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The Federal Fellows Program combines a fall seminar course taught by industry experts with a spring internship in the DC metropolitan area. Throughout the year, fellows are supported with professional development workshops, one-on-one resume and interview reviews, and federally-related events. The program's mission is to prepare talented and diverse undergraduate students to excel in professional internships and to pursue careers of influence and impact, especially in the public sector.

Image of Federal Fellow Alumna Sofia Ricciardi

CDC Public Health Associate Program

Federal Fellows alumna Sofia Ricciardi (Public Health Policy 2020) was accepted into the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Public Health Associate Program and is helping mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Hawaii. She is also completing a Community Health Worker certificate program from the University of Hawaii.

Many diverse new Fellows students in a ballroom listning to Jonathan Lee speaking on stage in front of the UMD Fellows Program Logo

Fall 2023 Kickoff!

The UMD Fellows Program welcomed new students on Friday, Sep. 8, at its annual Kickoff. Students gathered to learn about the program, meet their cohort, chat with program staff, and connect with alums of the program. Director Joan Burton shared introductory remarks and three alums, Jessica (Preusch) Weinberg, (Te-hsuan) Jonathan Lee, and Ashwin Suryavanshi, spoke about their experience in the program. Energetic networking swept the ballroom after the talks concluded. The Kickoff marked the beginning of a promising year for students.

Image of Federal Fellow Alumnus Veeraj Shah

Gates-Cambridge Scholarship

Federal Fellows alumnus (Public Health Policy 2019) Veeraj Shah has been awarded the Gates-Cambridge Scholarship. He will use this to pursue a PhD in Public health and Primary Care, where he will conduct research that leverages technology for improved cancer prevention. Upon returning to the US, Veeraj will pursue an MD at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai towards his ultimate career goal of improving healthcare as a physician, public health researcher, and policymaker.

Federal Fellows on Field Trip

Political Engagement & Advocacy Concentration

The fall course will examine questions and issues in the practice of political engagement and advocacy. The seminar will focus on the art of building a lifetime of political engagement (at local, state, or national levels) and will cover such topics as how to participate in the political process, advocate for causes, run for office, and influence or make policy.

Image of Energy Professor Ed Fendley

Federal Fellows Faculty

Ed Fendley, professor of the Energy and Enviromental Policy seminar, has served in the Federal government for over 30 years, specializing in climate change and sustainable development. His current position is in the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Community Revitalization, where he helps people build walkable, healthy and economically vibrant neighborhoods.

The Federal Fellows Experience

During the fall semester, students learn about the policy-making process and discuss subject-based issues in a seminar course led by an industry expert. In the spring semester, students complete an internship in a federal agency, Congressional office, or related organization — including NGOs, nonprofits, think tanks, or private industry. During the internship, they apply lessons from the seminar course and supplementary courses to real-life situations. For additional international program concentrations, please visit our sister program, Global Fellows in Washington, DC


Fall Seminars

Learn about leadership and domestic policy in a fall seminar course taught
by expert practitioners and
leaders in their field.


Spring Internships

Intern for credit in the spring at a federal agency, congressional office, NGO, nonprofit, think tank, or
private industry firm.


Supplementary Courses

Increase your learning experience through University of Maryland supplementary courses chosen
for the Federal Fellows Program.


Professional Opportunities

Attend out-of-class events that
explore policy, public service, concentration-related topics, and
professional development.

News and Updates

Alumni Good News

Image of Rebecca GordonFederal Fellows alumna (Public Health Policy 2020) Rebecca Gordon has been awarded the Undergraduate Researcher of The Year 2021 Award. As a Global Public Health Individual Studies major, Rebecca has been fortunate to perform various global research projects, including a qualitative study of sub-Saharan African children's experiences with COVID-19 and her Capstone Project on COVID-19 vaccine acceptability in Kenya. She has also performed research as a Health Policy Intern at Families USA, a health care advocacy organization, and co-authored a paper on the impact of coverage gaps on COVID-19 cases and fatalities. Following graduation, Rebecca will continue her work at Families USA as a Policy Project Coordinator. She aims to bring her academic research skills to the field of public health policy and advocacy.

Federal & Global Fellows Newsletters

Image of Fellows Program Newsletter Read our latest 2020 & 2021 Newsletter for the Federal & Global Fellows Programs. Learn about the growth of our programs; hear from alumni, current students, and faculty; and keep in touch with your peers; and learn ways to give back and stay involved. For additional program/alumni updates, refer to our 2019 newsletter, 2018 newsletter, 2017 newsletter, and 2016 newsletter!