About Luskin’s Fellowships & Internship Funding:
UCLA Luskin Office of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations (OSAAR) offers a limited number of prestigious and competitive yearlong and summer fellowships and internship funding. The fellowship sites include with nonprofit organizations, government and public service agencies. Currently enrolled first-year Public Policy, Social Welfare, and Urban Planning graduate students are eligible to apply for awards. Beyond these awards, please find additional opportunities at Luskin and beyond below. Furthermore, we encourage you to check in with your career counselor and academic advisor to discuss any additional opportunities. Please contact Kevin Medina at kmedina@luskin.ucla.edu with any questions about these below fellowships.
Award Spotlights:
The 2023-2024 Luskin Yearlong & Summer Fellowship recipients can be found here.
The 2023-2023 Luskin Yearlong & Summer Fellowship recipients can be found here.
Luskin OSAAR’s 2023-24 Yearlong Fellowships
Luskin’s yearlong fellowships are full-time during the summer and part-time (12-20 hours/week) during the 9-month academic year (fall through spring). Applications typically open in late winter/early spring. Below are the awards that are available for the 2023-2024 academic year.
David Bohnett Fellowship in the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office
The application for 2023-2024 academic year has closed.
- Award amount: $40,000
- Number of awards: 3 awards annually
The David Bohnett Fellowship was established in 2007 for outstanding Luskin graduate students to complete a yearlong fellowship in the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office. The Mayor’s Office provides students with access to high levels of city government in where they are supervised by the Mayor’s senior staff. The Fellows are matched to an office that coincides with the Fellows’ expertise and the needs of the Mayor’s Office. The assignments are fast-paced, rigorous, and may expand or change based on the evolving needs of the City. As such, the Bohnett Fellowship requires graduate students to have a high amount of professionalism, flexibility, and innovation. Past offices that hosted Fellows include: Budget & Innovation, City Services, Economic Opportunity, Homelessness Initiatives, Immigrant Affairs, Reentry, and Transportation. In addition to the academic yearlong Fellowship, Fellows also receive the opportunity to attend the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) winter meeting, typically held in Washington D.C.. At USCM, Fellows have access to city leaders from across the nation, and with the staff and Fellows from the other universities that also host the Bohnett Fellows program (NYU Wagner & U Michigan Ford). Further, Fellows join the many UCLA Luskin Cohorts that have participated in the Bohnett Fellowship Program. UCLA Luskin and the Bohnett Foundation regularly organize events to encourage cross-cohort and sector networking. For more information about the current and former Bohnett Fellows from UCLA Luskin please visit: http://www.bohnettfoundation.org/ucla-luskin/.
Application Process
- Please submit your application in Luskin CareerHub by the deadline.
- Your application will include a resume and two-page cover letter. Address cover letter to: “Dear Selection Committee”
- Luskin selection committee will select nine finalists to interview with the Mayor’s Office and the Bohnett Foundation.
- The finalists will be required to submit a writing sample.
- Luskin will provide an offer to the selected Fellows in Winter Quarter.
Bohnett Fellow Alumni
The 2022-23 Bohnett Fellows report (including past Bohnett Fellows employment and current Bohnett Fellows work products/examples) can be accessed here.
The David Bohnett Foundation
This Fellowship is generously funded by the David Bohnett Foundation. David Bohnett is a philanthropist and technology entrepreneur. The mission of the David Bohnett Foundation is to improve society through social activism.
Luskin Leadership Fellowship at the Office of Child Protection, Los Angeles County
The application for 2023-2024 closes February 26.
Award amount: $40,000 for 2023-24
Number of awards: 1 annually
UCLA Luskin Leadership Fellowship is a high-level apprenticeship program for exceptional public policy, social welfare and urban planning graduate students that serve within selected government agencies and nonprofit and civic organizations to work on research, policy, advocacy and applied projects tailored to the students’ tracks of study and consistent with the mission and goals of the organization. For 2023-2024, the host organization will be the Los Angeles County, Office of Child Protection. The Fellow will completes 10 weeks of full-time (40 hours/week) over summer and 20 hours/week during the academic year and will receive $40,000. Link to full Fellowship Description.The application link is here. You may also search CareerHub for the application under “OCI and job listings.”
Application Process
- Please submit your application in Luskin CareerHub by March 4 at 5pm
- Your application will include a two-page cover letter and your resume. Address cover letter to: “Dear Selection Committee”
- Luskin selection committee will select three finalists to interview with the Office of Child Protection.
- The Office of Child Protection will select one Luskin student.
Luskin Leadership OCP Fellow Alumni
The list of past Luskin OCP Fellows along with their current place of employment can be found here.
The Anthony & Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation
The Luskin Fellowship at the Office of Child Protection is generously funded by the Anthony & Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation. The Foundation aims to enrich their community with a particular focus on health, higher education, the environment, and the arts. In 2014, the Foundation launched the Pritzker Foster Care Initiative to highlight its commitment to supporting transition age foster youth and the families that care for them.
