Bryce Harlow Fellowship Program

Since 1985, the Foundation has awarded fellowships to highly motivated students who are pursuing a career in professional advocacy through public affairs, government relations or lobbying. The Foundation considers its Bryce Harlow Fellows to be the future of professional advocacy — those who are committed to practicing the art of lobbying with the highest level of integrity. Fellowships are awarded to individuals who undertake graduate level studies on a part-time basis and work full-time. Graduate programs may include, but are not limited to public policy, law, and business. The $6,000 award will help defray tuition costs and will be paid directly to the university in two installments. In addition to the monetary award, fellows can participate in a mentoring relationship with a board member and will be provided ongoing support and networking opportunities through the fellow alumni organization. Students selected as Bryce Harlow Fellows are encouraged to re-apply for the award during consecutive years in which they are eligible. The process begins each year in January with on-line application materials and ends in July with the announcement of the fellows.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Students must be accepted for admission to a graduate degree program at a participating university. Students attending a different university who meet all other criteria may email the Foundation to be considered for the fellowship.

2. Applicants must plan to enroll in part-time graduate studies for credit at the participating university for at least two semesters of the next academic year.

3. Students who are accepted to an accredited graduate program but have not yet started their first year are allowed to apply for the fellowship.

4. Applicants must demonstrate an interest and strong ability for a career in public affairs, government relations or lobbying.

5. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Instructions

1. Download and complete the application. (Handwritten application forms will be accepted but typed applications are highly encouraged.)

2. Download and complete the recommendation request form(s). Two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the applicant are required.

3. Include your brief resume.

4. Include all of your official transcripts. Official transcripts from all undergraduate universities should be requested and included in their sealed envelopes.

5. All application materials must be returned to the appropriate university contact by the deadline date.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 9, 2010

The application and all supporting materials must be received by the university contact by April 9, 2010. Materials submitted after this date will not be considered.

Selection Process

Each university is allowed to recommend up to ten applicants for the Bryce Harlow Fellowship. If more than ten applications are received by a university, a school-based committee will select the applications to be forwarded to the Foundation. The Bryce Harlow Foundation Fellowship Committee will review and select finalists from applicants recommended by participating universities. Fellowship finalists will be interviewed and the committee will select the 2010-2011 Bryce Harlow Fellows.

Criteria include:

• Strong interest in a career in public affairs, government relations or lobbying (30%)
• Professional achievement and leadership potential (25%)
• Demonstrated academic achievement and potential (20%)
• Financial need (15%)
• Knowledge of the advocacy process and Bryce Harlow himself (10%)

Notification

Applicants whose files are completed by the deadline will be notified of the Foundation's decision by July 30, 2010. The first installment of funds will be paid directly to the university in mid-August.

Fellowship brochure (pdf format)
Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions or concerns about your own eligibility, please contact us.