APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026-2027 FELLOWSHIP ARE OPEN NOW!

This year, we are once again inviting high school students, from grades 9-12, to consider applying for the YPI Academic Fellowship program. The applications are open from October 1st, and will be due on October 30th, 11:59PM EST.

The YPI Academic Fellowship is a comprehensive and rigorous nine-week program designed for students with a strong passion for policy-making, research, and an interest in global affairs and the United States’ political landscape. Throughout the fellowship, you will work closely with Yale University students who share your enthusiasm for policy and public service. You will also encounter fascinating and accomplished guest speakers who will speak to you about their areas of expertise. Each week will follow a structured syllabus focusing on different types of policy (e.g. health policy, education policy, etc.), ensuring fellows can become engaged with the materials, fully informed, well-equipped to tackle these policy frictions and how they manifest in the real world.

Successful YPI fellows will be required to complete a set of assigned readings before each weekly lecture. At YPI, we emphasize reading not only as preparation but as a tool for making meaningful contributions in your small-group, peer-to-peer discussions which take place after each lecture. Following all these discussions, groups will be tasked with drafting a short policy proposal based on the week's theme and submitting it by a specified deadline. 

In addition to academic growth, the fellowship offers you the opportunity to strengthen your communication, organizational, networking and leadership skills – qualities that are at the heart of every policy-maker's experience. You will learn how to think critically, collaborate effectively, and navigate complex issues, all while engaging in conversations that mirror real-world policy-making.

We hope you take the time to consider this opportunity, and we look forward to reading your applications! Thank you!

Submission Link: LINK HERE 

If you have any questions about the fellowship, please do not hesitate to contact: ypifellowships@yale.edu