World on the Brink
Key dates and details
What a Fellow does
Silverado helps Fellows gain practical professional experience and build a network in Washington, DC. Fellows develop technical writing and research skills, become immersed in federal and international policy-making, and sow the seeds of career growth for years to come.
- In-person work at Silverado Policy Accelerator’s DC office, alongside Silverado professionals
- Guidance on policy-making in DC
- Networking with professionals in government, non-profits, business, and academia
- Career seminars with current DC policy leaders
- Mentoring in the professional field of interest
- Group visits to famous DC landmarks
- Research project presented at a capstone event with the Silverado team
What to know before you apply
Entering its fifth year in the Summer of 2027, the Fellowship is open to graduate students with backgrounds in economics, applied sciences, and international affairs who have little or no prior experience working and living in Washington, DC. Silverado helps Fellows gain practical professional experience and build a professional network, developing technical writing and research skills alongside an understanding of federal and international policy-making.
What the Fellowship provides
Fully funded · 8–10 weeksRound-trip travel expenses paid to relocate to DC for the summer, from anywhere in the United States
Student/intern housing cost covered and arranged by Silverado, available late May until early August
$5,000 — half at the start of the fellowship, half upon completion
Check that you’re eligible
Every applicant needs to meet all five of the following.
- A U.S. citizen or an individual with the appropriate authorization to work in the United States, such as through a valid work visa (e.g., F-1 student visa) or permanent residency status. Please note that Silverado is unable to sponsor work authorization for international students or provide any legal guidance regarding work authorization for the fellowship. Any offers extended are contingent upon the individual obtaining the necessary work authorization through their school or independently.
- Demonstrated experience or interest in Silverado’s policy areas of focus (trade, industrial security, climate/ecological/economic security)
- Enrolled Graduate student or undergraduate senior in a 4+1 program
- Interest in policy development and international relations
- No or limited experience or professional networks in Washington D.C. where this fellowship will be transformational for the students’ public policy career aspirations
Prepare your materials
Three required items, plus one optional.
- 01Resume or C.V.
- 02Unofficial transcripts for undergraduate and graduate work to date
- 03Cover letter stating why this Fellowship could be a game-changer for your future policy career and how your background makes you a fit in any of the Silverado policy areas of focus
- —Writing sampleOptional
Submit before January 9, 2027
Review begins November 2026 and continues on a rolling basis until the deadline — earlier applications are read earlier.
- Applications openOctober 2026
- Review beginsNovember 2026
- DeadlineJanuary 2027
Questions to john@silverado.org and brooklyn@silverado.org.
If you’re offered a placeConditions of the fellowship
Your offer is contingent upon successful completion of a full background check. On accepting an offer you will sign a contract committing to the following as conditions of receiving the complete Fellowship compensation:
- Provision of completed IRS I-9 form with accompanying documentation
- Compliance with all rules and regulations at the designated housing facility
- 40 hours per week of full-time work while in Washington DC
- Completion of the final project agreed upon with Silverado staff
- Half of your stipend at the start of the fellowship and the other half upon completion
In Fellows’ own words
Five alumni of the Fellowship, quoted in full.
The Catherine Hinman Memorial Fellowship allowed me to collaborate with leading professionals, research a topic of international relevance, and expand my network within one of the world’s most influential political hubs, Washington, D.C. It enhanced my understanding of the intersections between research and U.S. policy and inspired me to contribute to practical, knowledge-based approaches to global challenges.
As a Silverado Policy Fellow, I gained solid experiences focusing on the intersection of technology, and U.S.-China competition. The Silverado team provided great support and access. Since completing the Fellowship, I’ve gained even more clarity on my career direction, specifically regarding national competitiveness issues of the day.
The Catherine Hinman Memorial Fellowship was an amazing experience learning to navigate the DC policy environment, while building new skills through technical research. I learned so much from the incredibly supportive staff, the other fellows, and the many experienced professionals Silverado introduced us to. Applying to this program was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, I strongly recommend it!
As a Catherine Hinman Memorial Fellow, I was introduced to leading industry experts who not only shared their insights but also took the time to meet one-on-one, offering invaluable conversations and career guidance. The people at Silverado are truly exceptional, and sharing this experience with my fellow Fellows is something I will always cherish. At the same time, the Fellowship gave me the opportunity to study critical supply chains in depth, focusing on rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing capacity and ownership at the global scale. This combination of mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on research provided me with professional and technical experiences that were both eye-opening and transformative, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity.
I am so grateful for the time I spent as a Catherine Hinman Memorial Fellow. Silverado provided the perfect environment for practicing research and analysis skills while learning about critical and timely policy issues. The mentorship I received and the skills I developed enabled me to establish a solid foundation for a career in policy. The connections I made during the fellowship have also helped me network with experts in the field and identify specific roles that would best suit me. The experience was a truly pivotal turning point in my life and career!
Apply for the Summer 2027 cohort
The Fellowship is open to graduate students in economics, applied sciences, and international affairs with little or no prior experience working in Washington, DC. Applications open October 2026. Review begins November 2026 and continues on a rolling basis until the deadline on January 9, 2027.