Important Note for all fellowships:
In some cases, final award amounts may be adjusted for indirect costs and/or taxes. Awards requested at the $40,000 level may be adjusted to approximately $38,750. Awards may also impact students’ financial aid packages. In all cases, students will be notified of final award amount and are strongly encouraged to discuss possible financial aid impact with UCLA Financial Aid Office.
2022 Luskin Yearlong Fellowships
Luskin’s yearlong fellowships are full-time during the summer and part-time (12-20 hours/week) during the 9-month academic year (fall through spring).
David Bohnett Fellowship in the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office
The application for 2022-20243 is now closed.
- Award amount: $38,500
- Number of awards: 3 awards annually
The David Bohnett Fellowship was established in 2007 for outstanding Luskin graduate students to complete a yearlong fellowship in the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office. The Mayor’s Office provides students with access to high levels of city government in where they are supervised by the Mayor’s senior staff. The Fellows are matched to an office that coincides with the Fellows’ expertise and the needs of the Mayor’s Office. The assignments are fast-paced, rigorous, and may expand or change based on the evolving needs of the City. As such, the Bohnett Fellowship requires graduate students to have a high amount of professionalism, flexibility, and innovation. Past offices that hosted Fellows include: Budget & Innovation, City Services, Economic Opportunity, Homelessness Initiatives, Immigrant Affairs, Reentry, and Transportation. In addition to the academic yearlong Fellowship, Fellows also receive the opportunity to attend the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) winter meeting, typically held in Washington D.C.. At USCM, Fellows have access to city leaders from across the nation, and with the staff and Fellows from the other universities that also host the Bohnett Fellows program (NYU Wagner & U Michigan Ford). Further, Fellows join the many UCLA Luskin Cohorts that have participated in the Bohnett Fellowship Program. UCLA Luskin and the Bohnett Foundation regularly organize events to encourage cross-cohort and sector networking. For more information about the current and former Bohnett Fellows from UCLA Luskin please visit: http://www.bohnettfoundation.org/ucla-luskin/.
Application Process
- Please submit your application in Luskin CareerHub by the deadline.
- Your application will include a resume and two-page cover letter. Address cover letter to: “Dear Selection Committee”
- Luskin selection committee will select nine finalists to interview with the Mayor’s Office and the Bohnett Foundation.
- The finalists will be required to submit a writing sample.
- Luskin will provide an offer to the selected Fellows in Winter Quarter.
The 2021-22 Bohnett Fellows report (including past Bohnett Fellows employment and current Bohnett Fellows work products/examples) can be accessed here.
The David Bohnett Foundation
This Fellowship is generously funded by the David Bohnett Foundation. David Bohnett is a philanthropist and technology entrepreneur. The mission of the David Bohnett Foundation is to improve society through social activism.
Luskin Leadership Fellowship at the Office of Child Protection, Los Angeles County
The application for 2023-2024 will reopen in Winter 2023.
Award amount: $35,000 for 2022-23.
Number of awards: 1 annually
UCLA Luskin Leadership Fellowship is a high-level apprenticeship program for exceptional public policy, social welfare and urban planning graduate students that serve within selected government agencies and nonprofit and civic organizations to work on research, policy, advocacy and applied projects tailored to the students’ tracks of study and consistent with the mission and goals of the organization. For 2022-2023, the host organization will be the Los Angeles County, Office of Child Protection. The Fellow will completes 10 weeks of full-time (40 hours/week) over summer and 20 hours/week during the academic year and will receive $35,000. Link to full Fellowship Description.The application link is here. You may also search CareerHub for the application under “OCI and job listings.”
Application Process
- Please submit your application in Luskin CareerHub by March 4 at 5pm
- Your application will include a two-page cover letter and your resume. Address cover letter to: “Dear Selection Committee”
- Luskin selection committee will select three finalists to interview with the Office of Child Protection.
- The Office of Child Protection will select one Luskin student.
The Anthony & Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation
The Luskin Fellowship at the Office of Child Protection is generously funded by the Anthony & Jeanne Pritzker Family Foundation. The Foundation aims to enrich their community with a particular focus on health, higher education, the environment, and the arts. In 2014, the Foundation launched the Pritzker Foster Care Initiative to highlight its commitment to supporting transition age foster youth and the families that care for them.
iACT
DEADLINE TO APPLY: March 25, 2022. The deadline has passed. This award is specific to 2022-2023, it may be offered in 2023-2024, contingent on funding and various factors.
Award amount: $35,000
Number of awards: 1
How to apply: CareerHub
Who We Are:
iACT is a team of influential changemakers–refugees and non-refugees alike–with diverse backgrounds and
expertise who dream big and transform obstacles into opportunities. Our U.S.-based paid staff is small,
agile, creative, driven, and hopeful. iACT has a large, global volunteer team that significantly contributes to
programs, projects, campaigns, and events. iACT’s U.S.-based paid staff team’s role is to support a new
culture of participation that unites global volunteers to accompany communities impacted by and displaced
by violence. We are here to support the almost 200 refugee and displaced staff members abroad who in turn
lead the programs in their communities. iACT’s U.S.-based paid staff is a small team with the expectation
that everyone is willing to step in and contribute in any area as needed.
