Graduate Archer Fellowship Program

The Graduate Archer Fellowship Program provides graduate students from across The University of Texas System with a unique opportunity to live, learn, and intern in our nation’s capital during the summer.

While in D.C., students earn in-residence UT Austin credit for their coursework and gain hands-on work experience in an internship. Through a shared cohort experience, Graduate Archer Fellows build lasting friendships and professional connections with each other. The Graduate Archer Fellowship Program is tailored to students’ own personal and intellectual interests, which allows them to connect their developing expertise to policy and public service.

Upcoming Information Sessions

Wednesday, September 7, 2022
General Information Session
12-1 p.m.
FAC 2.138C
Hybrid Zoom
RSVP here

 

Tuesday, September 27, 2022
Health Professions Information Session
12-1 p.m.
FAC 2.138C
Hybrid Zoom
RSVP here

 

Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Education and Policy Information Session 
12-1 p.m.
Virtual Zoom
RSVP here

 

Monday, October 10, 2022
General Information Session
12-1 p.m.
Virtual Zoom
RSVP here

Apply

Applications for the Summer 2022 Graduate Archer Fellowship Program open in early September, and will have a deadline to submit of Wednesday, November 3, 2021 by 11:59 PM CST. Once the application opens, candidates will be able to access and edit their application as often as they wish until the deadline or until the application is submitted, whichever comes first.
Learn more about the application process

Eligibility

The Graduate Archer Fellowship Program is available to graduate, medical, and doctoral students of all academic disciplines, and we welcome a diverse array of student interests and backgrounds.
Students must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply:

  • Applicant must be pursuing a graduate degree (masters, Ph.D., M.D., J.D.) at a University of Texas System university
  • GPA of 3.0 or greater at The University of Texas at Austin (first year students must meet this requirement by the end of the fall 2021 semester)
  • Previous professional or internship experience
  • Campus involvement and/or community leadership experience

If selected for the Graduate Archer Fellowship Program, students must meet the following requirements by the beginning of the summer they will be in Washington, D.C.:

  • Nine hours of in-residence credit completed at The University of Texas at Austin
  • GPA of 3.0 or greater

About the Fellowship

Courses

Archer Fellows take courses housed in the LBJ School of Public Affairs, which are taught by faculty from UT Dallas and policy experts from the Washington, D.C., community. Students earn 9 hours of graduate-level credit:

  • PAs388k: Federal Policy—DC
  • PAw389: Conference Course in Policy Analysis/ Independent Study and Research
  • PAw396k: Internship in Public Policy—DC

Students are strongly encouraged to consult their academic advisors to learn how these classes will fit into their degree plans.

Policy Working Groups

[paragraph] As part of the coursework, Archer Fellows will participate in a specialized working group in one of several topic areas: General Domestic Policy, Education Policy, Health and Healthcare Policy, National Security, and Global Affairs Policy. These working groups enable Archer Fellows to connect with policy leaders in their field through policy roundtables and tailored academic research projects, and foster collaboration between Archer Fellows.

Internship

All Archer Fellows participate in a full-time internship that aligns with their academic and professional goals. Archer Fellows are responsible for researching and applying for internships, while Archer Center staff provides guidance and assistance throughout the process. The Archer Center has a vast network of connections in a variety of fields in the nation’s capital, and Archer Fellows have developed a fantastic reputation as high-quality interns.
While many internships in Washington, D.C., offer financial compensation (e.g. stipends, hourly pay, etc.), some opportunities remain unpaid. For that reason, students should not expect to earn an income while in D.C.
View Potential Internship Sites
Student Spotlight: Jacqueline DeAnda, UT ’18

Program Cost and Scholarships

The summer 2022 Graduate Archer Fellowship Program fee is $3,900, and is subject to change in future years. This fee does not cover housing or other expenses. Archer Fellows pay a program fee in lieu of UT Austin tuition, and most financial resources currently used on their home campus can apply to the Archer Fellowship Program costs.
Generous scholarships are available to help Archer Fellows fund their semester in Washington, D.C.
Typically, students fund their fellowship through existing financial aid, designated campus funding, and Archer Center need and merit-based scholarships.
Learn about Funding Your Archer Fellowship
If you have concerns about the cost of the program, please reach out to the Archer Center. We do not want financial concerns to keep you from applying to be an Archer Fellow.

Campus Coordinators:

Annie Maxfield
Director of Graduate Career and Professional Services
annie.maxfield@austin.utexas.edu
Olga Koutseridi
Sr. Graduate Student Coordinator for Global Mobility
o.koutseridi@austin.utexas.edu

Meet with an expert

Make a confidential appointment with a Graduate Career Advisor to explore next steps and prepare for your career.

Make an Appointment