YIP Public Policy Fellowship 2027
If you're a high school or college student in the United States who cares about social issues, policy and making change in your community, the Public Policy Fellowship by the Institute for Youth in Policy (YIP) is a great place to start. In just two months, you'll learn how policy works, write your own policy brief and join a growing network of young leaders.
What Is the YIP Public Policy Fellowship?
The Institute for Youth in Policy (YIP) runs an intensive two-month programme for young leaders. Fellows develop practical solutions to social, political, economic and environmental challenges while building policy and project management skills.
Focus areas:
- Social change
- Urban renewal
- Public policy reform
- Smart infrastructure and technology
- Education
What the programme includes:
- Workshops, seminars and debates
- Two guest speaker sessions per cohort
- Writing an original policy brief
- An individual capstone project and presentation
- Ongoing mentorship
2027 Cohorts
- Winter: 16 January – 20 March 2027
- Spring: 3 April – 9 June 2027
- Summer: 19 June – 21 August 2027
- Fall: 11 September – 13 November 2027
Important Dates (Winter 2027 Cohort)
- Application deadline: 23 December 2026, 11:59 PM PST
- Decisions released: 6 January 2027
- Other cohorts accept rolling applications when open.
Time Commitment
- Two required weekly meetings: Wednesdays at 8 PM EST and Saturdays at 12 PM EST
- About 4–6 hours per week, including independent work
Who Can Apply?
- High school and undergraduate students
- Aged 13 to 23
- Interested in social impact, civic engagement, advocacy, community organizing or policy
- US-based students only. International applicants aren't eligible, as the programme focuses on US policy and US time zones.
- Graduate students and graduates are not eligible
What You Get
- A published policy brief and capstone on the YIP website
- Mentorship and guidance throughout the programme
- Talks from experienced policy experts and guest speakers
- Priority consideration for leadership roles at YIP
- A network of 1,500+ fellowship graduates
The acceptance rate is about 5–8%, so it's competitive.
How to Apply
- Visit the fellowship page and read past fellows' capstones for inspiration.
- Fill in the online application form.
- Submit before the deadline for your chosen cohort.
- Results are sent by email and posted on the website.
Simple Tips
- Show your passion for a specific issue. For example: "Improving public transport in my city" is stronger than "I like politics."
- Read past capstones to understand what YIP looks for.
- Mention any community work, such as school clubs, volunteering, debates or advocacy projects.
- Check your schedule to make sure you can attend the weekly meetings.
- Apply early. Places are limited and competition is strong.
Apply Here
📌 Official fellowship page: https://yipinstitute.org/fellowship
📌 Apply now: https://airtable.com/apphr8IR3bORYJbNc/pagXbgHZ7tOmDysFw/form
📌 Questions: fellowship@yipinstitute.org
Disclaimer: World Opportunities Hub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Institute for Youth in Policy. Always confirm details on the official website before applying.
| Organization | Institute for Youth in Policy (YIP) | | Region | USA | | Deadline | 23 December 2026 (Winter cohort) | | Level | High school and undergraduate (13–23) | | Funding | Not stated |
WorldOpportunitiesHub is an independent information platform. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Institute for Youth in Policy (YIP). Always verify details on the official website before applying.
