Imagine gaining hands-on experience in tech policy while helping shape government solutions from your home computer. The Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026 offers students and recent graduates a chance to tackle real-world challenges in areas like AI governance and data privacy. This remote program connects you with state and local governments across the US.
Program Overview
The Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026 runs from May 27 to August 14, 2026. It is a part-time commitment of 8-10 hours per week. Fellows work remotely on policy issues at the crossroads of technology and public service.
Participants team up with government partners to research and create practical solutions. Topics include artificial intelligence governance, broadband access, data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital public services. The program mixes independent tasks with group meetings and collaboration.
Note that this summer cohort is unpaid due to funding changes. It serves as a volunteer opportunity to build skills and networks.
Why Join This Fellowship
Governments depend more on technology each day to provide services and manage new innovations. The Paragon Policy Fellowship fills a key gap by training early-career people in tech policy. It opens doors to a field that often requires experience to enter.
Fellows see how real decisions get made in government. They help improve public services and community results through their work. This path suits those eyeing careers in public policy, civic tech, digital governance, or social impact roles.
Diverse views from fellows lead to better, more inclusive tech policies. The program stands out by focusing on state and local levels, where many tech issues play out daily.
Skills and Experiences You Will Build
Fellows dive into actual policy problems that affect people. They learn how governments handle tech topics and turn ideas into action. Hands-on work covers research, writing, and analysis.
The program includes mentorship via workshops, guest speakers, and advice from pros in tech policy. You sharpen technical skills and grasp government processes. These steps prepare you for bigger roles.
Networking forms a big part. Connect with other fellows, alumni, and leaders in the field. This opens doors for future teamwork and jobs. You also join the wider Paragon network for research, media, and growth chances.
Who Can Apply
To qualify, meet these rules:
- Be in a degree program now (undergrad, grad, JD, or PhD) or graduated within the last year.
- Live mainly in the US with work authorization. This covers US citizens, permanent residents, or visas like F-1 OPT, CPT, STEM OPT, or J-1.
- Commit to 8-10 hours weekly and join virtual meetings.
- Not have done this fellowship before.
- Available full-time from May 27 to August 14, 2026, plus group interviews May 17-20.
International students check visa rules for off-campus work.
Steps to Apply
Start with the online form on the Paragon site. Share personal and school details, answer short essay questions, and send a 3-5 page writing sample. Cover your availability, background, and tech policy interests.
Top applicants join a group trial interview May 17-20, 2026. Provide work authorization proof if picked.
Deadline is April 30, 2026, at 8:59 PM PT (11:59 PM ET). Submit early; no late entries. Apply at the official Paragon Policy Fellowship page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026?
It is a remote, part-time program where students and recent graduates work on real tech policy issues like AI governance and data privacy with US state and local governments.
When does the program run and how much time is required?
The fellowship runs from May 27 to August 14, 2026, and requires 8-10 hours per week, including virtual meetings.
Is the Summer 2026 fellowship paid?
No, this cohort is unpaid due to funding changes, but it offers valuable skills, networking, and experience.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Submit an online form with essays and a writing sample by April 30, 2026, at 8:59 PM PT via the official Paragon site; apply early as no late entries are accepted.
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