Role of the Fellow:
• Amplify and connect the voices of Refugees with the broader community.
• Provide essential support to staff members in order to ensure that iACT’s programs run smoothly
and efficiently.
• Execute details of projects and programs so that the team can achieve established goals and vision.
• Provide key support to all iACT team members, paid and volunteer, including short and long-term
projects, partnerships, campaigns, and programs.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with team members, partners, and other
stakeholders—during and after project completion.
• We are flexible in working with the fellow’s passions to develop and collaborate on projects they
may specifically be interested in.
Location: Flexible remote and in-person hybrid working environment with an office in Hermosa Beach, CA,
USA.
Application Process
- Please submit your application to associated job posting in Luskin CareerHub by April 8.
- Your application will include a two-page cover letter and resume. Address cover letter to: “Dear Selection Committee”
- UCLA Luskin will advance three students to interview with iACT.
- iACT will select one Luskin student.
Ralph M Parsons Foundation
The Luskin Fellowship at iACT is generously funded by the Ralph M parsons Foundation. The foundation improves the well-being of the residents of Los Angeles County through responsive grantmaking in human services, civic and cultural, education, and health.
Important Note for all fellowships:
In some cases, final award amounts may be adjusted for indirect costs and/or taxes. Awards requested at the $35,000 level may be adjusted to approximately $33,000. Awards may also impact students’ financial aid packages. In all cases, students will be notified of final award amount and are strongly encouraged to discuss possible financial aid impact with UCLA Financial Aid Office.
Luskin OSAAR’s 2023 Summer Fellowships
Luskin’s summer fellowships are 400 hours over summer. Summer fellow applications typically open in late winter/early spring. Below are the awards that are available for summer 2023. More fellowships will be added as they become available. All fellowship opportunities will be posted no later than March 2023. One $7,500 award will be made for each internship. In some cases, final award amounts may be adjusted for indirect costs and/or taxes. Awards may also impact students’ financial aid packages. In all cases, students will be notified of final award amount and are strongly encouraged to discuss possible financial aid impact with UCLA Financial Aid Office.
Liberty Hill Foundation
Award amount:$7,500.
Number of awards: 4
How to apply: CareerHub
Application due: April 13, 2022
Liberty Hill is a non-profit organization that advances social change through a strategic combination of grants, leadership training and campaigns. Liberty Hill is first to identify community leaders at the frontlines of change. They invest in changemakers and equip them with the skills and relationships they need to build power and advance social justice. With a near 40-year track record, Liberty Hill is uniquely positioned to bring together forces for change and forge a common agenda for equality and opportunity in Los Angeles.
Internship Positions Available:
- capacity building
- environmental justice
- housing justice
- youth & transformative justice
The full position descriptions can be found on the CareerHub posting!
To apply: One to two page cover letter and resume. Apply via CareerHub. A writing sample may be required if you are invited for an interview.
Liberty Hill has hosted UCLA Luskin Summer Fellows since 2015. Information on what the Fellow Alumni are up to can be found here.
Climate Resolve
Award amount:$7,500.
Number of awards: 1
How to apply: CareerHub (opens February 20, 2023)
Application due: March 12, 2023
Description:
Application Process
To apply, submit your cover letter and resume.
This application process also includes an interview (via Zoom).
LA County Department of Public Health, Division of HIV and STD Programs
Award amount:$7,500.
Number of awards: 1
How to apply: CareerHub (opens February 20, 2023)
Application due: March 12, 2023
Position Summary & Full Description
Seeking a Luskin Fellow to assist with projects tied to Los Angeles County’s Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative, under the Prevent and Treat Pillar. Duties may vary depending upon the project and may include, but are not limited to:
• Projects related to improving access to HIV medical care and wrap-around services for people living with HIV in Los Angeles County. (Treat)
• Conducting “secret shopper” calls to contracted PrEP Centers of Excellence to evaluate the efficiency of getting scheduled for a visit to initiate services for PrEP. (Prevent)
• Conducting a pharmacy landscape analysis. This entails research on Specialty pharmacies, creating a script, calling (or visiting) pharmacies to determine barriers are with implementing PrEP access via Senate Bill 159. SB 159 allows pharmacies to dispense 60 days’ worth of PrEP, or 30 days’ worth of PEP, without a prescription. (Prevent)
Position will be required to telework with limited in-person meetings at 600 S. Commonwealth Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90006.
Award amount: $7.5000
Number of awards: 2
How to apply: CareerHub (opens February 20, 2023)
Application due: March 12, 2023
Position 1: Coalition Coordination
Position Summary:
- Coalition Coordination
- Policy & Research
- Leadership Development
- Community Engagement & Field Organizing
- Digital Operations
Position Summary:
- General Team Support
- Community Engagement & Field Organizing
- Research & Analysis
TreePeople
Award amount:$7,500.
