Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program 2027: Paid Public Policy Fellowship at the University of Delaware

The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program 2027 at the University of Delaware offers students an opportunity to gain practical experience inside the legislative and public policy process while working directly with the Delaware General Assembly.

Managed by the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration, the program connects the research capacity of the University of Delaware and Delaware State University with the research needs of the Delaware General Assembly. Since its establishment in 1982, the program has provided selected students with the opportunity to observe governmental decision-making and contribute research that can assist legislators in addressing important public policy issues.

For students interested in public policy, political science, government, public administration, international relations, economics, communications, criminal justice, sociology, urban affairs, history, or business administration, the Legislative Fellows Program provides a practical opportunity to connect academic knowledge with real-world policymaking.

The 2027 program is particularly relevant for students who want to develop their research, writing, communication, policy analysis, and professional networking skills while gaining first-hand exposure to the workings of state government.

What Is the Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program?

The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program is a competitive student fellowship designed to place qualified students in direct contact with the legislative process in Delaware.

The program was begun in 1982 and is administered by the University of Delaware’s Institute for Public Administration. Fellows conduct nonpartisan, in-depth research on important issues affecting the state and provide research support to legislators and legislative staff.

Rather than being purely classroom-based, the fellowship gives students the opportunity to experience how public policy is developed and implemented in practice.

In recent years, Legislative Fellows have contributed to research on a range of significant public policy issues, including:

• Criminal justice reform
• Healthcare
• Government accountability
• Government transparency
• Women’s rights
• Other critical issues affecting Delaware

This means that participants are not simply studying government from an academic perspective. They have the opportunity to contribute research and analysis that can inform actual legislative work.

What Makes the 2027 Legislative Fellows Program Valuable?

The program provides a direct connection between academic study and public service.

Students selected as Fellows can develop an understanding of how legislative institutions operate, how policy questions are researched, and how evidence and analysis can be communicated to policymakers.

According to the University of Delaware, Fellows have the opportunity to:

• Affect current legislation by providing timely, nonpartisan and in-depth information on critical issues.
• Develop professional relationships with important state leaders in both the legislative and executive branches.
• Gain an understanding of the legislative process that can be useful in public, nonprofit and private-sector careers.

The experience can therefore be valuable even for students who do not ultimately intend to become politicians or work permanently in government. Understanding how public-sector institutions function can strengthen careers in research, advocacy, nonprofit organizations, consulting, communications, business, public administration and other fields.

Paid Legislative Fellowship Opportunity

The 2027 Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program is a paid fellowship program. Fellows will work directly with legislators and legislative staff while conducting research and supporting legislative committees.

The practical nature of the program makes it particularly valuable for students who want to build experience beyond traditional academic coursework.

Participants will also take a three-credit seminar, State Government: Management and Policy, which provides an academic component that allows students to connect their legislative experiences with university coursework.

This combination of practical legislative work and academic study gives Fellows an opportunity to understand both the theoretical and practical dimensions of government and public policy.

What Will Legislative Fellows Do?

Selected Fellows will work with legislators and legislative staff and participate in research and committee-related activities.

For the 2027 program, Fellows are scheduled to work in Dover on:

• Tuesdays
• Wednesdays
• Thursdays

The fellowship activities will take place from January 12 through June 30, 2027.

An orientation is scheduled for the first full week of January.

The program will expose students to the day-to-day realities of legislative work, including policy research, committee activities and interactions with government officials.

Travel to Dover

For Fellows travelling from the University of Delaware campus, transportation to Dover is provided through a vanpool, subject to conditions.

According to the program information, Fellows will leave campus at approximately 11:00 a.m. and return at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

This arrangement is designed to facilitate participation in the legislative program while providing transportation between the University of Delaware campus and Dover.

Academic Component of the Fellowship

One distinctive feature of the Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program is that the practical experience is connected to academic coursework.

Fellows take a three-credit seminar titled State Government: Management and Policy.

The seminar provides an opportunity for students to reflect on and connect their practical experiences with academic concepts related to state government, management and public policy.

For students studying public administration, political science, public policy and related disciplines, this academic component can provide an important bridge between classroom learning and professional experience.

Who Can Apply for the 2027 Legislative Fellows Program?

The University of Delaware states that eligibility is open to:

• Full-time master’s degree students; or
• Especially qualified junior- or senior-level undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.4 or higher;
• Students must be from the partnering universities.

Applicants should have a strong background in relevant academic fields, including:

1. Public administration
2. Public policy
3. Political science
4. Sociology
5. Urban affairs
6. Communications
7. International relations
8. Criminal justice
9. History
10. Economics
11. Business administration

The program also indicates that applicants with an interest in the legislative process, government or public policy analysis are preferred. Strong writing skills are required.

Because the source specifically refers to students from the partnering universities, applicants should carefully confirm their institutional eligibility before preparing an application.

