The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program 2027 is a paid, semester-long public policy fellowship hosted by the University of Delaware Institute for Public Administration. Applications are due by Friday, October 30, 2026.
Through this program, selected fellows work with the Delaware General Assembly on nonpartisan research, committee staffing, and policy writing. In addition, fellows attend a three-credit seminar that connects legislative work with academic study.
Application Deadline:
Friday, October 30, 2026
Tell Me About The Opportunity:
The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program is a prestigious, paid experiential fellowship managed by the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration. Begun in 1982, it links the research capacity of the University of Delaware and Delaware State University with the research needs of the Delaware General Assembly. Fellows conduct nonpartisan, in-depth research to assist legislators in dealing with critical issues such as criminal justice reform, healthcare, government transparency, and economic policy.
Which Fields are Eligible?:
Public administration, public policy, political science, sociology, urban affairs, communications, international relations, criminal justice, history, economics, business administration, or related fields.
Type:
Paid Legislative Fellowship / Academic and Professional Development Program
Who can Apply?:
- Full-time master’s degree students or especially qualified junior- or senior-level undergraduate students (minimum GPA 3.4+) from partnering universities (University of Delaware and Delaware State University).
- Candidates with a strong interest in the legislative process, government, or public policy analysis, backed by strong writing skills.
How are Applicants Selected?:
Applicants are competitively selected through a four-step process:
- Submission of application and supporting documents.
- A one-hour virtual timed-writing exercise simulating a legislative memorandum.
- An initial interview.
- A final panel interview.
Which Countries Are Eligible?:
United States (specifically students enrolled at partnering Delaware universities).
Where will the Token / Role be Taken?:
Delaware General Assembly in Dover, Delaware, USA (with academic coursework through the University of Delaware).
How Many Openings?:
Typically includes around 15 University of Delaware students and 1 Delaware State University student per cohort.
What is the Benefit of the Programme?:
- Paid fellowship experience working directly with legislators, legislative staff, and state committees.
- Opportunity to impact current state legislation through nonpartisan research.
- Expansion of professional networks with government officials and community leaders.
- Academic credit via a three-credit seminar titled State Government: Management and Policy.
How Long Will the Programme Last?:
From January 12, 2027 through June 30, 2027 (requiring on-site work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, alongside an orientation during the first full week of January).
How to Apply:
Eligible students must complete the application process through the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration portal and RSVP with Program Manager Lisa Moreland Allred for the timed-writing exercise.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