Number of awards: 1
How to apply: CareerHub (opens February 20, 2023)
Application due: March 12, 2023
Position Description:
- Draft and edit talking points related to extreme heat, drought, and other climate risks for interviews, TreePeople projects, and related meetings.
- Research case study examples and literature review for climate change and resilience-related topics
- Assist with any upcoming workshops and symposium as needed
- Attend weekly departmental meetings with the Policy and Research Team as well as weekly check ins with the Policy and Research Associate
- Attend public hearings and provide public comments representing TreePeople
Venice Family Clinic: Advocacy Department
Award amount:$7,500.
Number of awards: 1
How to apply: CareerHub (opens February 20, 2023)
Application due: March 12, 2023
Position Description:
Fellowship Assignment: On a full-time basis, the fellow will assist with policy research, develop advocacy tools, assist with other projects and tasks assigned, as well as provide administrative support to the Advocacy department. The fellow will primarily assist with creating a civic engagement program in an effort to engage patients and staff in government systems and public policy.
Responsibilities:
o Develop advocacy resources for patients and staff
o Assist with creating, planning, and executing civic engagement program
o Create evaluation tools to measure the success of the civic engagement activities
o Recruit patients and staff to get involved in Venice Family Clinic’s advocacy priorities
o Facilitate in-person and virtual community engagement opportunities
o Analyze and track Venice Family Clinic’s priority legislation
o Participate in coalition meetings and trainings
o Collaborate with other departments as needed
o General administrative duties as needed
The Barbara Yaroslavsky Memorial Fund
The LA Department of Public Health, TreePeople, and Venice Family Clinic Summer Fellowships are generously funded by the Barbara Yaroslavsky Memorial Fund. The Barbara Yaroslavsky Memorial Fund was established to honor the lasting legacy of Barbara Yaroslavsky’s advocacy for and commitment to quality health care for everyone in our society.
Luskin OSAAR Summer Internship Funding
Important Notes:
Below are the awards that are available for summer 20223. Awards differ by year based on available funding. In some cases, final award amounts may be adjusted for indirect costs and/or taxes. The final amount for a $7,500 may be approximately $7,050. Awards may also impact students’ financial aid packages. In all cases, students will be notified of final award amount and are strongly encouraged to discuss possible financial aid impact with UCLA Financial Aid Office.
Summer 2023 Internship Awards:
Public Service Internship Award
Award amount: $7,500.
Number of awards: 1
How to apply: CareerHub (opens March 13)
Application due: March 26, 2023 at 11:45pm PT
UCLA Luskin will provide one or two 2022 summer internship awards to a UCLA Luskin graduate student who will be accepting non-paid internships with organizations that are engaged in public service. The internship organization must be bi-partisan/non-partisan and can be a civic organization, non-partisan government agency or department, a community program or nonprofit organization, advocacy group or civic engagement. Internship will be ten weeks between June and September (400 hours).
To apply, write a one-page description of the internship and how it was secured, along with a one-page statement of interest that describes how the internship fits into your long-term career aspirations in public service. Include your name and Luskin department at the top of each page. Add your resume. To submit your application and resume, apply to the posting in CareerHub.
Michael S. Dukakis Internship Award
Award amount: $7,500.
Number of awards: 1
How to apply: CareerHub (opens March 13)
Application due: March 26, 2023 at 11:45pm PT
Professor Michael Dukakis spearheaded this privately funded internship program to provide UCLA Luskin masters’ students with first-hand public service experience in government. As power shifts from Washington, DC to the state and local level, the need for talented public servants has never been greater. The Michael S. Dukakis Internship Program provides stipends for UCLA Luskin masters’ students serving in non-partisan internships in government with a special emphasis on California. The focus for this 10-week (40 hours/week) summer internship is on government settings rather than non-profits or NGOs.
Students who have secured a government internship meeting the criteria above may apply. The internship must be in a policy-related, public service function in a non-partisan government setting. Working for an elected partisan official would not qualify. Non-partisan city council or county board of supervisors qualify, but senate, assembly, or congress do not, nor would working for a non-profit or NGO. The internship site would ideally be in local or state government in California. If the internship is in Washington, D.C. with a Federal agency, the focus of the internship must be on California. The internship is limited to UCLA Luskin graduate students pursuing the MPP, MSW or MURP. Ph.D. students are not eligible.
To apply, write a one-page description of the internship and how it was secured, along with a one-page statement of interest that describes how the internship fits into your long-term career aspirations in public service. Include your name and department at the top of each document. To submit your description, statement of interest, and resume, apply to the posting in CareerHub.
Michael Dukakis Fund
Professor Michael Dukakis generously provided funding to provide UCLA Luskin students with e first-hand public service experience in government with a specific focus on California.
