Scoville Peace Fellowship

Next deadlines: October 7, 2024 (for Spring 2025 fellowship); January 6, 2025 (for Fall 2025 fellowship)

The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship Program invites recent college and graduate school alumni to apply for full-time, 6–9-month fellowships in Washington, DC. The purpose of the fellowship is to provide an opportunity for college graduates to gain practical knowledge and experience by contributing to the efforts of nonprofit, public-interest organizations working on peace and security issues, specifically 1) Nuclear Nonproliferation and WMD, 2) Climate and Security, 3) Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution, 4) Emerging Technology Threats, and 5) Global Health Security. Applications are especially encouraged from candidates who have prior experience with public-interest activism or advocacy. With the assistance of alumni, board, and staff, Scoville Fellows will select a placement with one of the 26 organizations participating in the program that best matches their interests and the needs of the host organization. Participating organizations provide office space and support, supervision and guidance for fellows’ work. With the exception of Congressional lobbying, fellows may undertake a variety of activities, including research, writing, and organizing that support the goals of their host organization. Fellows receive a salary of $3,885 per month and basic health insurance compensation, plus travel expenses to Washington, DC. The program also provides $1,000 per fellow for professional development to attend relevant conferences or meetings or to take a language or policy course. The program arranges meetings for the fellows with policy experts, social networking events with alumni, and mentoring from a board member and a former fellow.

Prospective applicants, including recent graduates, should make an advising appointment with Keila Diehl, the campus representative for the Scoville Peace Fellowship.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must have:

• U.S. citizenship (preferred); foreign nationals residing in the U.S. are allowed to apply
• received a bachelor’s or master’s degree by the time the fellowship commences (usually within the past few years)
• an excellent record of academic accomplishments
• a background and strong interest in one or more of the approved policy issues addressed by the fellowship
• prior experience with public-interest activism or advocacy is desirable, preferably focused on peace and security issues – for example:
organizing a campus forum and/or outreach campaign, meeting with decision makers, or rallies; working with or joining a campus, local, or national organization; active participation in conferences; writing and publication of opinion pieces in both traditional and new media
• strong written and oral communication skills

Selection Criteria

Prospective fellows are expected to demonstrate excellent academic accomplishments and a strong interest in issues of peace and security. Graduate study, a college major, course work, or substantial independent reading that reflects the substantive focus of the fellowship is also a plus. Prior experience with public-interest activism or advocacy is highly desirable. It is preferred, but not required, that such activities be focused on peace and security issues.

Note: Preference will be given to individuals who have not had substantial prior public-interest or government experience in the Washington, DC area.