Imagine gaining hands-on experience in tech policy while working remotely with real government partners. The Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026 offers students and recent graduates a chance to tackle issues like AI governance, data privacy, and cybersecurity. This part-time program runs from May 27 to August 14, 2026, and requires just 8-10 hours per week.
Program Overview
The Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026 connects participants with state and local governments across the U.S. Fellows research and develop policy solutions for technology challenges that affect everyday life. Topics include broadband access, digital public services, and protecting personal data online.
Organized by Paragon, this fully remote fellowship lets you balance it with school or other commitments. You will join a team for independent work, meetings, and collaboration. Note that due to funding changes, it is an unpaid volunteer opportunity for Summer 2026.
Expect a mix of tasks like analyzing problems, writing reports, and presenting ideas. The program runs for about 11 weeks, ending on August 14. You must stay active in virtual sessions with your team and government contacts.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
Governments now use technology for everything from services to regulation. Yet, few people bridge the gap between tech and policy. The Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026 fills this role by letting early-career talent shape real decisions.
It opens doors to tech policy careers, which often need experience to start. Working directly with officials shows you how policies form and change. Your ideas could improve services for communities, like better internet access or safer online systems.
This fellowship brings fresh views to policymaking. Diverse participants help create fairer tech rules. For those eyeing public policy, civic tech, or social impact jobs, it builds key skills and insights.
Skills and Benefits You’ll Build
Fellows dive into actual policy work that matters. You learn how governments handle tech issues from start to finish. Hands-on tasks cover research, analysis, policy writing, and even implementation steps.
Workshops, guest speakers, and mentors guide you. Experts in tech policy share tips on workflows and challenges. This builds your toolkit for future roles.
Networking is a big plus. Connect with other fellows, alumni, and leaders in the field. Join the wider Paragon community for research gigs, events, or job leads. These ties can spark collaborations long after the program ends.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Rules
Not everyone qualifies, so check these points first:
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, J.D., or Ph.D. program, or graduated within the last year.
- Live mainly in the U.S. with work authorization, like U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, F-1 OPT/CPT/STEM OPT, or J-1 visas. International students need off-campus work approval.
- Commit to 8-10 hours weekly, including virtual meetings.
- Never done this fellowship before.
- Available full-time from May 27 to August 14, 2026, plus group interviews May 17-20.
Proof of work status may be needed if selected. Review your fit before applying.
How to Apply: Steps and Timeline
Start with the online form on Paragon’s site. Share your background, school details, and interests in tech policy. Answer short essay questions and upload a 3-5 page writing sample, like an essay or report.
Top applicants join a group trial interview May 17-20, 2026. Be ready to discuss ideas and work in a team setting.
The deadline is April 30, 2026, at 8:59 PM PT (11:59 PM ET). Submit early to avoid issues. Late entries won’t count.
Apply here: Paragon Policy Fellowship application page.
This chance lets you contribute to tech and government right away. Prepare your materials and meet the criteria for a strong shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026?
It is a part-time, fully remote program where students and recent graduates work 8-10 hours per week with U.S. state and local governments on tech policy issues like AI governance and data privacy from May 27 to August 14, 2026.
Is the fellowship paid?
No, due to funding changes, the Summer 2026 fellowship is an unpaid volunteer opportunity.
Who is eligible to apply?
You must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, J.D., or Ph.D. program, or have graduated within the last year, live mainly in the U.S. with work authorization, and commit to the full schedule.
What is the application deadline and how do I apply?
The deadline is April 30, 2026, at 8:59 PM PT; submit an online form with your background, essay questions, and a 3-5 page writing sample via Paragon’s site.
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