Programs

Siegel Public Interest Technology Summer Fellowship

Overview | Important Dates | Responsibilities | Locations | Application | Current and Previous Fellows | Frequently Asked Questions

Overview

  • Siegel PIT SF program is aimed at rising juniors and seniors interested in getting first-hand experience working on technology policy at the federal, state, and local level. We select between 16 and 20 students to participate each summer in the paid fellowship.
  • The program accepts applications from students at Princeton University, as well as any university in the United States. You can participate in the fellowship in three different ways:
    • 1) Students will be placed with a government agency.
    • 2) Students will be placed with a nonprofit organization working on tech policy issues.
    • 3) Students can secure their own internship independently.

    More details about this option are available on the application.

  • Fellows will begin the program with a virtual policy bootcamp led by Mihir Kshirsagar and Tithi Chattopadhyay. After the bootcamp fellows will travel to their internships to spend approximately eight to ten weeks working full time.  
  • Fellows will be embedded in their internship and get real world experience working on cutting edge issues. We will have weekly virtual clinic-style seminars to support the fellows during the program. At the conclusion of the summer, we will host a wrap-up workshop in Princeton. 
  • The fellowship will provide students with a stipend. Please note, the stipend will be paid in two installments, one at the beginning of the program and the final one at the end. Students must attend the wrap-up session to be paid the final installment. 
  • CITP is committed to building a culturally diverse community, and we are interested in receiving applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented in this field. Note, due to government rules there are limited opportunities available for non-US citizens.
  • Click here to read about the 2022 wrap-up meeting on campus.

Important Dates

  • The application is now open here. For full consideration, please apply by Sunday, December 15, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
  • Notification of acceptance: February 10, 2025
  • Virtual orientation: TBA
  • Fellowship dates: Monday, June 9, 2025 to Friday, August 1, 2025
  • Fellowship Symposium at Princeton University, Princeton, NJ (mandatory): Sunday, August 3, 2025 to Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Responsibilities

  • Attend the virtual orientation, weekly seminars and in-person wrap-up meeting
  • Work a full-time schedule with the agency

Locations (tentative)

  • Students may be placed in a variety of locations across the country.

Requirements

  • Strong interest in technology policy
  • Strong communication skills

Application

  • Applications for the 2025 program can be found here.

Current and Previous Fellows

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the stipend?
The stipend for 2025 will be determined in the fall of 2024. Students will be paid a portion at the beginning of the internship, and the remaining balance at the end of the program. Students must attend the wrap-up meeting to be paid the final installment. Please note students will be taxed on the stipend. 

Is housing included?
No, you must find and pay for your own accommodations during the fellowship.

Where should I upload my resume and transcript?
Please upload them in the “add file” section of the application form.

Will I get to select where I work?
We will ask for your preferences, but the agency and the program administrators will determine the final placements.

Can international students apply?
Yes, but there are fewer opportunities as many government agencies require U.S. citizenship. Also, you will be responsible for coordinating any visa-related paperwork.

What travel costs are covered?
Travel costs have been factored in to the stipend. You will be responsible for making all of your own travel plans. The program will reserve and pay for your hotel room during the wrap-up meeting in Princeton. Meals during the wrap-up meeting will be covered by the program.

What does the orientation seminar cover?
Orientation will provide an overview of tech policy, discuss rules and regulations, and provide tips on having a successful fellowship. Guest speakers and case studies are also usually part of orientation.

Where will I work over the summer?
Positions with a variety of federal, state, and local agencies will be available. In the past, students have worked with the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the New York City Mayor’s Office of the Chief Technology Officer.

How will COVID-19 affect the program?
The fellowship will operate in cooperation with current COVID-19 pandemic restrictions and guidelines.

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