Paul F. Pelosi Scholars Initiative

The Paul F. Pelosi Scholars Initiative provides a professional skillset, a network and hands-on experience to help you prepare for a public service career.

Pelosi Scholars are committed to serving others and promoting effective governance and wise stewardship of resources for the common good. As a Pelosi scholar, you’ll combine rigorous academic coursework, networking opportunities, site visits and an internship.

You may apply as a sophomore or junior.

How to apply

Three students sitting and talking in front of the US Capitol Building.

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.

GHD students Kyla Denwood, Kennedy Copeland, and Richard Newsome (all GHD'25) plant in the garden at Georgetown.

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.

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.

Apply to be a Pelosi Scholar

Program details and requirements

Key information for applicants

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Pelosi Scholars Initiative, you must:

Have a minimum GPA of 3.5
Be committed to a career in public service
Be enrolled on campus during the spring semester (fall study abroad is permitted, but spring study abroad is not)

If you’re an international student, you’re welcome to apply—your public service internship can take place either in the U.S. or in your home country. However, if you are a Laidlaw Scholar, you are not eligible to apply, due to conflicting program requirements and funding equity considerations.

Studying abroad and program participation

You may study abroad in the fall without affecting your eligibility. However, you must be on campus in the spring to participate in the program. The in-person class, mentoring, and events are essential components of the PSI experience and cannot be replicated remotely.

Time commitment

As a Pelosi Scholar, you’ll participate in a variety of activities, trainings and events throughout the spring. A key part of your commitment is enrolling in a one-credit class that meets every Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. during the semester. Attendance for the full hour is mandatory and non-negotiable—please ensure your schedule can accommodate this requirement before applying.

Public service internship

You are responsible for finding and applying to your summer public service internship. PSI provides robust support through:

One-on-one coaching
A group chat with curated internship opportunities
Professional skills development sessions
Networking events

Eligible internships include roles in federal, state, or local government, NGOs, or other service-oriented organizations. PSI has also recently expanded to include some policy think tanks, though the focus remains on direct service.

Your internship must be:

Clearly tied to public service work
At least 8 weeks long, or 320 hours total
Full-time (or part-time equivalents adding up to 320 hours)

Adapting to a changing internship landscape

Even with shifts in government hiring practices, PSI Scholars have secured impactful roles across the public service spectrum. While some opportunities, especially federal ones like State Department internships, have become more limited or unpaid, the structure of PSI is designed to support you through these challenges. The stipend levels reflect this reality and ensure access to experiences that matter for your future.

Funding and stipend structure

The Pelosi Scholars Initiative offers financial support for your public service internship. Here’s how it works:

If your internship is unpaid and full-time, you may receive up to $6,500 (based on 2023 figures; subject to change).
If your internship is part-time or paid, you’ll receive a prorated stipend based on the duration and compensation level.
All scholars, regardless of internship type, receive a minimum fellowship of $900.

This structure ensures you’re supported in pursuing meaningful public service work, even when traditional compensation isn’t available.

Examples of past internships

Pelosi Scholars have interned in a range of inspiring and high-impact organizations.

2025 Cohort

Dechen Atsatsang, U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party
Ophelia Bentley, Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Bethe Bogrette, The National Institute of Civil DiscourseMar Casajuana, Dept of Treasury
Katie Cheung, Special Competitiveness Study Project (SCSP)
William Doran, Institute for the Study of War (ISW)
Sophia Epley, IOM (Geneva)
Alicja Farber, UNHCR
Yaj Gupta, United States Study Center (Univ. of Sydney)
Kate Halabi, Responsible Business Initiative for Justice
Elizabeth Koenck, Dept. of Basic Education (South Africa)
Isabelle Mansour, Atlantic Council (empowerME initiative)
Mohamed Meshal, Dept of Commerce
Jon Plummer, Hudson Institute
Ava Zabelski, Negotiation Works
Drew Zacharias, INDOPACCOM