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Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
Eligibility Questions
Application Process Questions
Logistical Questions
Transparency Questions
General Questions
Who should apply?We look for highly qualified and motivated graduate students who are pursuing a career in public affairs, government relations, or lobbying.
What are the criteria for the fellowship?
In addition to the pursuit of a career in public affairs, government relations or lobbying, a student must be employed full-time and enrolled part-time in a graduate level program of study.
What does the Foundation look for in an applicant?
The fellowship committee will review and select finalists from applicants recommended by participating universities. Fellowship finalists will be interviewed and the committee will select the Bryce Harlow Fellows. Criteria include:
- Strong interest in a career in public affairs, government relations or lobbying
- Professional achievement and leadership potential
- Demonstrated academic achievement and potential
- Financial need
- Knowledge of the advocacy process and Bryce Harlow himself
How is the evaluation criteria weighted?
30% — Strong interest in a career in public affairs, government relations or lobbying
25% — Professional achievement and leadership potential
20% — Demonstrated academic achievement and potential
15% — Financial need
10% — Knowledge of the advocacy process and Bryce Harlow himself
I'm interested in a career in advocacy, but not necessary lobbying; can I still apply?
Advocacy takes on many shapes and is commonly associated with public interest advocacy, especially the work done by NGO's and other government agencies interested in improving the lives of people affected by particular issues. However, for the purposes of the Bryce Harlow Fellowship, we seek to award students who will engage in the professional practice of public affairs or government relations, which includes lobbying governments for the purpose of advancing specific public policy outcomes for organizations or companies. We understand that it may take some years to gather experiences to be successful within the profession, but your career path must be described as clearly as possible in your essays.
Where can I find more information about the Bryce Harlow Fellowship on my university’s website?
George Washington University
American University
George Mason University
Johns Hopkins University
The Catholic University of America
Georgetown University
Eligibility Questions
What are the participating schools?American University, The Catholic University of America, George Mason University, The George Washington University, Howard University, The Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Maryland.
Can I apply even if I am enrolled in a non-participating university?
Yes. Although the Foundation targets eight local universities, students who attend non-participating universities and meet ALL of the other criteria are encouraged to contact the Foundation office to be considered.
Can incoming graduate student apply?
Yes. Last year, four of our fellowship winners were just beginning their graduate work. Please contact your university for further information.
Is the fellowship only offered to certain majors?
No! We recognize that there are many paths to becoming a successful government relations professional, so most graduate degree programs qualify — Bryce Harlow himself was a graduate student in history and worked as an assistant librarian at the beginning of his career. Typical courses of study among applicants include law (JD), business (MBA), and public policy (MPA, MPP), but the most important requirement is a career interest in advocacy.
Can undergraduates apply?
No, the Bryce Harlow Fellowship is for graduate students only.
Can I apply if I'm taking a full-time course load, but still working full-time?
Yes. However, you must be able to verify that you work full-time in addition to your classes.
Can I apply if I work 20 hours each week?
No. To be considered for the Bryce Harlow Fellowship you must be working the equivalent of a traditional 40-hour week, preferably in a position that is part of your plan to achieve your career goal within the profession of public affairs, government relations, or lobbying.
Application Process Questions
Do you accept on-line applications?No; completed application materials must be submitted to the university contact at each school. The only exception would be for a student who's been granted permission to apply for the fellowship from a non-participating university. These applications should be sent directly to the Foundation.
Why do I need to turn my application into the university contact?
Each university has an official Bryce Harlow contact person who is responsible for collecting the applications. If a school receives more than 10 applications, the university conducts a screening process to select the top ten for submission to the Foundation.
Who are the university contacts?
Please click here for a list of university contacts.
Is the fellowship renewable?
The fellowship is not renewable in the sense that a student could automatically receive the award for the duration of his/her studies. However, Bryce Harlow Fellows are encouraged to re-apply as long as they are eligible. The Foundation's top priority is our investment in our fellows, through both financial means and in an advisory capacity.
Can I re-apply if not chosen?
Yes. If your circumstances have changed or you feel you might be in a better position to apply, we encourage you to reapply.
What should be included in the completed application packet?
The completed and signed application, a brief resume, four essays, two letters of recommendation, an official undergraduate transcript and an official graduate transcript. If your graduate course of study has not yet started, please note that as the reason you are not submitting a graduate transcript.
Should I have my official transcripts sent directly to the Foundation?
No. Official transcripts should be included, in their official envelopes, with your completed application materials.
Is there an interview?
Yes. If you are chosen as a finalist you will be contacted to schedule an interview. We hope to speak to you in person but if you are not already in Washington we will set up a telephone interview.
Do you consider financial need when selecting Bryce Harlow Fellows?
Financial need is one criterion for the fellowship (15%) but there is no salary cap above which a student is prohibited from applying for the award. The committee will consider such factors as education debt, other debt, other tuition benefits and unusual circumstances in addition to an applicant's salary level. As an example, an applicant without unusual circumstances who earns a salary of $125,000 or more would not demonstrate financial need.
Am I disqualified if I already receive tuition remission?
No, but it must be disclosed and it will be considered as part of your application in full.
Logistical Questions
What is the amount of the award?The award is currently $6,000, paid in two installments — $3,000 in the fall semester and $3,000 in the spring.
How are the funds distributed?
The funds are paid directly to the university, for deposit into the fellow's student account.
What happens if my qualified educational expenses are less than the award?
The left-over Bryce Harlow Fellowship funds must be refunded back to the Foundation.
When will I be notified?
Applicants will be notified of the Foundation's decision by the end of July.
When will the funds be distributed?
The first installment of funds will be paid directly to the university in mid-August. The second installment will be sent to the university in December, before the start of the spring semester. Please contact your university contact for more information about specific dates.
Can you give any advice for applying? What is the committee looking for?
We look for clear, concise writing skills, some knowledge of Bryce Harlow himself, familiarity with the government relations and lobbying profession and above all, a commitment to practice the art of lobbying with the highest degree of integrity and competence. We are not looking for students pursuing a career in social justice advocacy.
Transparency Questions
What is the average GPA of a Bryce Harlow Fellow?The average graduate GPA of the 2009-2010 fellows is 3.54.
How many applications do your receive, and how many awards are given out each year?
Because we only accept the top ten applications from each university, we receive fewer applications than the total submitted. In 2009-2010 we received 58 applications and selected 16 fellows.
