American Political Science Association Scholarship

Name: APSA Public Scholarship Program (Centennial Center)

Award Amount: $2,000 stipend

Information And Eligibility:
The APSA Public Scholarship Program, administered through the American Political Science Association’s Centennial Center, is a competitive, year-long fellowship designed to help doctoral students in political science translate academic research into clear, accessible public-facing content. This fully remote, 12-month program focuses on building practical skills in public scholarship, research communication, and knowledge translation for nonacademic audiences.

Fellows selected for the program work closely with APSA staff to produce concise, engaging summaries of recently published political science research. These summaries are written for a general audience and are featured on PoliticalScienceNow.com, APSA’s official public scholarship platform. Fellows’ work is also promoted through APSA social media channels and may be selected for publication in Political Science Today, APSA’s quarterly member magazine. Through this exposure, participants gain valuable experience communicating complex political science findings beyond academic journals.

The program begins with a virtual orientation and includes structured training sessions throughout the fellowship year. Fellows participate in workshops on writing for the public, framing research for policy and civic audiences, and engaging responsibly with media and online platforms. Guest speakers and presenters include scholars, editors, journalists, and practitioners with expertise in public scholarship and research dissemination. These professional development components are designed to strengthen fellows’ ability to connect scholarship with real-world conversations and public understanding.

Eligible applicants must be doctoral students in political science who have completed at least one year of graduate study by the start of the fellowship. While fellows come from a wide range of substantive subfields, successful applicants typically demonstrate strong writing ability, intellectual curiosity, and a clear interest in public engagement. Prior experience with public-facing writing is helpful but not required; the program emphasizes training and mentorship.

Fellows commit to producing multiple research summaries over the course of the fellowship year and are expected to meet established deadlines and editorial standards. The $2,000 stipend recognizes the time and effort required to produce high-quality public scholarship while allowing fellows to balance research, coursework, and teaching responsibilities. The fellowship does not require relocation and is compatible with full-time graduate study.

The APSA Public Scholarship Program is particularly valuable for students considering academic, policy, nonprofit, journalism, or public-facing research careers. Participants leave the program with a published body of work, editorial experience, professional connections, and a clearer understanding of how political science research can inform public discourse. The fellowship also strengthens scholars’ ability to communicate responsibly and effectively in an increasingly complex media environment.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a doctoral student in political science.
• Must have completed at least the first year of graduate study.
• Must demonstrate interest in public scholarship and public-facing research communication.
• Must be able to write clearly for a general, nonacademic audience.

Application Requirements:

• Completed online APSA Public Scholarship Program application.
• Statement of interest outlining commitment to public scholarship.
• Writing sample demonstrating clarity and accessibility.
• Additional materials as specified by APSA.

Deadline: September

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