A career focused in public policy can lead to a rewarding career in the federal, state, and local levels of government. When working in this field, professionals may take a role in the research, analysis, development, and implementation of policy that ideally serves the public interest. Furthermore, one can specialize in public policy focusing on issues like environmental policy, economic development, educational reform, urban development, and international development.
In the context of Guam, having policy makers who are invested in developing and implementing sensible policy is crucial to sustaining our local culture and community as well as our future way of life. On a broader national scale, there are many organizations who seek to enhance the political voice and representation of Asian & Pacific Islanders. Many of these organizations invite students to join fellowships, which are funded programs that connect students to scholarship, internship, and career opportunities.
Here are 5 opportunities to check out:
Olga May Wong Fellowship
Program Overview
The Olga May Wong Policy Fellowship is a part-time, paid position ($15/hour), with a max of 266 hours, that will support OCA’s national policy, advocacy, and organizing strategy and programming. The Fellow will report to the Policy & Advocacy Manager and work closely with the Executive Director and the policy and programs departments. The candidate should have at least 1-3 years of undergraduate or working experience in policy analysis, community organizing, and/or program facilitation. This position is in-person based in Washington, D.C., remote-optional, with a start date of early Q1 2025.
Application Deadline: December 15th, 2024
Learn More: https://www.ocanational.org/olga-may-wong-fellowship
OCA Summer Internship
Program Overview
Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2024, the internship program seeks to cultivate future leadership for the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community by providing opportunities to work in the public sector and learn about issues affecting AANHPIs. Based in the nation’s capital, interns will learn to build relationships, meet with legislative officials, and engage in leadership development workshops.
The program has successfully led past interns to become more active on their college campus and increased the presence of the AANHPI community in local, state, and federal governments. OCA intern alumni have become executive directors, legislative staffers, OCA National Executive Council members, and are leaders in the private and public sector.
Selected applicants relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of their internship, where they are placed to work full-time at nonprofits, federal agencies, congressional offices, for-profit corporations, and other organizations. Each Friday, interns gather at the OCA National office to discuss issues and engage in workshops dedicated to AANHPI issues. We call these convenings “Sama Sama” which is Tagalog for “together.” Interns also must attend and staff OCA’s National Convention, an APIA-U: Leadership training, and participate in Advocacy Day, in which they’ll be split into groups to meet with their respective members of Congress to advocate for causes important to the AANHPI community. In addition to these events, OCA interns are provided opportunities to build their professional, personal, and advocacy skills to create compassionate leaders in the AANHPI community.
Application: January 15th, 2025
Learn More: https://www.ocanational.org/summer-internship
APAICS FELLOWSHIP
Program Overview
The APAICS Congressional Fellowship offers an opportunity to serve our nation and deepen understanding of public policy through participation in the legislative process. Fellows are placed with a congressional office or committee for 12 months and are given work equivalent to that of a congressional legislative aide. By the end of the Fellowship, Fellows will establish a professional network on Capitol Hill, understand how Congress operates, and acquire skills and expertise that make them marketable to congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofits, and even private companies.
Applicants who commit to learning about and presenting on one of the following policy areas will get special consideration:
- STEM
- Aerospace & Defense
- Health Policy
- Clean Energy & Innovation
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Learn More: https://www.apaics.org/congressional-fellowship
ILF CIVIC Fellowship
Program Overview
The ILF Civic Fellowship Program is on a mission to foster the next generation of AANHPI leaders in public service by promoting civic awareness, public engagement, and increasing the effectiveness of the AANHPI communities. Fellows learn how politics, the policy-making process, and public service are integrated in governance and how to make the federal government work for the community. Supported by ILF staff and organization leadership, the Fellowship aims to engage with outstanding AANHPI college students from across the nation and help cultivate their leadership potential.
The Civic Fellowship Program trains and develops AANHPI college students from across the nation. We focus on strengthening policy interests, enhancing leadership potential, and building on skills with the goal of fostering future public service leaders. Fellows learn how politics, the policy-making process, and public service are integrated in governance; in order to learn how to make government work for their communities. The Fellowship consists of an 8- to 10-week public service internship in a federal agency or congressional office, individual mentorship, a plethora of seminars and workshops, and a scholarship. The seminars and workshops focus on their professional and civic development, with an emphasis on civic engagement and career, personal, and leadership development.
Application Date: January 3, 2025
Learn More: https://www.ilfnational.org/now-accepting-2025-ilf-civic-fellowship-applicants/
Application Page: https://www.ilfnational.org/fall-spring-application/
APIAVote Summer Internship
Program Overview
We are looking for college-aged undergraduate students, recent graduates or high school students who can demonstrate that they seek to gain hands-on experience in grassroots community development within a national organization. The APIAVote Internship Program strives to encourage and cultivate young AAPI student leaders to explore a career in the public sector or the political arena. This internship program will also provide hands-on experience and training on how to organize and implement voter activities to increase the participation of AAPIs in the electoral process.
Application Date: April 1, 2025 (For Paid Summer Internship Program)
Learning More: https://apiavote.org/get-involved/work-with-us/
Need Support?
These are fantastic opportunities to travel, expand your network, and gain further knowledge and experience. We encourage students to read each program’s eligibility requirements, expectations, and application process. If you need support, consult with your academic advisors or a trusted professor about these opportunities! In cases where you need help a resume check, a personal statement, or other written documents, complete this form to get help from the Triton Advising Center.
