Live and Learn Policy in the Nation’s Capital
Spend a year in Washington, D.C. combining graduate coursework with hands-on policy experience. Fellows work full time in leading agencies, congressional offices, or think tanks while continuing their Georgia Tech studies. The program brings together the best of both worlds: a rigorous academic foundation and a front-row seat to the policymaking process.
Note: Current degree-seeking graduate students in the Georgia Tech School of Public Policy are eligible. MSEEM students may complete their capstone during the program.
How it Works
As a Byers Fellow, you’ll spend 12 months in D.C., enrolled at Georgia Tech while working in a host organization. Placements may include congressional committees, federal agencies, or major NGOs such as the Energy & Environment Study Institute, Alliance to Save Energy, or Brookings. You don’t need to secure a host in advance — faculty mentors help finalize the placement before you begin.
While in D.C., you’ll stay connected to Georgia Tech through faculty mentorship and a reduced course load. Fellows maintain at least 3 credits per term, often through capstone or internship credits that tie directly to their professional work.
Support That Lets You Focus
The fellowship provides financial backing so you can concentrate on your work and studies:
- If your placement pays less than $7,500/month, the program supplements your stipend up to that amount.
- If unpaid, you receive the full $7,500/month.
- Tuition is covered in both cases.
Whether your internship is paid or unpaid by your host, you won’t have to choose between professional experience and financial stability.
What You’ll Gain
The Byers Fellowship is more than a résumé line — it’s a year of deep immersion in policymaking. You’ll:
- Contribute to projects that connect your academic expertise with real-world policy debates.
- Build a professional network in D.C. with leaders, alumni, and mentors.
- Develop skills in policy writing, data analysis, and communication that will carry into any career path.
Q&A About the Byers Fellowship
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This is not required, but it is helpful to have a sponsoring organization in mind. It’s even better to have confirmation of their willingness to work with you if accepted.
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There is no strong preference. Projects may be entirely new or continue existing work within the host organization.
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Yes. It is intended to be a continuous, year-long fellowship. Some customization may be possible, but fellows must maintain enrollment at Georgia Tech and may not complete degree requirements until their final semester in the program.
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Fellows must enroll in at least 3 credits each semester while in the program. Internship credits are available and can be applied toward the degree in consultation with advisors.
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Fellows remain subject to Georgia Tech’s mandatory student health insurance policy, including graduate students with tuition waivers or fellowships and all international students on F or J visas. Fellows should confirm their coverage before arrival and identify healthcare providers in Washington, D.C. Note that mental health providers must be licensed in the state of practice, so students may need to establish care locally.
Apply to the Byers Graduate Fellowship
Applicants should submit a single PDF that includes an unofficial transcript, a résumé or CV, and a 300-word statement of purpose. The statement should explain the policy challenge you hope to address, the type of host organization you’d like to join, and the project you propose.
School of Public Policy faculty makes fellowship selections. Cohorts typically begin in May and run for 12 months. Applicants must remain enrolled at Georgia Tech for the duration of the fellowship.
Please email your PDF application with the file name “LastName_FirstName_ByersFellowship.pdf” to Nicole Brundage by February 16. Use the subject line: “Byers Fellowship Application – LastName, FirstName.”