Program and Purpose
Scoville Fellows will choose to work with one of the twenty-five organizations participating in the program. With the assistance of the program director, fellows will select a placement which 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.
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.
Salary and Benefits
Fellows receive a salary of $3,000 per month and health insurance, plus travel expenses to Washington, DC. The program also provides $1,000 per fellow for professional development to attend relevant conferences or meetings that could cover travel, accommodations, and registration fees, or to take a language or policy course. The program arranges meetings for the fellows with policy experts and social networking events with alumni. Fellows also receive mentoring from a board member and a former fellow.
Some lenders may permit Scoville Fellows to defer college loan payments during their fellowship. Check with your individual lenders.
Issue Areas Covered by the Scoville Fellowship
• Arms Control/Disarmament/Non-Proliferation – nuclear, biological, chemical and conventional
• Conflict Prevention/Resolution
• Defense Budget
• Dismantling Chemical and Nuclear Weapons
• Environmental and Energy Security, including the nexus of climate change and energy use, conflict and resource scarcity
• Environmental Impact/Cleanup of Nuclear Weapons Production Complex
• Export Controls
• International Security
• Peacebuilding and peacekeeping
• Regional/Ethnic Conflicts
• Terrorism prevention, including biological and nuclear
Applicants whose area of interest falls outside of the above list are unlikely to be selected as a Scoville Fellow.
Selection Criteria
This is a highly competitive fellowship designed for people who have already demonstrated a strong interest in the field, and not intended for those who want to try a semester in Washington. Successful candidates must be good writers who are adept at working in a fast paced office environment. We are seeking people considering a career working on international peace and security issues with public-interest organizations, the Federal Government, academia, or media.
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.
Experience with public-interest activism or advocacy such as
Organizing a campus forum and/or outreach campaign, meeting with decisionmakers, 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.
Candidates are required to have completed a baccalaureate degree by the time the fellowship commences. Preference is given to United States citizens, although a fellowship to a foreign national residing in the U.S. is awarded periodically. Non-U.S. citizens living outside the United States are not eligible to apply. The Scoville Fellowship is not intended for students or scholars interested in pursuing independent research in Washington, DC.
Preference will be given to individuals who have not had substantial prior public-interest or government experience in the Washington, DC area.
Deadlines
The deadline for receipt of all application materials is:
Fall 2017 Fellowship–January 6, 2017
Starting Dates for Fellowship
Spring Fellowship–begin between January 15 and April 1
Fall Fellowship–begin between July 15 and October 1
Find more information about the Fellowship and the application process here
