About
Each year, the Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service program places 50 undergraduates from five universities, ten of them from USC, in internships at local, state, and federal government offices and agencies. Founded in 2015 and shaped by Schaeffer’s own experience as a congressional intern, the program gives Fellows a firsthand understanding of government, provides professional development and mentorship, and prepares them to become civic leaders.
Our Mission
The Leonard D. Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service program funds government internships, provides professional development, and fosters mentorship for undergraduate students with exceptional potential. Schaeffer Fellows gain experience-based knowledge of government operations, a deeper understanding of the impact of public service, and the skills and motivation to join the next generation of civic leaders.
A National Cohort
Schaeffer Fellows are selected from five universities – Harvard University; Princeton University; the University of California, Berkeley; the University of Southern California; and the University of Virginia. Fellows represent a diversity of backgrounds, political perspectives, and academic disciplines but common among them is an interest in learning how government operates. Learn more about the national Schaeffer Fellows program.
Growing Impact
Since 2015, the program has supported over 500 Schaeffer Fellows in more than 300 offices and agencies at all levels of government. Now endowed as a flagship program in the USC Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy & Government Service, the program will continue to support 50 Fellows each summer and the growing alumni community.
Key Themes
The Schaeffer Fellows program is grounded in the following four key themes. These themes are explored through a variety of sessions throughout the summer and Schaeffer Fellows Resource Guide.
Reflecting on Core Values
Exploring Leadership Lessons
Collaborating and Networking
Exploring Transferable Skills
High-Level Summer Internships
Schaeffer Fellows receive financial and developmental support to complete ten-week, full-time government internships at all levels. Internships are secured independently or through program partner offices. During the summer, Fellows:
- interact with government officials and constituents
- track legislation
- conduct research
- draft policy memos and constituent letters
- attend meetings, hearings, and events
- support program development and implementation
- contribute to daily office operations
- develop lasting professional networks with government officials and other interns
Meet Our Team
Erica Lovano McCann, Ed.D., Executive Director
Dr. Erica Lovano McCann partnered with Leonard Schaeffer to establish the Schaeffer Fellows in Government Service program at the University of Southern California in 2015 and subsequently led its expansion to additional partner universities. As Executive Director, she advances the program’s strategic priorities, oversees the design and implementation of all programming, and ensures a consistent and high-quality experience for Fellows.
Lovano McCann works closely with the Schaeffer Fellows Advisory Board to carry forward the program’s long-term mission and aspirations. Under her leadership, the program has strengthened institutional collaboration and cultivated a vibrant nationwide network of alumni.
Willa Erickson, M.Ed., Assistant Director
Willa Erickson joined the Schaeffer Fellows program in 2019 and has since played a central role in strengthening its visibility and operations. As Assistant Director, she coordinates national communications, supports programming for Fellows and alumni, and facilitates assessment and reporting to demonstrate program impact.
Based at the University of Southern California, Erickson also manages USC’s annual selection and internship placement process, collaborating with government offices and agencies to secure meaningful internships opportunities and pairing Fellows with supportive alumni mentors.
Contact us
Our staff is available to answer questions about the Schaeffer Fellows program, partnerships, and events.