2022 Luskin Summer Internship Awards
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Internship Award
Award amount: $7,500
Number of awards: 2
How to apply: CareerHub (opens May 2, 2022)
Application due: May 9, 2022 at 5pm PT
This award was created to provide financial support to students from underrepresented backgrounds. The goal is to:
- providing funding to a student for an unpaid internship centering equity, diversity, and inclusion
- help diversify the fields of Public Policy, Social Welfare, and Urban Planning
To apply, write a one-page description of the internship and how it was secured, along with a one-page statement of interest that describes how the internship addresses equity, diversity, and inclusion. Include your name and Luskin department at the top of each page. Add your resume. To submit your application and resume, apply to the posting in CareerHub.
**if you applied to the public service internship award, your packet is already under consideration**
Michael S. Dukakis Internship Award
Award amount: $6,000
Number of awards: 1 annually
How to apply: CareerHub (opens March 28 2022)
Application due: April 8, 2022 at 5pm PT
Professor Michael Dukakis spearheaded this privately funded internship program to provide UCLA Luskin masters’ students with first-hand public service experience in government. As power shifts from Washington, DC to the state and local level, the need for talented public servants has never been greater. The Michael S. Dukakis Internship Program provides stipends for UCLA Luskin masters’ students serving in non-partisan internships in government with a special emphasis on California. The focus for this 10-week (40 hours/week) summer internship is on government settings rather than non-profits or NGOs.
Students who have secured a government internship meeting the criteria above may apply. The internship must be in a policy-related, public service function in a non-partisan government setting. Working for an elected partisan official would not qualify. Non-partisan city council or county board of supervisors qualify, but senate, assembly, or congress do not, nor would working for a non-profit or NGO. The internship site would ideally be in local or state government in California. If the internship is in Washington, D.C. with a Federal agency, the focus of the internship must be on California. The internship is limited to UCLA Luskin graduate students pursuing the MPP, MSW or MURP. Ph.D. students are not eligible.
To apply, write a one-page description of the internship and how it was secured, along with a one-page statement of interest that describes how the internship fits into your long-term career aspirations in public service. Include your name and department at the top of each document. To submit your description, statement of interest, and resume, apply to the posting in CareerHub.
Michael Dukakis Fund
Professor Michael Dukakis generously provided funding to provide UCLA Luskin students with e first-hand public service experience in government with a specific focus on California.
Yaroslavsky Internship Award
Award amount: $6,000.
Number of awards: 3 annually
How to apply: CareerHub
Application due: April 8, 2022 at 5pm PT
The Yaroslavsky Fellowship seeks to support graduate students at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs with focusing on health or public health policy as it relates to Public Affairs. For 2022, this fellowship provides funding for health-related unpaid summer internships.
Please complete the attached application for award consideration consists of this form along with the attachments indicated below. The application asks for you to share your interest and passion for health, public health or health policy, share any experiences in health, public health, or health policy and note any particular communities served, and list your internship plans in health, public health or health policy.
Ideally, an internship will already be secured when you apply, but applications may be considered for those that are still in process of securing their health-related experience.
The Barbara Yaroslavsky Memorial Fund
The Barbara Yaroslavsky Memorial Fund was established to honor the lasting legacy of Barbara Yaroslavsky’s advocacy for and commitment to quality health care for everyone in our society.
Public Service Internship Award
Award amount: $5,000.
Number of awards: 1
How to apply: CareerHub
Application due: April 8, 2022 at 5pm PT
UCLA Luskin will provide one or two 2022 summer internship awards to a UCLA Luskin graduate student who will be accepting non-paid internships with organizations that are engaged in public service. The internship organization must be bi-partisan/non-partisan and can be a civic organization, non-partisan government agency or department, a community program or nonprofit organization, advocacy group or civic engagement. Internship will be ten weeks between June and September (400 hours).
To apply, write a one-page description of the internship and how it was secured, along with a one-page statement of interest that describes how the internship fits into your long-term career aspirations in public service. Include your name and Luskin department at the top of each page. Add your resume. To submit your application and resume, apply to the posting in CareerHub.
Luskin Research Center Opportunities
The Luskin Center for Innovation hires several graduate student researchers to conduct environmental policy research, support community organizations, and further their professional development. Interested students should visit their team page and contact the team member(s) most aligned with your interests about employment openings. They also offer Research Fellowships, Field Fellowships for Environmental Justice, and Graduate Research Grants
The Ralph and Goldy Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
The Lewis Center supports Luskin graduate students for capstone projects on topics that advance the center’s interests on the quality of life for residents in the Los Angeles region, with a focus on how people live, move, and work. Graduate student fellows are selected through a merit-based process during the year they intend to complete a capstone project. All projects must be geographically focused in the LA region and relate to one of the Lewis Center’s primary areas of interest: housing affordability, transportation equity, or jobs and the regional economy.
Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy
The Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy supports UCLA scholars who undertake collective work related to at least one of the Institute’s research themes. Products should demonstrate an explicit public orientation, i.e. an intent of speaking to public issues and/or addressing audiences that lie beyond the university. The Institute is especially interested in projects that organize knowledge to challenge inequality, be it by questioning established academic wisdom, contributing to public debate, or impacting policy decisions.
