Paul F. Pelosi Scholars Initiative
Internship support
As a Pelosi Scholar, you must complete a public service internship for the equivalent of eight full-time weeks in the summer. While you are responsible for finding your own internship, you will have unlimited access to 1:1 coaching, a cohort-only group chat and other support during both your search and internship.
Internships may not be fulfilled at for-profit organizations or include curricular education or professional training funding. We strongly discourage applications to concurrent summer fellowships.
International students are welcome to apply, but priority consideration is given to students interested in serving in the U.S. federal government or state governments.
Funding support
You’ll receive a stipend to support an unpaid, full-time summer internship in public service. The amount varies, with a minimum of $1,000. In rare cases, stipends may be approved for fall or spring internships. If your internship is paid or part-time, funding will be prorated.
Professional development and networking
The core of this program is the interaction with current public servants, experiential learning and professional development. You can expect to attend a weekly class in the spring semester (usually Fridays from 12 -1 p.m.). It includes discussions, assignments, guest speakers and formal networking and career skills sessions. This course is required. If it doesn’t fit in with your current schedule, you should not apply to be a Pelosi Scholar.
All current and alumni scholars are invited to a meeting with Paul and Nancy Pelosi.
Community and service
Each Pelosi Scholar cohort joins a growing community of alumni scholars who continue to give back. After finishing your summer internship, you’ll commit to reflecting — both in writing and together as a group — on your experience. You also commit to serving as mentors to the next class of scholars and in future Pelosi Scholar cohort selection, teaching, networking and mentoring.
Site visit
You will have the opportunity to visit Capitol Hill and/or federal agencies to explore future career opportunities and connect with Hoyas working in the field.
How to apply
Applications for the 2026 Cohort will open in mid-September 2025.
If you are a sophomore or junior in the School of Foreign Service, you must submit an application package via Handshake, which includes:
- Completed application form
- Unofficial academic transcript
- Resume
- One letter of recommendation from a professor or supervisor who knows your work, character and commitment to public service
Evaluation Criteria
You’ll be evaluated based on:
- Demonstrated interest in and commitment to public service
- Professional and leadership experience
- Academic performance
- Commitment to Georgetown’s values
The holistic selection process includes both the written application and an interview for semi-finalists.
2025 Pelosi Scholars
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Ophelia BentleyPelosi Scholar -
Yajat GuptaPelosi Scholar -
William DoranPelosi Scholar -
Sophia EpleyPelosi Scholar -
Mohamed MeshalPelosi Scholar -
Mar CasajuanaPelosi Scholar -
Katie CheungPelosi Scholar -
Kate HalabiPelosi Scholar -
Jon PlummerPelosi Scholar -
Isabelle MansourPelosi Scholar -
Elizabeth KoenckPelosi Scholar -
Drew ZachariasPelosi Scholar -
Dechen AtsatsangPelosi Scholar -
Bethe BogrettePelosi Scholar -
Ava ZabelskiPelosi Scholar -
Allie FarberPelosi Scholar