Henry Wallace 2025: Are you a young changemaker passionate about social justice, climate action, or equity? Do you want to learn from experienced advocates, researchers, and policy experts while making real-world change? If so, you’re in luck: the Henry A. Wallace Fellowship Program 2025 is now accepting applications for its prestigious and paid summer fellowship. This highly respected program, hosted by the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), is not just another internship—it’s a hands-on, deeply engaging opportunity to immerse yourself in progressive policy, advocacy, and grassroots activism.
Whether you’re a college student exploring career options, a recent graduate building a portfolio of experience, or an early-career professional aiming to break into social justice work, this 10-week immersive fellowship in Washington, D.C. could be the steppingstone you’ve been waiting for.
Henry Wallace 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Duration | 10 weeks (June 2 – August 8, 2025) |
| Location | Washington, D.C. (in-person) |
| Compensation | $18/hour (plus support for securing additional funding) |
| Eligibility | Young activists, students, or early-career professionals interested in social change |
| Application Deadline | March 31, 2025 |
| Official Website | IPS – Henry A. Wallace Fellowship |
The Henry A. Wallace Fellowship 2025 isn’t just another internship—it’s a chance to invest in your future while contributing to movements that matter. If you’re eager to make an impact on pressing issues like climate justice, racial equity, or economic transformation, this fellowship offers you the tools, mentorship, and experience to turn your passion into action.
Apply by March 31, 2025, and take a bold step toward becoming a leader in social change.
What Is the Henry A. Wallace Fellowship?
The Henry A. Wallace Fellowship is a competitive, paid summer program developed by IPS to cultivate the next generation of progressive leaders and advocates. Named after former U.S. Vice President Henry Wallace—a champion of peace, equity, and democracy—the program is dedicated to training young people in public scholarship. That means learning to connect policy research, community-based organizing, and media-savvy advocacy to make real change on the ground.
Fellows aren’t pushed into administrative corners or stuck with menial tasks. Instead, they become active, contributing members of IPS teams, working on initiatives that directly impact national and global conversations around justice and equity. From drafting op-eds and research papers to organizing public events and engaging policymakers, Wallace Fellows experience the work firsthand.
Why Apply? The Unique Value of the Fellowship
Most internships offer a brief glimpse into a profession. The Henry Wallace Fellowship offers immersion, collaboration, mentorship, and impact. Here are some reasons why this program stands out from the rest:
1. Hands-On Work in Core Issue Areas
Each fellow is matched with an IPS program team focused on one of the following priority areas:
- Economic Justice
- Climate and Environmental Justice
- Racial and Gender Equity
- Peace and Foreign Policy
- Strategic Communications and Program Development
Depending on your placement, you may assist in writing research briefs, conducting interviews, supporting community campaigns, organizing conferences, or helping with digital advocacy. For example, a fellow in the climate justice team might research fossil fuel subsidies, while someone in communications might manage a podcast or newsletter.
2. Biweekly Workshops and Strategic Planning Sessions
The program features biweekly, interactive workshops covering:
- Progressive history and contemporary movements
- Power-mapping and coalition-building
- Research and writing for policy and public engagement
- Social media strategy and digital storytelling
These workshops go beyond lecture-style instruction. They encourage debate, critical thinking, and teamwork. You’ll leave each session with actionable knowledge and an expanded sense of community.
3. Individualized Mentorship and Career Coaching
Fellows are paired with IPS staff mentors who guide them through their assignments and help them navigate personal and professional development. In addition, one-on-one career coaching sessions provide personalized feedback, help identify your strengths, and offer direction for pursuing long-term careers in advocacy, organizing, and research.
Mentors and coaches work closely with you to understand your goals, offer reading recommendations, conduct mock interviews, and help you network within the field.
4. Networking Opportunities and Lifelong Alumni Connections
As a Wallace Fellow, you’ll join a national network of former fellows who’ve built careers in some of the world’s most respected advocacy organizations, think tanks, universities, and government offices. Regular alumni mixers and professional development events keep you connected and supported even after your fellowship ends.
How to Apply for Henry Wallace 2025 Fellowship
The application process is designed to evaluate your passion, potential, and alignment with IPS’s values. Here’s how to apply:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
The program is open to:
- Undergraduate and graduate students
- Recent graduates
- Early-career professionals looking to pivot into advocacy work
Applicants are typically between 18 and 30 years old and must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Step 2: Prepare Your Materials
You will need:
- A current resume or CV
- A personal statement (500-750 words) explaining your interests, goals, and what you hope to gain from the fellowship
- Two references (academic or professional)
- (Optional) Writing samples, design portfolios, or campaign materials you’ve created
Step 3: Submit Your Application by March 31, 2025
Applications should be submitted via the official IPS portal on their website.
Step 4: Interview Process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in remote interviews from April 7 to April 11, 2025. The final cohort will be selected and notified shortly after.
Practical Tips for Applicants
Want to improve your chances of getting accepted? Here are some actionable suggestions:
- Be specific in your personal statement. Talk about real-world problems that matter to you and how this fellowship fits into your mission.
- Emphasize lived experience, not just academic credentials. Organizing a student protest, writing for a campus newspaper, or mentoring peers all count as relevant experience.
- Demonstrate impact. Describe how your efforts have made a difference, even on a small scale.
- Research IPS’s work in advance so you can tailor your application to their values and projects.
Real-Life Impact: Where Fellows Go Next
The Wallace Fellowship is not just a resume builder. It’s a launchpad. Many past fellows have gone on to influential positions in:
- The Center for American Progress
- Human Rights Watch
- The Sunrise Movement
- 350.org
- The Congressional Progressive Caucus
- Various local and federal government offices
Their fellowship gave them insider access, polished their advocacy skills, and introduced them to mentors who continue to support their growth.
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FAQs About Want a Paid Summer Fellowship
Is the fellowship remote or in-person?
The 2025 cohort will be fully in-person in Washington, D.C.
Do I need to be a student to apply?
No. The program welcomes both students and early-career professionals.
Can international students apply?
Only applicants authorized to work in the U.S. are eligible. IPS cannot provide visa sponsorship.
Is academic credit available?
Yes. IPS is happy to coordinate with your school or university to arrange credit, if applicable.
Is housing or travel assistance offered?
Housing is not provided, but IPS offers guidance on finding short-term rentals. Limited travel stipends may be available in special circumstances.
