Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026: Remote Opportunity
Are you a student or recent graduate passionate about how technology shapes government and public services? The Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026 offers a remote chance to dive into real-world tech policy work. This part-time program connects you with state and local governments to tackle issues like AI rules, internet access, data privacy, cybersecurity, and online public services.
Program Overview
The Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026 runs from May 27 to August 14, 2026. It is fully remote, so you can join from anywhere in the US. Fellows spend about 8-10 hours each week on tasks like research, analysis, and creating policy ideas that governments can use right away.
You will work in teams with government partners on projects that solve actual problems. The focus stays on technology’s role in better governance and public good. Even though it is unpaid this year due to funding changes, the experience builds skills for future roles in policy and tech.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
Governments need people who get both tech and policy as they use digital tools more each day. This fellowship fills that gap by letting early-career folks contribute to real decisions. It opens doors in a field that is hard to enter without connections.
By joining, you help create fairer tech policies with fresh views from diverse backgrounds. Your work could improve services for communities, like safer data handling or wider broadband reach. This sets you up for jobs in public policy, civic tech, or social impact work.
Skills and Benefits You Will Build
Fellows get hands-on practice in policy research, writing reports, and breaking down complex issues. You learn how governments handle tech topics through workshops, guest speakers, and mentor advice. Team meetings and partner check-ins show you real workflows.
Beyond skills, you grow a network with other fellows, alumni, and experts in tech policy. This links you to Paragon’s larger community for future research, events, or jobs. The experience strengthens your resume with proof of impact on public challenges.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Rules
To qualify, you must be in school now (undergrad, grad, law, or PhD) or graduated within the last year. You need to live mostly in the US with work rights, like US citizen, permanent resident, or visas such as F-1 OPT, CPT, STEM OPT, or J-1. International students check if their visa allows off-campus work.
Commit to 8-10 hours weekly, join virtual meetings, and stay for the full term. Be free for group trial interviews from May 17-20, 2026. Past fellows cannot reapply.
How to Apply Step by Step
Start with the online form on Paragon’s site. Share your background, school info, short essays on your interests, and a 3-5 page writing sample. Answer questions on your time, skills, and tech policy topics you like.
Top applicants move to group interviews May 17-20, 2026. Have work authorization proof ready if picked. The deadline is April 30, 2026, at 8:59 PM PT (11:59 PM ET). Submit early to avoid issues.
Apply now through the official Paragon application page. This remote role lets you make a difference in tech policy from home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026?
It is a part-time, remote program from May 27 to August 14, 2026, where fellows work 8-10 hours weekly on tech policy projects with state and local governments.
Is the fellowship paid?
No, it is unpaid this year due to funding changes, but it builds skills and networks for tech policy careers.
Who is eligible to apply?
Current students in undergrad, grad, law, or PhD programs, or recent graduates within the last year, who live in the US and have work authorization.
What is the application deadline and process?
The deadline is April 30, 2026, at 8:59 PM PT. Submit an online form with essays and a writing sample; top applicants do group interviews May 17-20.