Fellows learn about the world of think tanks, policy analysis, and legislative reform through an eight-week internship at one of Washington’s top market-oriented research institutes.
If you are interested in the State-Based or Nonprofit Leadership program tracks, please click on the links to learn more.
Top Policy Organizations
The Koch Fellowship experience is built around an eight-week internship at a market-based public policy institute. IHS arranges these internships using our knowledge of the host organizations and their specific projects and needs, as well as applicants’ interests and abilities. Information candidates provide in their application helps us determine the best possible placement for those accepted to the program.
Many organizations have hosted Koch Fellows. Internship experiences range from policy analysis to journalism to legal work. Some offer exposure to a wide range of policy areas, while some do specialized work on a single issue.
Fellows intern for approximately 40 or more hours per week. Intern duties often include attending congressional hearings, conducting research, coordinating events, managing databases and writing reports for publication.
The online application will ask you about your placement preferences and will provide a space for you to describe the reason why you picked each organization and how you are well-suited for the position. Under "Alternative Placement preference," candidates can list possible host organizations not on the list of potential organizations.
You may arrange your own internship if it meets the requirements of the Institute. If there is a specific organization you would like to intern with, it is best to contact that organization directly and apply as soon as possible in order to secure an internship for the summer.
Unique Internship Program
In addition to gaining invaluable experience at their host policy institutes, fellows have the opportunity to interact with other policy experts and find out first-hand what it takes to make it in the field.
Among internship programs, the Koch Summer Fellow Program is unique in focusing on market-based approaches to public policy and providing participants with more than just an internship:
- Seminars and Lectures
- Career Workshops
- $1,500 Stipend
- Furnished Housing
- Travel to and from Washington, DC
Publishing Opportunities
Koch Summer Fellows often get published through their internships. They may contribute to policy studies, write newsletter articles, and publish opinion pieces. The Program's writing and research projects also help Fellows see their work in print.