Paid Summer Opportunity for Young Changemakers: Are you a passionate young changemaker looking to gain real-world experience while getting paid this summer? The Henry Wallace Fellowship 2025 is now accepting applications, offering an exciting, fully-paid opportunity for aspiring activists and community leaders. Hosted by the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS), this fellowship provides a 10-week immersive experience in Washington, D.C., where fellows learn the ropes of public scholarship, advocacy, and grassroots organizing, while working on real-world campaigns that aim to create lasting societal impact.
Whether you’re a high school senior, college student, or recent graduate, this program is designed to help you grow into a well-rounded leader ready to tackle critical issues like climate justice, economic inequality, racial equity, peacebuilding, and more. With structured learning, professional mentorship, and practical projects, it’s a truly transformative experience for anyone ready to step into the world of progressive social change.
Henry Wallace Fellowship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Duration | June 2 to August 8, 2025 (10 weeks) |
| Location | Washington, D.C. (Hybrid: In-person & remote) |
| Application Deadline | March 31, 2025 |
| Compensation | $18/hour |
| Eligibility | Young activists, students, or recent grads committed to justice movements |
| Official Website | IPS Henry Wallace Fellowship |
The Henry Wallace Fellowship 2025 is more than just a paid summer job—it’s an educational, empowering, and community-driven experience that sets young changemakers on the path to lifelong impact. Whether you’re a rising activist or an aspiring scholar, this opportunity equips you with the tools, training, and network needed to shape a better future.
What Is the Henry Wallace Fellowship?
The Henry A. Wallace Fellowship Program was created to train the next generation of activists, researchers, and advocates through hands-on experience and mentorship. This unique program blends the academic world with grassroots organizing, helping young people understand how to connect research, storytelling, and social justice advocacy. Fellows are guided in developing their voices, sharpening their writing, and understanding the deep systemic issues shaping our world today.
Named after Henry A. Wallace—a forward-thinking leader who served as Vice President under Franklin D. Roosevelt—the fellowship honors his legacy of championing equality, sustainable agriculture, peace, and progressive public policy. Wallace believed that the power of knowledge, when paired with action, could build a more equitable society. That belief remains the cornerstone of this program.
Why This Fellowship Stands Out
Many internships and fellowships are unpaid or limited to routine office tasks that offer minimal growth. But the Henry Wallace Fellowship flips the script in a big way:
- You’re paid fairly for your time and contributions—no unpaid labor.
- You work on real issues like climate change, housing justice, public health disparities, and anti-racism campaigns.
- You are mentored by experts—activists, policy researchers, and communication specialists who’ve spent decades in the field.
- You join a national network of changemakers and alumni who have advanced into impactful careers.
This is more than just a summer job—it’s a catalyst for your career in activism, public policy, nonprofit management, journalism, or community leadership. It’s also an empowering experience where your voice is not only heard but uplifted.
What You Can Expect: A Week in the Life
Let’s break down what a typical week might look like in this immersive program:
- Monday: Join your mentor at the IPS office to dive into environmental justice research and data analysis.
- Tuesday: Collaborate with peers to draft social media campaigns, policy briefs, and blog posts for IPS publications.
- Wednesday: Attend a dynamic workshop on “Strategic Communications for Movements”—learning how to craft narratives that inspire change.
- Thursday: Conduct remote interviews, synthesize community feedback, and brainstorm campaign strategies.
- Friday: Present findings at a strategy roundtable with partner organizations like Greenpeace, Color of Change, or Black Lives Matter.
Beyond this, fellows also:
- Participate in biweekly intensive workshops covering policy research, storytelling for justice, media outreach, and power mapping.
- Receive 1-on-1 career coaching to explore paths in academia, policy, journalism, or advocacy.
- Attend public events, town halls, and symposiums with thought leaders.
- Engage in intergenerational dialogue with past fellows and movement veterans.
- Build their writing portfolios, with the opportunity to publish on IPS platforms.
Who can Apply?
This fellowship is about more than experience. It’s about commitment. If you’re deeply driven to create a more just world, this could be the launchpad you’ve been waiting for.
Ideal candidates include:
- Individuals aged 18–28
- Students, community organizers, writers, or budding policy advocates
- People passionate about racial, environmental, economic, gender, or global justice
- Self-starters with ideas, curiosity, and empathy
- Residents of (or those able to relocate to) the Washington, D.C. area for June and July
There’s no “perfect” background—your dedication, values, and lived experience matter most. Whether you’ve led a protest, written op-eds for your school paper, or simply asked bold questions in the classroom, you belong here.
How to Apply for Paid Summer Opportunity for Young Changemakers
The application process is designed to be clear and accessible. Here’s how to get started:
1. Visit the Official Website
Head to the Henry Wallace Fellowship page to explore program details, FAQs, and past participant stories.
2. Gather Your Application Materials
You’ll be asked to submit:
- A current resume highlighting education, volunteer work, and leadership roles
- A writing sample—this can be a blog post, essay, article, or policy analysis
- Short essay responses that explain your passion for justice and goals for the fellowship
3. Submit the Online Application
Complete the digital form available here. Double-check for accuracy and upload all required documents.
4. Meet the Deadline
The final date to apply is March 31, 2025. Applications submitted after this date will not be considered. Early submissions are encouraged.
Career Benefits and Long-Term Impact
This program opens doors. Here’s what you’ll gain:
- A polished professional portfolio with published work and policy contributions
- Direct mentorship from seasoned researchers and organizers
- Enhanced leadership skills in public speaking, project planning, and advocacy
- Career exploration through connections with nonprofits, media outlets, and think tanks
- Lasting relationships with peers and mentors that support your growth long after the summer ends
Alumni of the fellowship have launched careers at:
- The United Nations
- Environmental Defense Fund
- Amnesty International
- Congressional offices
- Think tanks, advocacy orgs, and media hubs like Democracy Now!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Paid Summer Opportunity for Young Changemakers
Who can apply for the Henry Wallace Fellowship?
Anyone aged 18 to 28 who is passionate about justice and available for 10 weeks in the summer can apply.
Is it necessary to live in Washington, D.C.?
Yes. Fellows are expected to be physically present in Washington, D.C. for June and July. The final week of the program may be completed remotely if needed.
Do I need prior experience in activism?
Not at all. The program is designed for people at all experience levels. Passion, potential, and a willingness to grow are the top priorities.
What kinds of projects will I work on?
Projects vary, but could include writing op-eds, analyzing policy, supporting advocacy campaigns, or conducting community-based research.
How much will I get paid?
Fellows are compensated $18 per hour, working an average of 34 hours each week. That totals over $6,000 across the 10-week program.
Can international students apply?
Unfortunately, the program is currently only open to applicants who are eligible to work in the U.S.
