Paul F. Pelosi Scholars Initiative

The mission of the Paul F. Pelosi Scholars Initiative (PSI) is to provide exceptional SFS sophomores and juniors with the professional skillset, network of practitioners/scholars, and hands-on experience to prepare them to pursue public service careers. Students who are selected as Paul F. Pelosi Scholars are guided by a deep commitment to serving others, not simply “steering” public institutions on others’ behalf, and to promoting both effective governance and the wise stewardship of resources for the common good.

In keeping with the SFS’ century-long tradition of preparing students for public service and global leadership, PSI enables students to complement their rigorous academic coursework with a 1-credit class, networking opportunities with practitioners, site visits, and an internship experience, in order to recognize their full potential as people for others in the public service sector.

Benefits

Internship Support

Pelosi Scholars are responsible for finding their own public service internships. However, they have unlimited access to 1:1 coaching, a cohort-only group chat, and other support for their search. In addition, Scholars are provided with 1:1 and cohort guidance and support during their internships.

Funding Support

Pelosi Scholars receive a stipend to enable an unpaid, full-time summer internship in public service. (Very limited exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for fall and/or spring internships. Likewise, internships that are paid and/or only part-time will be funded on a partial/prorated basis.)

PSI internships may not be fulfilled at for-profit organizations and may not include funding for curricular education or professional training. PSI students must spend the equivalent of at least 8 full-time weeks in an internship. (NOTE: Students are strongly discouraged from applying to other summer fellowships, e.g. Laidlaw.)

Professional Development & Networking

Interactions with current public servants, experiential learning, and professional development are the core of this program. Paul F. Pelosi Scholars can expect to attend weekly class in the spring semester (Fridays 12-1PM)*, which includes discussions, assignments, guest speakers, and formal networking and career skills sessions. In addition, all current and alumni Scholars are invited to a meeting with Paul and Nancy Pelosi.
* NOTE: This is non-negotiable. Students whose schedules will not allow this should not apply. 

Community & Service

Each cohort of Pelosi Scholars joins a growing community of alumni Scholars who continue to give back. After finishing their summer internship, the Pelosi Scholars commit to reflecting — both in writing and together as a group — on their experience. They also commit to then serve as mentors to the next class of Scholars, as well as in future Pelosi Scholar cohort selection, teaching, networking, and mentoring.

Site Visit

Scholars will have the opportunity to visit Capitol Hill and/or another federal agency in order to explore future career opportunities and connect with Hoyas in the field.

Applications for the 2026 Cohort will open in mid-September 2025.

Interested sophomore and juniors in the SFS 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

Applicants are evaluated based on:

• demonstrated interest in and commitment to public service
• professional and leadership experience
• academic performance
• commitment to Georgetown’s values

The selection process is holistic and includes both the written application and, for semi-finalists, an interview.

What is the commitment in terms of time during the spring semester?
Pelosi Scholars are expected to attend a variety of activities, trainings and events throughout the semester. They must be able to commit to a one-credit class (Friday 12-1PM) in the spring semester. There are also occasional evening/additional activities (e.g. networking, site visits, etc.)

How much is the summer internship stipend?
Students with unpaid, full-time internships of at least 8 weeks received $6500 in 2024. (That amount is subject to change in either direction.) Students with paid and/or part-time internships receive a prorated fellowship. The minimum a Scholar receives is $1000.

Do I have to find my own internship or does the Pelosi Scholars Initiative find it for me?

You are responsible for finding and applying to your public service internship for the Summer of 2025. That said, you are provided with considerable support in doing so, including 1:1 coaching, a group chat with internship postings, skills development and networking opportunities.

Can international students apply?

Yes, however, priority is given to students interested in serving in the US federal or state government.

Can I be a Pelosi Scholar if I will be studying abroad in the 2023-2024 school year?

No. As much of the PSI experience is gained through in-person meetings, trainings, and mentoring conversations, students who are studying abroad during the 2024-25 academic year are not eligible to be Pelosi Scholars that year. 

Students are able to do their public service summer internship abroad (e.g. State Department summer internships, working at an NGO overseas, etc.), and are also able to study abroad during the semester following their summer internship (i.e. Fall 2025).

Can I work in any part of the federal government? How about state or local government?

Yes! An internship in any part or level of government public service is eligible.

What if I only find a part-time internship? What if it’s only half of the summer? What if it’s paid? Do I still get the stipend?

The stipend will be adjusted when the public service internship is part-time and/or paid. All internships must be at least 8 weeks long, and cannot be double counted with other programs (e.g. we strongly discourage students from being both a second-summer Laidlaw Scholar and a Pelosi Scholar at the same time).

Director