The Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026 is a part-time, fully remote fellowship designed for students and recent graduates interested in technology policy and public service. Organized by Paragon, the program connects fellows with state and local government partners across the United States to work on real-world policy challenges at the intersection of technology, governance, and public interest.
This fellowship focuses on addressing pressing issues such as artificial intelligence governance, broadband access, data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital public services. Participants collaborate directly with government partners to research, analyze, and develop actionable policy solutions that can be implemented in real-world settings.
The Summer 2026 cohort will run from May 27 to August 14, 2026. Fellows are expected to commit approximately 8–10 hours per week, balancing independent work with team meetings and collaboration sessions. While the fellowship is remote and flexible, it requires consistent engagement and participation in scheduled activities.
It is important to note that due to funding transitions, the Summer 2026 fellowship is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity.
Why This Opportunity Matters
As governments increasingly rely on technology to deliver services and regulate innovation, there is a growing need for professionals who understand both policy and technology. The Paragon Policy Fellowship addresses this need by preparing early-career individuals to contribute meaningfully to public interest technology.
The program provides a practical pathway for students and graduates to enter the field of tech policy, which can often be difficult to access without prior experience. By working directly with government partners, fellows gain insight into real decision-making processes and contribute to solutions that can improve public services and community outcomes.
This experience is particularly valuable for those interested in careers in public policy, civic technology, digital governance, and social impact. It also supports the development of more inclusive and effective technology policies by bringing diverse perspectives into the policymaking process.
What You’ll Gain
Participants in the Paragon Policy Fellowship gain practical experience working on real policy challenges that impact communities. Fellows develop a strong understanding of how governments approach emerging technology issues and how policy decisions are shaped and implemented.
The program offers hands-on experience in policy research, writing, and analysis, along with exposure to real government workflows. Fellows also benefit from mentorship through workshops, speaker sessions, and guidance from professionals working in technology policy and public service.
In addition to technical and analytical skills, participants build valuable professional networks. Fellows connect with peers, alumni, and leaders in the tech policy space, creating long-term opportunities for collaboration and career growth.
The fellowship also provides access to the broader Paragon network, including future opportunities in research, media, and professional development.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Candidates must be currently enrolled in a degree program (undergraduate, graduate, J.D., or Ph.D.) or have graduated within the past year.
- Applicants must primarily reside in the United States and must have valid work authorization. Accepted categories include U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or specific visa types such as F-1 OPT, CPT, STEM OPT, or J-1 visas. International students must ensure their visa allows off-campus work authorization.
- Applicants must be able to commit 8–10 hours per week throughout the fellowship duration and participate in regular virtual meetings with their teams and government partners.
- Candidates must not have previously completed the Paragon Policy Fellowship.
- Participants must also be available for the full program duration and for the group trial interview stage, which takes place between May 17 and May 20, 2026.
Application Process and Deadline
To apply for the Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026, candidates must complete the online application form available on the official Paragon platform.
Applicants are required to provide personal and academic information, respond to several short essay questions, and submit a recent expository writing sample (3–5 pages). The application also includes questions about availability, experience, and areas of interest in technology policy.
After submitting the written application, selected candidates will be invited to participate in a group trial interview, scheduled between May 17 and May 20, 2026.
All applicants must ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements and can provide proof of work authorization if selected.
The application deadline is April 30, 2026, at 8:59 PM Pacific Time / 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Late applications are not accepted, so early submission is strongly recommended.
To learn more and apply, visit the official Paragon Policy Fellowship application page.
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