Academic Requirements

One of the clearest academic requirements stated by the University of Delaware is the 3.4 GPA minimum for especially qualified junior- and senior-level undergraduate applicants. Full-time master’s students are also eligible to apply.

Beyond GPA, the program places emphasis on applicants’ academic background and demonstrated ability to engage with policy-related issues.

A strong academic foundation in a relevant discipline can therefore help applicants demonstrate their suitability for the fellowship.

Important Skills for Applicants

The program is designed around research, policy analysis and communication. Applicants should therefore be prepared to demonstrate strong analytical and writing abilities.

The University of Delaware specifically states that strong writing skills are required. Applicants with an interest in the legislative process, government or public policy analysis are preferred.

Students preparing to apply should therefore be ready to demonstrate their ability to:

• Research complex issues
• Analyze public policy questions
• Write clearly and accurately
• Present evidence-based arguments
• Understand government institutions
• Communicate research findings
• Work with policymakers and legislative staff
• Meet deadlines
• Work professionally in a public-sector environment

Competitive Selection Process

The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program is competitive.

Candidates are interviewed, and applicants must complete a timed-writing exercise based on a current public policy issue.

The official application process consists of four stages:

1. Application and Supporting Documents

Applicants begin by submitting the application and the required supporting documentation.

2. Writing Exercise

Candidates complete a timed writing exercise focused on a current public policy issue.

This component is particularly important because the fellowship involves producing research and written information for legislators and legislative staff.

3. Initial Interview

Candidates who progress through the process participate in an initial interview.

4. Panel Interview

The final stage involves a panel interview.

Students should therefore prepare for both written and oral evaluation during the selection process.

Professional Networking Opportunities

The fellowship provides students with opportunities to develop professional relationships with government officials and community leaders.

According to the University of Delaware, Fellows can make important contacts with government officials and community leaders while expanding their professional networks.

This networking component can be particularly valuable for students considering careers in:

• Government
• Public administration
• Public policy
• Legislative affairs
• Nonprofit organizations
• International relations
• Communications
• Research
• Advocacy
• Consulting
• Public-sector management

The program can therefore serve as an important bridge between university study and professional public service.

Click HERE to register for an information session.

Exposure to Delaware’s Government and Legislative Process

A major advantage of the fellowship is the opportunity to observe how policymaking takes place in practice.

Students can become acquainted with important leaders in Delaware’s General Assembly and executive branch and develop a better understanding of the legislative process.

This experience can help students understand how policy ideas move from research and debate into legislative decision-making.

It can also expose participants to the practical challenges policymakers face when dealing with complex issues affecting communities.

Research Experience in Public Policy

The fellowship emphasizes nonpartisan, in-depth research.

This is significant because Fellows are expected to contribute research that can assist legislators in addressing critical issues rather than approaching their work primarily from a partisan perspective.

Past areas of research have included criminal justice reform, healthcare, government accountability and transparency, and women’s rights.

Students therefore gain experience in researching real-world policy problems and communicating useful information to decision-makers.

How the Fellowship Can Strengthen a Student’s Career

Participation in the Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program can provide several forms of professional development.

Policy Research Skills

Students gain practical experience researching current public policy issues and producing information that can be useful to policymakers.

Legislative Process Knowledge

Participants gain first-hand exposure to the workings of a state legislature and the governmental decision-making process.

Professional Writing

The program requires strong writing skills and includes a timed-writing exercise during selection. Fellows’ research responsibilities also provide opportunities to strengthen policy writing.

Communication Skills

Working with legislators, legislative staff, government officials and community leaders can strengthen professional communication.

Networking

Fellows have opportunities to build contacts with government officials and community leaders.

Public-Service Experience

Students gain practical exposure to government operations and public-sector work.

Transferable Career Skills

The University of Delaware notes that understanding the legislative process can be useful across public, nonprofit and private-sector careers.

Learn More HERE

Fellowship Schedule for 2027

The 2027 program will run during the spring legislative session.

Key dates and activities include:

• First full week of January 2027: Orientation
• January 12, 2027: Legislative Fellowship activities begin
• January 12–June 30, 2027: Fellows work with legislators and legislative staff on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
• June 30, 2027: Scheduled end of the fellowship activities
• 2027: Fellows also participate in the three-credit State Government: Management and Policy seminar

The program’s schedule is designed to integrate legislative work with students’ academic experience.

Application Deadline for the 2027 Program

The application deadline for the spring 2027 Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program is Friday, October 30, 2026.

Students interested in applying should not wait until the final day to begin preparing. Because the selection process includes supporting documents, a timed-writing exercise and interviews, applicants should allow sufficient time to prepare.

How to Prepare for the Application

Students interested in the program can strengthen their preparation by focusing on several areas.

Review Current Public Policy Issues

Since applicants must complete a timed writing exercise on a current public policy issue, candidates should become familiar with major policy debates and learn how to analyze an issue from an evidence-based perspective.