Latino Policy and Politics Initiative
The Latino Policy & Politics Initiative (LPPI) addresses the most critical domestic policy challenges facing Latinos and other communities of color through research, advocacy, mobilization and leadership development to propel policy reforms that expand genuine opportunity for all Americans. LPPI fellows are equipped with technical skills and hands-on experiences critical to being transformational elected officials, organizational leaders and community allies of today and tomorrow.
Institute of Transportation Studies
The Institute of Transportation Studies supports and advances cutting-edge research, the highest-quality education, and meaningful and influential civic engagement on the many pressing transportation issues facing our cities, state, nation and world today. Master of Urban and Regional planning students complete one of the following in their second year prior to graduation:
- Applied Planning Research Project (Client Project): The Client Project is applied planning research on a real-world problem conducted by MURP students in their 2nd year in order to satisfy the capstone requirement for the degree. See features on the top 2021 projects and four c/o 2020 students and their projects.
- Community Scholars or Comprehensive Project: Community Scholars & the Comprehensive Projects are similar, in many respects, to the client project, but larger in scope and scale. These projects simulate real world planning practice in that they incorporate students from various areas of concentration working together to research a problem from multiple planning angles.
- Masters’ Theses: The thesis focuses on posing and answering a research question in planning that has not previously been answered. Research is conducted by a MURP student in conjunction with a faculty committee.
Center for Neighborhood Knowledge (CNK)
The Center for Neighborhood Knowledge is dedicated to translating its research to inform actionable neighborhood-related policies and programs that contribute to positive social change. We specialize in empirical spatial analysis and emphasizes the study of diversity, differences, and disparities among neighborhoods, and explicitly cover immigrant enclaves, low-income neighborhoods and minority communities.
The International Practice Pathway (IPP) of Global Public Affairs at Luskin provides financial support for first year students seeking summer placements in low and middle-income countries. GPA can assist students with information on potential summer internship placements, including contact information of summer employers, as well as second-year students and Luskin graduates who completed summer internships.
Summer internships are serious professional undertakings involving recognized international organizations. Professionalism, responsibility, and respect are required of all students participating in the program. Click here for more information on IPP Summer Fellowships.
Latin American Cities Initiative
The mission of the Latin American Cities Initiative is to develop and deepen knowledge networks among students, educators and professionals in the arena of urban planning and policy in South, Central and North America. The Latin American Cities Initiative will provide funding for student capstone research on planning and urban policy in Latin America, as well as support in identifying clients and topics, beginning in 2019. If you are interested in applying, please contact ciudades@luskin.ucla.edu. The Latin American Cities Initiative will assist students at UCLA Luskin to find an internship in a planning or policy field in Latin America, in collaboration with Luskin Global Public Affairs.
The Global Lab for Research in Action
The Global Lab for Research in Action pursues evidence-based solutions to critical health, education and economic challenges faced by children, adolescents and women around the world. We conduct research that informs people, programs and policy to make a tangible impact on the lives of some of the world’s most vulnerable individuals.
The UCLA Hub for Health Intervention, Policy and Practice
The Hub for Health Intervention, Policy and Practice connects the academy, community and policymakers to address health disparities among diverse communities in Los Angeles and beyond. The Hub engages community members in impactful, theory-driven and sustainable research that informs high-level policy and street-level social justice health outcomes. HHIPP’s work situates health policy within a social welfare and social justice framework.
The Gay Sexuality and Social Policy Initiative
The Gay Sexuality and Social Policy Initiative will conduct cutting edge research that centers gay male sexuality and gay men’s unique experiences related to sex. Investment in GSSPI will be an investment in the lives of gay men and will increase the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to improve quality of life for gay men around the world.
The Berggruen Fellowship Program is a cornerstone of the Institute’s mission to nurture ideas that shape the future. It offers scholars the opportunity of flexible periods to live and work in both the United States and China. Berggruen Fellows produce books, scholarly workshops, deliver lectures, colloquia, and academic articles to disseminate the ideas cultivated throughout their fellowship. The themes of the fellowship range from global and technological development to philosophical and cultural change, with the focus varying within each program area.
Global Perspectives is an online-only, peer-reviewed, transdisciplinary journal seeking to advance social science research and debates in a globalizing world, specifically in terms of concepts, theories, methodologies, and evidence bases.
The California Policy Lab is a non-partisan research institute. Their mission is to improve the lives of Californians by generating evidence that transforms public policy. Their work is focused in six policy areas: education, criminal justice reform, poverty and the social safety net, labor and employment, health, and homelessness and high needs populations.
Center for Policy Research on Aging
Center for Policy Research on Aging studies the major policy issues affecting our aging society including Social Security, Medicare, long-term care and the societal implications that accompany the aging of the baby boom generation and its parents. CPRA conducts research, fosters multidisciplinary collaboration among UCLA faculty, and works closely with policy makers, service providers and community groups in meeting the challenges of an aging society.
