Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program 2027

JEROME R. LEWIS LEGISLATIVE FELLOWS PROGRAM 2027: PAID PUBLIC POLICY FELLOWSHIP AT THE UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE

The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program 2027 at the University of Delaware offers qualified students an opportunity to gain practical experience in legislative research, public policy, and government decision-making.

Managed by the University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration, the program connects selected students with the Delaware General Assembly, where Fellows conduct nonpartisan policy research, work with legislators and legislative staff, and gain first-hand experience of how public policy is developed.

The program has operated since 1982 and is designed for students who want to strengthen their research, writing, policy analysis, and professional skills through practical government experience.

Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program 2027 at a Glance

The University of Delaware states that Fellows will work with legislators and legislative staff on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the 2027 legislative session.

What Is the Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program?

The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program is a competitive fellowship that gives selected students the opportunity to participate directly in Delaware's legislative process.

The program was established in 1982 to connect the research resources of the University of Delaware and Delaware State University with the research needs of the Delaware General Assembly.

Rather than focusing exclusively on classroom learning, the fellowship gives students an opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real public-policy issues.

Fellows conduct nonpartisan, in-depth research and provide information that can assist legislators and legislative staff with important issues facing Delaware.

Previous areas of research have included criminal justice reform, healthcare, government accountability and transparency, and women's rights.

Is the Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellowship Paid?

Yes. The University of Delaware describes the 2027 Legislative Fellows Program as a paid fellowship program.

In addition to receiving practical legislative experience, Fellows can develop professional connections with government officials and community leaders while working directly with legislators and legislative staff.

The program therefore combines financial support with professional development and academic learning.

What Will Fellows Do?

Selected Fellows will participate in legislative research and related activities during the Delaware General Assembly's legislative session.

Their responsibilities include working directly with legislators and legislative staff, conducting policy research, and staffing committees.

The 2027 program is scheduled to run from January 12 through June 30, 2027, with an orientation during the first full week of January.

Through these activities, participants can gain insight into:

• Legislative research
• Public policy analysis
• Government decision-making
• Policy writing
• Committee operations
• Public-sector communication
• Professional networking
• State government administration

Academic Component

The fellowship also includes a formal academic component.

Fellows take a three-credit seminar titled State Government: Management and Policy. The course allows students to connect their practical experiences in the legislature with academic concepts relating to government and public policy.

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to students who want to combine academic study with practical government experience.

Who Is Eligible for the 2027 Fellowship?

The University of Delaware states that eligibility is open to:

• Full-time master's degree students; or
• Especially qualified junior- or senior-level undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.4;

Applicants must also come from the partnering universities.

The program is particularly relevant to students studying fields such as

• Public administration
• Public policy
• Political science
• Sociology
• Urban affairs
• Communications
• International relations
• Criminal justice
• History
• Economics
• Business administration

Applicants should have an interest in government, public policy, or the legislative process, as well as strong writing abilities.

Important Eligibility Note

This opportunity should not be presented as a general fellowship open to students from every university or country.

The official University of Delaware information specifically states that applicants must be students from the partnering universities. Prospective applicants should therefore confirm their institutional eligibility before applying.

What Skills Does the Fellowship Develop?

The program can help participants develop practical skills that are useful in government and many other professional sectors.

These include:

Policy Research

Fellows conduct research on important public-policy issues and learn how evidence can be used to support legislative decision-making.

Professional Writing

Applicants and fellows need strong writing skills. The program's selection process includes a timed writing exercise that simulates a legislative research assignment.

Policy Analysis

Students gain experience examining public issues, evaluating information, and communicating findings to policymakers.

Communication

Working with legislators and legislative staff provides opportunities to strengthen professional communication.

Networking

Fellows can interact with government officials, legislative staff, and community leaders, creating valuable professional connections.

2027 Fellowship Schedule

The 2027 Legislative Fellows Program is scheduled around the Delaware legislative session.

Key dates include:

Early January 2027: Orientation

January 12, 2027: Fellowship activities begin.

January 12–June 30, 2027: Legislative research and committee activities

June 30, 2027: Scheduled end of the fellowship activities

Fellows are scheduled to participate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Transportation to Dover

The University of Delaware states that transportation from the university to Dover will be available through a vanpool, subject to conditions.

The published schedule indicates that Fellows are expected to leave campus at approximately 11:00 a.m. and return at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

How Competitive Is the Program?

The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program uses a competitive selection process.

Applicants must complete several stages, including an application, writing exercise, and interviews.

The university states that legislative fellows are competitively selected and that candidates are interviewed as part of the process.

Applicants should therefore avoid waiting until the deadline before preparing their application materials.

2027 Application Deadline

The application deadline for spring 2027 The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program is Friday, October 30, 2026.

