Invitation to Apply to the CSPC Presidential Fellows Program for 2023-2024

The Department of Political Science invites full-time undergraduate students at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities who are interested in conducting academic research on the Presidency, the national policymaking process, or the President’s relationships with Congress and other political actors to apply for the Presidential Fellows Program offered by the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC).

The Presidential Fellows Program is a year-long, non-resident program in which students:

• conduct original academic research culminating in a 10-15 page research paper
• consult regularly with a professional Mentor chosen to match their interests
• travel to Washington D.C. for a leadership conference
• engage with national political leaders throughout the year
• build a network of peers from across the US and around the world

Only one student per year will be chosen from the University of Minnesota to participate in this long-standing and prestigious program. That student will be known as The Eiger Family Presidential Fellow. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in conducting political research and participating in American national politics. The CSPC will cover the cost of lodging for the conference in Washington, D.C. and the Department will pay for airfare.

Application Deadline: Sunday, February 26, 2023

Requirements for Fellows

• Fellows must meet all deadlines for the Program or forfeit their status in the Program
• Fellows must engage with their assigned Mentor
• Fellows must attend a policy conference in Washington, D.C. (typically in mid-to-late spring)
• Fellows must produce a 10-15 page research paper on a subject relevant to the U.S. Presidency and/or the Congress
• Fellows must also write an op-ed and a policy memo over the course of the Fellowship year

Recommended Qualifications for Applicants

• Strong academic credentials, including a minimum G.P.A. of 3.25
• Strong interest in American national government (evidenced in coursework, papers, internships)
• Skilled at and comfortable with writing, speaking, and presenting in academic settings
• Responsible, open to constructive criticism, and willing to engage with mentors
• Demonstrated time-management skills: ability to meet deadlines while taking a demanding course load and/or completing internships or working in a paid job
• Preference will be given to students in the final two years of their undergraduate education
• The Fellowship Program is open to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens, and we strongly encourage students from diverse backgrounds to apply

The student chosen for the Fellowship will be notified by late April. Their name will then be forwarded to the CSPC, which will contact the student in early September.

To Apply

Please submit the following materials through this link: z.umn.edu/CSPCPresidentialFellows

• Current UofM Transcript
• Personal Statement – Describe your planned or possible academic research topic. Explain why you are interested in this topic or how it grows out of your past coursework, research, or political activities. Your statement should be 1-2 pages, single-spaced.
• One Letter of Recommendation from a college instructor who can speak to your research, writing, speaking, and presentation skills and your preparation to participate actively in the CSPC Fellowship Program. You can submit the letter through the Google Docs form linked above OR your letter writer can submit the letter directly to Paul Soper at: psoper@umn.edu
• One Writing Sample – preferably a research paper on a topic within the social sciences

For more information about the program, watch this Zoom recording.

If you have any questions about the Eiger Family Presidential Fellowship or the application process, please contact Paul Soper at psoper@umn.edu