External Fellowships & Internship Funds
University-Wide scholarships, grants, and fellowships
Search the GRAPES (Graduate & Postdoctoral Education Support) database for awards from among 625 scholarships, grants, fellowships, and postdoctoral awards.
Randall Lewis Health & Policy Fellowship
The purpose of the Randall Lewis Health & Policy Fellowship program is to ensure the development of public health and health administration, health policy, urban planning, and data professionals who possess the necessary skills to influence positive change in public policy, systems, and the built environment in our local communities. The Randall Lewis Health & Policy Fellowship is a prestigious and competitive fellowship for master and doctoral level students interested in health policy and related disciplines. Each fellow is matched according to skill sets needed by the hosting city, agency or business and the fellow’s interests and training. They accept applications from MPP, MSW, MURP and doctoral students. The fellowship is an 8-month (400 hour) commitment beginning in September through May. Applications will be accepted f until July 15, 2022.If you have questions or need an extension to apply through July 30, please inquire at jaynieboren@HC2strategies.com. A $6,500 stipend is paid to the fellows upon completion of hours, projects, and final deliverables.
ProFellow is a free database that can help you search 2000+ professional and academic fellowships, along with advice and resources on fellowship applications. Please note that some of these are available for post-graduate professionals.
Post Graduate Fellowships
American Jewish Committee – The Helen and Martin Kimmel Internship Program
College and graduate students are encouraged to apply for volunteer internships year-round at The American Jewish Committee. Interns have the unique opportunity to get an insider’s look at the work of AJC in areas such as diplomatic outreach, Israel advocacy, intergroup and interethnic relations, and public relations.
Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies Fellowship
The APAICS Fellowship provides exceptional graduates and young professionals with an opportunity to work on policy issues as full-time staff members (9-month position) of a Congressional office, Federal agency, or non-profit community organization.
California Capital Fellows Program
The Center administers four fellowship programs: Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship, Executive Fellowship, Judicial Administration Fellowship, and California Senate Fellows. These programs, known collectively as the Capital Fellows Programs, are nationally recognized. The 18 Assembly Fellows, 18 Senate Fellows, 18 Executive Fellows and 10 Judicial Administration Fellows receive an outstanding opportunity to engage in public service and prepare for future careers, while actively contributing to the development and implementation of public policy in California.
Charles G. Koch Associates Program
The Koch Associate Program is a challenging job opportunity for professionals who are passionate about free-market ideas, and want to become more effective at advancing liberty throughout their careers. The aim is to develop the capabilities of the Associates through the program by providing management training, professional development, and the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their career potential. While in the program, each Associate works four days a week in a full-time position at a reputable non–profit organization. Job opportunities are as diverse as Associates and range from policy research to communication and public relations.
City of Long Beach Management Assistant Program/ David M Wodynski Memorial Fellowship
The City of Long Beach Management Assistant Program offers an intense and fulfilling one-year apprenticeship filled with challenge, excitement, and tremendous opportunities for career and personal growth—not to mention a host of work-life benefits that are hard to match.
Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs
The Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs is a full-time, nine-month, graduate-level experiential leadership training program that prepares diverse, intelligent, and committed individuals for effective and ethical leadership in the public affairs arena. Unconventional by traditional academic standards, the Fellows Program is rigorous and demanding, an unparalleled opportunity for personal and professional growth. The Fellows Program is offered in Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and St. Louis.
Echoing Green Foundation Public Service Fellowships
Echoing Green is a private foundation that applies a venture capital approach to philanthropy. Through its Public Service Fellowship, the Foundation finds, attracts, and invests in a diverse group of emerging social entrepreneurs who plan to start up and lead innovative, replicable, and sustainable public service projects and organizations. The Fellowship provides a two-year award of $60,000, health benefits, and an online connectivity stipend. Because Echoing Green supports new non-profit organizations, the Foundation expects its Fellows to raise additional funds to support their work. Echoing Green accepts applications from individuals who are 18 years or older; have an innovative, original idea; are committed to working full time on their project for at least two years; and are in the start-up phase of their project.
The EP Impact Fellowship is an intensive, 10-month experience that helps turn rising leaders’ skills and passions for social good into new, tangible leadership opportunities — supporting educational equity and advancing careers, at the same time.
Friends Committee on National Legislation’s Young Fellows Program
FCNL Young Fellows spend 11 months working in Washington, DC, with key staff members to build expertise in advocacy from a public interest perspective. The program is full-time and paid a subsistence-level salary with benefits. Fellows work under the title “program assistant” and work directly with FCNL lobbyists and other senior staff, gaining first-hand knowledge of the legislative process and the organizing and communications work that is necessary for policy change.
Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab
We hire and train full-time Fellows who provide support to government agencies and collaborate closely with government innovators in leading impactful reform projects. Most of these projects are focused on solving difficult social problems such as criminal justice reform, child wellbeing, economic mobility in historically marginalized communities, among many others. At least two years of professional work experience is preferred for this role.
