Schaeffer Fellows
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 Fellow's 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 2023 Schaeffer Fellows
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 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.
