Fellow Application

The Free the Facts Fellow Program helps promising young leaders gain valuable experience by defraying some of the expenses associated with their independently secured internship or academic opportunities. 

In order to be eligible for the Fellow Program, applicants must:

1. Be an Ambassador in “All-Star Standing” at the time of the application deadline;
2. Be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior enrolled and in good academic standing with—an accredited post-secondary institution, 
3. Be able to secure an internship or related academic opportunity independently, for example:
1. In Washington, D.C., with a congressional office, the White House, a think tank, or other office, organization, or institution that focuses on public policy, public affairs, and/or government/politics; or
2. Outside of the D.C. area with a state legislator’s office, governor’s office, or similar office, organization, or institution;  
4. Be able to secure two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s future promise as a leader and their current ability to make the most of the internship opportunity they are pursuing. 

Applicants accepted to the Fellow Program are eligible to receive:

1. A monetary stipend to cover expenses related to: 
1. A sublet, dorm accommodations, or other form of rental housing during the internship period;
2. Supplemental income to minimize the economic hardship caused by accepting an unpaid or modestly compensated internship opportunity (amount to be determined based on need and availability);
3. Program fees and/or tuition costs associated with the internship opportunity;
4. One-time travel to/from the location of permanent residence and location of the opportunity and/or
5. Daily travel to/from accommodations and the internship site.
2. Access to our professional network and invitations to exclusive programs and events that are only available to students in Free the Facts' leadership network and/or
3. A letter of recommendation from Free the Facts' senior leadership (provided the Fellow fulfills all necessary requirements for a recommendation during their tenure).

As part of the application, Fellows are required to develop a budget and research the various costs associated with undertaking the internship or academic opportunity. The following resources may be helpful in completing this component of the application - 

• How to Create a Budget in 5 Steps

• How Much Your Monthly Food Budget Should Be + Grocery Calculator 

• DC Metro Cost to Ride & Other SmartTrip Information

• Personal Monthly Budget Template

While the Fellow Program is available year-round, applicants should be aware of the following deadlines -

• Summer 2024 - May 3rd
• Fall 2024 - July 26th
• Spring 2025 - December 6th