Each year, ten USC students are selected as Schaeffer Fellows to complete full-time internships (35-40 hours per week) for ten weeks, typically running from late May through mid-August.
Before starting an application, carefully review the information under “Selection Process” tab
2026 Application Timeline
- November 3, 2025: Online Application opens
- January 20, 2026: Application Deadline by 11:59pm PT
- Early February: First-round interviews with USC staff
- March-April: Hiring pool for university-secured and self-secured internships
- Mid-April: USC Schaeffer Fellows cohort confirmed on a rolling basis (timeline subject to change)
- Mid-May: Virtual Orientation for the central program
- Late May: Internships begin (no later than June 1st)
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following by the campus deadline:
- Online Application Form including: personal and academic information, statement of interest in becoming a Schaeffer Fellow, policy area(s) of interest, and internship preferences.
- Candidates will rank their top three university-secured positions (at least one brief cover letter required) or provide details about in-progress self-secured internship applications.
- Applicants pursuing self-secured opportunities may still indicate interest in university-secured positions.
- Résumé (2 pages max.) including education, work history, public service experience, and other relevant skills.
- Two recommendation forms with at least one from a USC faculty member. Applicants invite two referees to complete a form through the online application (preview recommendation form). Recommendation forms must be submitted by the application deadline.
Applicants should carefully review “Selection Process” prior to starting an application. This section includes details on the selection process and a list of prospective university-secured internships.