Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship 2026 Now Open: Paid Fellowship Opportunity in the USA for Emerging Global Peace Leaders

Applications are now open for the Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship 2026, a paid fellowship opportunity in the United States for recent graduates who are passionate about peace and security. Open to alumni of bachelor’s or master’s programs, this fellowship offers a fully funded experience in Washington, DC, where selected fellows will collaborate with top policy experts and senior staff at leading think tanks and advocacy organizations. The program focuses on involving individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to contribute meaningfully to policy development and conflict resolution on a global scale.

The duration of the fellowship ranges from six to nine months, starting between January 15 and April 1, 2026. Each fellow receives a monthly salary of $4,283, basic health insurance, travel costs to Washington, DC, and up to $1,200 for professional development. This funding can be used for attending policy-related conferences, registering for relevant courses, or covering travel and accommodation expenses for these events. Fellows are also provided with mentorship and networking opportunities through the program’s international board and a strong network of former fellows. Many past participants have gone on to impactful careers in government, international NGOs, academia, and the media.

During the fellowship, participants will co-develop a project with their host organization, focusing on one of five key areas: nuclear nonproliferation and weapons of mass destruction, peacebuilding and conflict resolution, the intersection of climate and security, emerging technology threats, or global health security. In addition to their main project, fellows are expected to engage in public awareness campaigns, strategic advocacy, policy meetings, congressional hearings, and expert-led discussions. These activities help fellows build both technical knowledge and professional networks in Washington’s policy circles.

To be eligible, applicants must hold a completed bachelor’s or master’s degree by the start date of the fellowship and demonstrate strong academic performance and communication skills. A clear interest in peace and security policy issues is essential. Previous experience in public-interest advocacy or activism is considered an asset. While the fellowship is open to U.S. citizens residing domestically or abroad, non-U.S. citizens may only apply if they are currently residing in the United States and already possess a valid U.S. work visa for the full duration of the fellowship. Those outside the United States or without work authorization are not eligible.

The application process is conducted online via Submittable. Applicants must submit a complete application that includes a personal essay, a policy essay, a detailed curriculum vitae, official transcripts, and two letters of reference. Incomplete applications or those missing required documents will not be considered. Once submitted, applicants will receive confirmation by email. The final deadline to apply for the Spring 2026 cohort is October 20, 2025.

This fellowship is a competitive yet transformative opportunity for individuals seeking to launch a career in peacebuilding, policy advocacy, and international security. It offers a unique chance to gain hands-on experience while contributing to pressing global issues through research, policy work, and public engagement in the heart of U.S. policy-making.