The Political Engagement Project (PEP) promotes, develops, and nurtures the capacity for leadership and careers in public service and politics. Up to twelve junior public policy majors are selected each year as PEP Fellows.
The program is a joint initiative of Polis: Center for Politics and the Hart Leadership Program, and is made possible through the generosity of the Carrin M. Patman legacy gift.
Click here to view a recording of the information session which was held on Oct. 1.
The program is a joint initiative of Polis: Center for Politics and the Hart Leadership Program, and is made possible through the generosity of the Carrin M. Patman legacy gift.
As PEP Fellows, students will receive financial assistance of up to $2,500 for their Sanford summer internship and/or their Honors Thesis work.
Each student will have access to an additional $500 from a PEP Impact Fund to implement a public-facing project during their senior year.
These financial benefits are in addition to the cohort experience of a Hart Leadership Program course spring of junior year, engagement with guest speakers and participation in training and mentoring activities centered on running for political office or building careers in public policy.
PEP Fellows:
- Participate in a special section of PPS590 – Democracy Lab in Spring 2021.
- Use PEP financial support for their internship or Honors Thesis work the summer between their junior and senior years.
- Complete guided reflections over the summer.
- Participate in special opportunities with invited guests and speakers.
- Undertake a public-facing project their senior year (with access to the PEP Impact Fund)
Eligible participants are public policy majors who apply during the fall of their junior year. Selected students will serve as PEP Fellows until their graduation from the Sanford School.
The selection committee will consider students with a broad range of public policy interests but will pay special attention to those with aspirations for public office or political work more broadly.
Applications will be accepted until 5 PM ET on Thursday, October 15.
What is the commitment?
PEP Fellows:
• Participate in a special section of PPS590 – Democracy Lab in Spring 2021.
• Use PEP financial support for their internship or Honors Thesis work the summer between their junior and senior years.
• Complete guided reflections over the summer.
• Participate in special opportunities with invited guests and speakers, and with the PolicyLab.
• Undertake a public-facing project their senior year (with access to the PEP Impact Fund)
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible participants are public policy majors who apply during the fall of their junior year. Selected students will serve as PEP Fellows until their graduation from the Sanford School.
The selection committee will consider students with a broad range of public policy interests but will pay special attention to those with aspirations for public office or political work more broadly.
What are the benefits?
As PEP Fellows, students will receive financial assistance of up to $2,500 for their Sanford summer internship and/or their Honors Thesis work.
Each student will have access to an additional $500 from a PEP Impact Fund to implement a public-facing project during their senior year.
These financial benefits are in addition to the cohort experience of a Hart Leadership Program course spring of junior year, engagement with guest speakers and participation in training and mentoring activities centered on running for political office or building careers in public policy.
When is the application deadline?
Applications will be accepted until 5 PM ET on Thursday, October 15.
For questions about the PEP Fellows experience, please contact Ana Ramirez (ana.ramirez@duke.edu) or Anna Knier (anna.knier@duke.edu).
For technical help in submitting your application or to request an accommodation, please contact Anna Knier.
An information session on the program was held on October 1 at 7 PM ET. You may view the recording here.