Possible locations for these roles include: Albuquerque or Santa Fe, NM; Alameda County, CA; Atlanta, GA; Detroit or Lansing, MI; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; Seattle, WA; Syracuse, NY; Washington DC; and Remote Positions (requires access to major U.S. airports for occasional travel).
Los Angeles County Management Fellows Program
The County Management Fellows Program is a two-year paid fellowship for individuals who want to pursue a career in County government. The program provides fellows with a unique opportunity to work in the most populous county in the nation. With 35 County departments, fellows participate in many dynamic programs and service-oriented operations such as children and family well-being, County business operations, community based programs, capital programs, health and mental health services, and public safety. The program is managed by the Department of Human Resources.
MENAR Fellowship Program
The MENAR Fellowship Program is working to achieve this objective by offering one-year post-graduation fellowships for top graduates of American colleges at leading organizations in the Middle East and North Africa. The program offers these graduates an opportunity to engage with the people and institutions of the Middle East through high-impact, professional fellowships; provides service organizations with passionate young professionals who can forge a bridge between the U.S. and the region and aid in the region’s development; and fosters a new generation of U.S. leaders in service, politics, and policy who have experience with the challenges the region faces and the potential it holds.
NYC Urban Fellow
The Urban Fellows Program is a highly selective, nine-month fellowship which combines work in Mayoral offices and City agencies with an intensive seminar series that explores current urban issues impacting public policy. Program participants are diverse and come from all over the country to work in New York City.
Presidential Management Fellowship
Bearing the Presidential moniker, the PMF Program is the Federal Government’s flagship leadership development program for advanced degree holders across all academic disciplines. It was established 45 years ago by Executive Order and has gone through changes over the years, but the essential mission remains the same: to recruit and develop a cadre of future government leaders drawn from all segments of society. Eligible individuals apply to be selected as Finalists. Finalists then have 12 months to secure an appointment as a Fellow, which is a two-year, full-time, paid fellowship at a Federal agency. The PMF Program creates a lasting bond among Fellows and Alumni. It also instills a spirit of public service, which, for Fellows who complete the program successfully, can ultimately encourage and lead to a career in government.
Luskin PMFs:
| Abraham | Cheung | MPP 2023 |
| David | Bortnick | MPP 2001 |
| Melissa | Paulding | MPP 2008 |
| Michael | Levine | MURP 1979 |
| Monica | Mata | MPP 2023 |
| R. Varisa | Patraporn | MPP, PhD Urban Planning 2007 |
| Shira | Bergstein | MPP 2012 |
| Sophia | Li | MPP 2022 |
| Tom | Schumacher | MPP 2012 |
San Francisco Foundation Multicultural Fellowship
The Fellowship is a l two-year, full-time program that includes:
- Experiential learning opportunities: Fellows work within a program team to learn how to advance racial and economic equity by leveraging grantmaking and other philanthropic tools.
- Personal and professional development: Fellows spend two years within a close-knit cohort, where they have the opportunity to receive individual coaching, refine their leadership and interpersonal skills, and practice systems change and movement building work.
- Insider access: Fellows engage with a wide variety of executives in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors through conferences, trainings, private meetings, and mentorship.
- Meaningful network: Fellows gain direct access to a community of partners in different types of philanthropic institutions and join an alumni network of nearly 100 leaders.
Scoville Peace Fellowship
The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship, established in 1987, is a highly-competitive national fellowship program that provides college graduates with the opportunity to gain a Washington perspective on key issues of peace and security. Twice yearly, the Fellowship’s Board of Directors selects a group of outstanding individuals to spend six to nine months in Washington. Supported by a stipend, the Fellows serve as full-time junior staff members at the participating organization of their choice. The program also arranges meetings for the Fellows with policy experts.
The Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program
The Rangel Program is a U.S. State Department program administered by Howard University that seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers as diplomats in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The program seeks individuals interested in helping to shape a freer, more secure, and prosperous world through formulating, representing, and implementing U.S. foreign policy. The Program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need.
San Francisco Fellows Program
The mission of the San Francisco Fellows program is to foster community stewardship by preparing recent college graduates and young professionals for roles in public service and administration.
US PIRG Fellowship
As a U.S. PIRG fellow, you’ll gain the hands-on experience it takes to organize public support. You’ll build expertise on an important issue, such as transportation solutions, health care reform, or toxic pollution cleanup. You’ll conduct research, craft policy solutions, act as a spokesperson to the media, build coalitions, write grants, and recruit activists and members. You’ll work alongside a senior mentor, and upon successful completion of the two-year program, you’ll be eligible for a leadership role within the organization.
White House Fellows Program
Founded in 1964, the White House Fellows Program is one of America’s most prestigious programs for leadership and public service. White House Fellowships offer first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the Federal government. White House Fellows typically spend a year working as full-time, paid special assistants to senior White House Staff, the Vice President, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top-ranking government officials. Fellows also participate in an education program consisting of roundtable discussions with renowned leaders from the private and public sectors, and trips to study U.S. policy in action both domestically and internationally.
