Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service
Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service
Program Mission
The Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service program funds government internships, provides professional development, and fosters mentorship for undergraduate students with exceptional potential. Schaeffer Fellows gain experience-based knowledge of government operations, a deeper understanding of the impact of public service, and the skills and motivation to join the next generation of civic leaders.
About the Program
Since Summer 2017, the IOP has participated in the Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service program. Schaeffer Fellows are selected by the IOP from the Director's Internship and Summer Stipend programs, and the Schaeffer Fellows program provides a unique undergraduate government service experience. The Schaeffer Fellows' mission is to expose students to government work and its impact. While not all Schaeffer Fellows will pursue a career in government, the program creates the opportunity for participants to become engaged citizens and develop an informed view of government service and operations. Schaeffer Fellows are selected from five elite universities: Harvard, Princeton, University of California - Berkeley, University of Southern California, and University of Virginia.
The Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service Program encourages talented undergraduates to experience government service through 10-week, full-time, high-level internship placements with elected officials and agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. Schaeffer Fellows represent a diversity of backgrounds, political perspectives, and academic disciplines. Common among them is their interest in learning more about public service and the role of government.
Schaeffer Fellows are exposed to government experiences which include but are not limited to: interacting with government officials and constituents, tracking legislation, conducting research, drafting policy memos, talking points or constituent letters, attending interagency council meetings, working groups, community events or congressional hearings, supporting program development and implementation, assisting with social media, contributing to daily office operations, and developing lasting professional networks with government employees and other interns.
You can learn more about the Schaeffer Fellows program here.
Hear from our Schaeffer Fellows Alumni
ELIZABETH ESTEBAN-HERNANDEZ '25
This past summer, I had the privilege of working as a communications intern for the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom. During this internship, I supported the communications team’s efforts to make information more accessible to the public. My responsibilities included conducting research, drafting memos, speechwriting, and transcribing and translating press releases and conferences. While at the Office, I had the unique opportunity to draft a Proclamation for California Farmworker Day. This experience allowed me to witness firsthand the importance of state politics. With the support of my supervisor and the team, I was also able to connect with members of the legal and legislative teams.
In addition to this incredible internship, I was honored to be part of the 2024 Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows program. The fellowship provided me with the tools and support necessary to succeed during my summer internship. The fellowship culminates in an annual summit in Washington, D.C., where I had the chance to meet inspiring fellows who share a deep passion for public service. Thanks to the Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellowship and their supportive team, my summer internship was one of the most memorable experiences during my time at Harvard.
JOEL CRAWFORD '26
This summer, I had the honor to work in the Washington, D.C. Office of Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee. In this internship, I was able to focus on judiciary issues which included researching bills, writing floor statements, and attending various hearings. The opportunity to develop a relationship with an esteemed member of Congress was a dream come true.
This internship was supplemented with the 2023 Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellowship which was absolutely wonderful. We were able to gain professional development and got various opportunities to meet with influential people at all levels of Government. The highlight of the fellowship was the Summit, where students from all across the country, all working in public service internships, were able to meet, network, and learn about all of the amazing things happening around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Applicants must be part of the Summer Stipend or Director's Internship cohort during the summer for which they are applying to be a Schaeffer Fellow.
- Applicants must be a Harvard College sophomore or junior at the time of application. Seniors with at least one full-time semester of undergraduate coursework remaining may also apply.
- Applicants must have a minimum 3.50 cumulative grade point average.
- Schaeffer Fellows Virtual Orientation and skill-development sessions
- The Schaeffer Fellows Summit in Washington, DC in June
- Schaeffer Fellows Resource Guide of tailored professional development materials for success during and beyond the internship
- An assigned alumni mentor from their university
- Schaeffer Fellow Alumni Ambassador support
- Fall Recognition Event which formally recognizing Fellows’ contributions to public service
- Lifelong membership in the Schaeffer Fellows Online Community, a virtual hub for alumni and supporters of the program which offers opportunities for ongoing networking and mentorship
Yes, the specialized professional development curriculum distinguishes the Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows program from other government service internship opportunities and focuses on professionalism, networking, fostering camaraderie and interaction, and utilizing the fellowship as a launchpad for future opportunities. Fellows make connections with public and private sector leaders and participate in activities designed to support undergraduate students in their early career exploration.
The curriculum is grounded in four key themes:
- Reflecting on vision and values
- Exploring leadership lessons
- Collaborating and networking
- Developing transferable skills
- Early May: Schaeffer Fellows Virtual Orientation & Cohort Welcome
- Early June: Internships Commence
- Late June: Schaeffer Fellows Summit in Washington, DC
- July - August: Additional professional development and alumni programming
- September/October: Fall Recognition Event