Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program 2027

The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program 2027 offers students at the University of Delaware and Delaware State University an opportunity to gain practical experience in public policy, legislative research, and government decision making. The paid fellowship is managed by the University of Delaware Institute for Public Administration and connects the research capacity of the partnering universities with the research needs of the Delaware General Assembly.

Founded in 1982, the programme provides selected students with the opportunity to work directly with legislators and legislative staff while conducting nonpartisan research on important public policy issues. Fellows gain first hand insight into how legislation is developed and how government institutions operate.

The 2027 fellowship will run from January 12 to June 30, 2027, with an orientation during the first full week of January. Fellows will work in Dover on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, conditions permitting, and will participate in a three credit seminar titled State Government: Management and Policy. The programme combines practical legislative experience with academic learning and professional development.

About the Fellowship

The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program was established as a partnership between the University of Delaware and the Delaware General Assembly. It has since become a flagship student programme of the Biden School at the University of Delaware.

The programme was renamed in 2026 in honour of Jerome R. Lewis, recognising his longstanding contributions to Delaware public service and his role in mentoring generations of future policy leaders.

Fellows contribute to the work of the Delaware General Assembly through timely and nonpartisan research. Their assignments can involve researching policy questions, preparing information for legislators, staffing committees, and developing written materials that support legislative decision making.

The programme provides students with an opportunity to understand public institutions from inside the legislative process. Although many participants pursue careers in government and public policy, the skills gained through the fellowship can also support careers in nonprofit organisations, private sector organisations, communications, research, and other professional fields.

Fellowship Benefits

• Paid fellowship opportunity

• Direct experience working with legislators and legislative staff

• Practical experience conducting public policy research

• Opportunity to contribute nonpartisan research to current legislative issues

• Professional networking with government officials and community leaders

• First hand understanding of the legislative process

• Three credit seminar in State Government: Management and Policy

• Vanpool transportation from the University of Delaware campus to Dover, conditions permitting

• Professional development in research, writing, communication, and policy analysis

• Exposure to the Delaware General Assembly and executive branch leaders

• Experience that can support careers in government, nonprofit organisations, private sector organisations, and public policy

Programme Areas

The fellowship can provide experience across a broad range of public policy and legislative issues. Previous fellows have worked on subjects including:

• Criminal justice reform

• Healthcare

• Government accountability and transparency

• Women’s rights

• Public administration

• Public policy analysis

• State government

• Legislative research

• Community and social policy

The specific research assignments depend on the needs of the Delaware General Assembly and the legislative committees or offices where Fellows are placed.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a full time master's degree student at a partnering university

• Or be an especially qualified junior or senior undergraduate student

• Undergraduate applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.4

• Be enrolled at the University of Delaware or Delaware State University

• Have a strong academic background relevant to public policy or government

• Demonstrate an interest in the legislative process, government, or public policy analysis

• Possess strong writing skills

Required Application Materials

Applicants should prepare the following as part of the application process:

• Legislative Fellows Program application

• Legislative Fellows Application Guide materials

• Recommendation form

• Department Chair or Program Director confidential comments

• Unofficial transcript

• Permission form for research assistants where applicable

Applicants should also be prepared to participate in the programme's timed writing exercise and interview process.

Selection Process

The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program uses a competitive selection process. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic preparation, writing ability, interest in public policy, and the capacity to contribute effectively in a legislative environment.

The first stage involves submitting the application and supporting documents by the stated deadline.

The second stage is a one hour timed writing exercise. Applicants receive material to review and are asked to prepare a sample memorandum for a Delaware state legislator. The exercise is designed to simulate an assignment that Fellows may receive while working at Legislative Hall.

The third stage is an initial 30 minute interview with the programme manager. This interview allows applicants to discuss their academic and professional background, interests, and motivation for joining the programme.

The final stage is a formal 15 minute panel interview involving the programme manager and legislative staff members who serve as supervisors for Fellows in Dover. Questions may address the applicant's academic experience, professional background, knowledge of Delaware state government, and interest in the fellowship.

How to Apply

1. Review the Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program information and application guide.
2. Confirm that you meet the academic and university eligibility requirements.
3. Complete the Legislative Fellows Program online application.
4. Arrange for the required recommendation form and Department Chair or Program Director confidential comments.
5. Obtain an unofficial transcript and submit it according to the programme instructions.
6. Complete any additional programme forms that apply to your circumstances.
7. Prepare for the one hour timed writing exercise, which involves producing a policy memorandum for a Delaware legislator.
8. Participate in the initial interview if selected for the next stage.
9. Participate in the final panel interview if invited.
10. Submit the complete application and supporting materials by October 30, 2026.

The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program provides a valuable pathway for students who want to understand public policy beyond the classroom. Through direct engagement with legislators, research assignments, committee work, professional networking, and academic study, Fellows gain practical skills that can strengthen future careers in government, public administration, policy research, communications, nonprofit leadership, and related fields.