable for students who cannot commit to the fixed weekly schedule and travel requirements to Dover, or those who do not meet the strict institutional and GPA eligibility criteria.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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