Strengthen Policy Writing

Applicants should practice writing clear, structured responses under time constraints.

A strong policy response should generally:

1. Clearly identify the policy problem.
2. Explain why the issue matters.
3. Present relevant evidence.
4. Consider different perspectives.
5. Analyze possible policy responses.
6. Present a clear and balanced conclusion.

Understand the Legislative Process

Applicants should develop a basic understanding of how legislatures operate, how committees function and how policymakers use research and evidence.

Highlight Relevant Academic Experience

Students should emphasize coursework, research projects, papers, internships, community engagement or other experiences that demonstrate their interest in government and public policy.

Prepare for Interviews

Because candidates are interviewed during the selection process, applicants should be prepared to explain:

• Why they are interested in the fellowship
• Why public policy matters to them
• What policy issues interest them
• How their academic background prepares them for the program
• What they hope to learn
• How they would contribute as a Legislative Fellow

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Why Students Interested in Public Policy Should Consider This Fellowship

Many students learn about government and policymaking primarily through lectures, textbooks and academic research. The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program provides an opportunity to take that knowledge into an actual governmental environment.

The fellowship allows students to see how research is used in legislative decision-making and how policymakers respond to complex social and economic issues.

It can also help students understand that public policy is not simply about political debate. Effective policymaking requires research, evidence, communication, analysis, collaboration and an understanding of the needs of communities.

For students considering long-term careers in public service, this type of practical experience can be particularly valuable.

Examples of Career Areas Relevant to the Fellowship

The experience gained through the program may be relevant to careers in:

• Public policy analysis
• Legislative affairs
• Government administration
• Public administration
• Political research
• Policy research
• Nonprofit management
• Advocacy
• Communications
• International relations
• Government relations
• Community development
• Research and evaluation
• Public-sector consulting
• Social policy

The University of Delaware specifically notes that the understanding of the legislative process gained through the fellowship can be useful in public, nonprofit and private-sector careers.

Previous Fellows’ Experiences

The program’s previous Fellows have highlighted the practical value of the experience.

Former Legislative Fellow Lexi West described the opportunity to research issues across state lines, develop recommendations for legislators and strengthen planning, communication and organizational skills.

Scott Murphy Eisenhart, a former Legislative Fellow, emphasized the value of observing how policymaking unfolds in the real world.

Another former Fellow, Brandon Grabelsky, highlighted the development of writing and policy research skills and the ability to produce high-quality work under short deadlines.

These reflections demonstrate that the program is intended not merely as an academic exercise but as a practical professional development opportunity.

Where Is the Program Based?

The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program is connected to the University of Delaware and the Delaware General Assembly.

Legislative work takes place in Dover, Delaware, with transportation arrangements from the University of Delaware campus described in the program information.

The University of Delaware is located in Newark, Delaware, USA.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The opportunity may be particularly suitable for students who are interested in understanding government from the inside and developing practical policy research experience.

Potentially relevant students include those studying:

• Public administration
• Public policy
• Political science
• Sociology
• Urban affairs
• Communications
• International relations
• Criminal justice
• History
• Economics
• Business administration

However, the official eligibility requirement specifies that applicants must be full-time master’s students or especially qualified junior- or senior-level undergraduate students from the partnering universities.

Important Information Before Applying

Prospective applicants should pay particular attention to the institutional eligibility requirement.

The University of Delaware source does not describe this as an open worldwide fellowship. Instead, it specifically states that eligible students are from the partnering universities.

Therefore, students should confirm that their university is one of the participating institutions before investing significant time in preparing an application.

Applicants should also remember that selection is competitive and involves both written and interview components.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the 2027 Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program is Friday, October 30, 2026.

Interested students should begin preparing early, particularly because the selection process includes supporting documents, a timed writing exercise, an initial interview and a panel interview.

Visit HERE for more information about the Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program 2027.

Conclusion

The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program 2027 offers a distinctive opportunity for qualified students to move beyond classroom discussions of government and experience the legislative process directly.

Through paid legislative work, nonpartisan policy research, interaction with legislators and government officials, professional networking and a three-credit academic seminar, Fellows can develop practical skills that are valuable across government, nonprofit and private-sector careers.

The program is particularly relevant to students with strong interests in public policy, public administration, political science, government, economics, communications, international relations and related fields. At the same time, applicants must pay close attention to the program’s institutional eligibility requirements because the opportunity is specifically open to qualified students from the partnering universities.

For eligible students, the fellowship can provide an opportunity to understand how policy research is translated into governmental decision-making, strengthen professional writing and analytical skills, build relationships with public-sector leaders and gain first-hand experience in the workings of state government.

Students who meet the requirements and are interested in the 2027 legislative session should take note of the October 30, 2026 application deadline and begin preparing well in advance of the selection process.

For additional information, applicants should consult the official Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program page at the University of Delaware and review the program’s application requirements before submitting their materials.

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