Students interested in applying should review the requirements carefully and prepare their supporting documents before the deadline.

How the Application Process Works

The University of Delaware outlines a four-stage application process.

1. Application and Supporting Documents

Applicants must complete the required application and supporting documentation.

The official program page lists application-related materials, including:

• Legislative Fellows Application Guide
• Legislative Fellows Program Application
• Recommendation form
• Department chair/program director comments
• Permission form for research assistants

Applicants should use the official instructions because application requirements can change.

2. Timed Writing Exercise

Applicants participate in a one-hour timed writing exercise.

The exercise is designed to simulate an assignment a legislative fellow might receive. Applicants receive material to review and are asked to prepare a sample memorandum for a Delaware state legislator.

The university states that the exercise is conducted virtually on the same day that applications are due. Applicants are expected to RSVP to the program manager beforehand.

3. Initial Interview

Selected applicants proceed to an informal 30-minute interview with the program manager.

The interview provides an opportunity to discuss the applicant's academic background, professional experience, and interest in the fellowship.

4. Panel Interview

The final stage involves a formal 15-minute panel interview.

Applicants meet with legislative staff members who serve as supervisors for Fellows in Dover.

Questions may address academic and professional experience, knowledge of Delaware state government, and other aspects relevant to the fellowship.

Why Apply for the Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellowship?

The fellowship offers several benefits to eligible students.

Gain Real Government Experience

Students can observe and participate in the legislative process rather than learning about government exclusively through textbooks.

Work With Policymakers

Fellows work directly with legislators and legislative staff.

Strengthen Research Skills

Participants conduct research on important public-policy issues and learn how to communicate findings effectively.

Build a Professional Network

The program creates opportunities to meet government officials, community leaders, and other professionals.

Improve Writing Skills

The fellowship requires strong written communication and provides practical opportunities to develop professional policy-writing skills.

Connect Academic Learning With Practice

The three-credit seminar allows students to connect their legislative experience with academic study.

Who Should Consider Applying?

The fellowship may be particularly suitable for students interested in careers involving:

• Public policy
• Government
• Public administration
• Legislative affairs
• Political science
• Research
• International relations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Communications
• Public-sector management
• Economics
• Community development
• Social policy
• Government relations

The experience may also benefit students who eventually want to work outside government because an understanding of public-sector decision-making can be valuable in nonprofit and private-sector careers.

Important Things Applicants Should Know

Before applying, prospective candidates should consider the following:

Check your university eligibility. The program is specifically designed for students from partnering universities.

Check the GPA requirement. Junior and senior undergraduate applicants should meet the stated 3.4 GPA threshold.

Prepare your writing skills. The selection process includes a timed writing exercise.

Learn about Delaware government. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their interest in government and public policy.

Prepare early. The deadline is October 30, 2026, and the application involves multiple stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program?

It is a competitive fellowship administered by the University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration that gives selected students practical experience in legislative research and public policy through work connected to the Delaware General Assembly.

Is the Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program paid?

Yes. The University of Delaware describes the 2027 program as a paid fellowship.

When does the 2027 fellowship begin?

The 2027 legislative fellowship activities are scheduled to begin on January 12, 2027, following an orientation during the first full week of January.

When does the 2027 program end?

The scheduled fellowship period runs through June 30, 2027.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is Friday, October 30, 2026.

What GPA is required?

The official program page states that especially qualified junior- or senior-level undergraduate applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.4. Full-time master's students are also eligible if they meet the other program requirements.

Is the program open to students from any university?

No. The University of Delaware specifies that eligible applicants must be students from the partnering universities.

What subjects are relevant to the fellowship?

Relevant academic backgrounds include public administration, public policy, political science, sociology, urban affairs, communications, international relations, criminal justice, history, economics, and business administration.

What does the writing test involve?

Applicants complete a one-hour timed writing exercise involving the preparation of a sample memorandum for a Delaware state legislator based on materials provided during the exercise.

The Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program 2027 provides eligible students with a valuable combination of paid professional experience, legislative research, academic learning, and exposure to government decision-making.

For students interested in public policy, government, political science, public administration, and related fields, the program can provide an opportunity to develop practical skills while working alongside legislators and legislative staff.

However, prospective applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility requirements. The program is intended for qualified students from the partnering universities, and undergraduate applicants must meet the stated academic requirements.

The October 30, 2026, deadline is particularly important for students seeking to participate in the 2027 legislative session. Applicants should review the official University of Delaware program information, prepare their supporting materials, and understand the writing and interview stages before submitting an application.

For the latest requirements and application instructions, applicants should consult the official University of Delaware Jerome R. Lewis Legislative Fellows Program page.

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