Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship 2026 in the United States

For graduates who want to shape global policy rather than simply observe it, the Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship 2026 is once again opening doors in Washington, DC. This prestigious fellowship continues to attract emerging professionals interested in nuclear security, arms control, climate security, and international peace policy.

The Scoville Fellowship has become one of the most respected early-career policy opportunities in the United States. Each year, a small cohort of fellows is selected to work directly with leading think tanks, advocacy organizations, and policy experts in Washington, DC. Fellows participate in real policy research, advocacy campaigns, and government engagement activities that influence decision-making in international peace and security.

For the 2026 fellowship cycle, applicants from around the world who have recently completed undergraduate or graduate studies and who are passionate about peace and security policy are encouraged to apply. The program provides funded placements at major policy institutions, allowing fellows to gain direct exposure to the policy ecosystem surrounding U.S. Congress, federal agencies, and international organizations.

What Makes the Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship a Career-Shaping Opportunity?

Unlike traditional internships, the Scoville Fellowship places participants directly inside organizations that actively influence international security policy. Fellows spend six to nine months working with research institutions and advocacy groups that specialize in nuclear nonproliferation, international diplomacy, arms control, climate security, and emerging global risks.

During the fellowship period, participants contribute to policy research, draft reports, assist with advocacy initiatives, attend congressional hearings, and help organize policy conferences. This hands-on experience allows fellows to build a strong professional foundation in policy analysis and international security governance.

Many former fellows have gone on to influential careers within the U.S. government, international organizations, academic institutions, global NGOs, and media outlets covering international affairs.

Funding and Professional Support Package

The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship provides a structured financial and professional support plan designed to allow fellows to focus fully on policy work while living in Washington, DC.

Selected fellows typically receive the following benefits:

• Monthly salary of approximately $3,885 during the fellowship period
• Fellowship duration of six to nine months
• Placement with leading policy research institutes and advocacy organizations
• Professional mentoring from senior policy experts and fellowship alumni
• $1,000 professional development allowance for conferences, meetings, or policy events
• Opportunities to attend policy discussions, congressional hearings, and global security forums
• Extensive networking opportunities with government officials, academics, and think-tank leaders

This financial structure ensures fellows can participate fully in Washington’s policy environment without financial barriers.

Key Policy Areas Fellows Work On

The fellowship encourages research and advocacy across multiple international peace and security domains. Fellows are typically placed in institutions working on issues such as:

1. Nuclear arms control and nonproliferation
2. Global peacebuilding initiatives
3. Climate security and environmental conflict risks
4. Emerging technologies and global security threats
5. International diplomacy and strategic stability
6. Defense policy and global governance frameworks

These policy areas reflect the growing complexity of global security challenges and ensure fellows contribute to meaningful research and policy discussions.

What’s New in the 2026 Fellowship Cycle?

For the 2026 fellowship cycle, the Scoville Fellowship continues to evolve in response to emerging global security challenges and changing policy priorities. Recent updates and developments include:

• Greater focus on emerging technology risks, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in global security policy.
• Expanded collaboration opportunities with organizations researching climate security and environmental conflict prevention.
• Increased emphasis on interdisciplinary policy expertise, combining international relations, science, technology, and public policy.
• Stronger mentoring and alumni engagement initiatives to support fellows’ long-term career development.

These adjustments ensure the fellowship remains aligned with the rapidly changing global security environment.

Who Can Apply for the Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship?

The fellowship is designed for early-career individuals who want to pursue professional careers in international security and peace policy.

Typical eligibility requirements include:

• Applicants must have recently completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Demonstrated academic background or interest in peace, security, international relations, or related policy fields.
• Strong academic performance and analytical skills.
• Excellent writing, research, and communication abilities.
• Evidence of commitment to public service, policy research, or advocacy work.
• Eligibility to work in the United States (U.S. citizens or eligible non-U.S. applicants with valid work authorization).

Candidates with backgrounds in political science, international relations, law, public policy, science, engineering, or environmental policy are particularly encouraged to apply.

Apply: https://theherbertscovillejrpeacefellowship.submittable.com/submit

The last date to apply for the Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship is March 7, 2026.