The Ohio State University Institute for Democratic Engagement & Accountability
The Institute for Democratic Engagement & Accountability’s (IDEA) Summer Democracy Fellowship launched in 2026. IDEA is seeking applications for the second cohort of fellows for Summer of 2027.
From the end of May through mid-August, fellows will work inside congressional offices or organizations adjacent to the Hill, gaining firsthand experience with federal lawmaking while bringing IDEA’s perspective on democratic engagement and innovation to Capitol Hill. They will contribute to the daily operations of national policymaking. This includes researching democratic innovations, drafting briefing memos, and assisting with constituent service projects. This first-hand exposure will allow future leaders to understand the complexities of federal law making while providing essential support to the offices strengthening our democratic institutions.
IDEA will work to place fellows in Democratic, Republican, and nonpartisan offices. This will be a full-time internship. Fellows will be working in Washington, DC from the end of May through the first week of August 2027. Commitment to the full duration of the program is mandatory for participation, though exact start/end dates may vary slightly based on the assigned Congressional office schedule.
IDEA provides fellows with the following:
Any student that is a second year and above is eligible to apply except for graduating seniors.
To apply for the Summer Democracy Fellowship, please complete the form below, attach all required documents, and hit submit by midnight on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
If you have any questions, please email democracyinstitute@osu.edu.
Late applications will not be considered.
List any courses (with course numbers and titles) you have completed in political science, public affairs, sociology, research methods, or statistics.
Please upload your written responses as one PDF.
Personal Statement: Indicate your reasons for wanting to participate in the Summer Democracy Fellowship, why you would be a good representative of IDEA, and how this opportunity furthers your career goals. (Word limit: 500)
Congressional Cover Letter: Please write a cover letter as if you were applying for an internship with a Congressional office. You can write this to a specific member or committee you are interested in working for or keep it general (i.e. Congressman, Congresswoman, Senator). Please limit the cover letter to one page.
Please upload your Resume or CVUpload requirements: one file only, 5 MB limit