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We’re excited to open applications for uAspire’s Fall 2025 Policy Fellowship—a paid opportunity for college students who are ready to drive change in higher education. This fellowship is designed for students who have personally navigated the financial aid system and are passionate about making it more equitable, simple, and transparent.

Fellows must be enrolled in college in California, Massachusetts, or New York. uAspire runs two different fellowship programs: one in the fall and one in the spring.

Fall semester program: Over the course of the fall semester, participants will focus on policy research, coalition-building, and strategy development in preparation for upcoming legislative sessions. Fellows will also take part in advocacy activities and meetings with elected officials, gaining hands-on experience in policymaking. A key highlight of the semester is the capstone project: organizing an event focused on financial aid policy. Applications for the fall semester are open now.

Spring semester program: In the spring, the Policy Fellowship shifts its focus to legislative advocacy. Fellows dive deeper into policymaking by tracking legislation, meeting with policymakers, and writing media pieces to advance advocacy efforts. Spring fellows also participate in advocacy days at state capitols and in Washington, D.C. Applications for the spring semester will open in October.

Commitment
Fellows can expect to dedicate about eight hours per week to the program. Throughout the semester, they’ll receive mentorship and guidance from uAspire policy directors as they work on written advocacy projects and deepen their understanding of financial aid policy. The fellowship includes video conference trainings, virtual team meetings, and independent research and advocacy work—all designed to build practical skills and real-world experience.

Schedule
The Fall 2025 Policy Fellowship will run from September 8 to December 5, 2025. Fellows will meet weekly with a uAspire policy director and join virtual cohort meetings every other Monday from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm PT / 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET on the following dates:

• September 8 & 22

• October 6 & 20

• November 3 & 17

• December 1

In addition to virtual sessions, fellows will also participate in a required in-person orientation on September 12, from 9:00 am – 1:30 pm local time in one of the following cities: Boston, New York City, or Sacramento. 

Eligibility
To apply, students must be undergraduate college students who will hold sophomore standing or higher in Fall 2025 and be at least 18 years old. Students may be enrolled either full- or part-time and must attend college in California, Massachusetts, or New York. Applicants must also meet one of the following financial aid criteria:

• Be a Pell Grant recipient, or

• Have completed the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA), the New York Dream Act Application, or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Students must also be authorized to work in the United States.

uAspire is committed to building a cohort of fellows who bring diverse lived experiences and college backgrounds, equipping our team to champion student-centered change in higher education policy. We’re looking for students curious about policymaking, passionate about equity, and ready to use their voice to make a difference.

Location
The fellowship is a virtual program, with students participating remotely alongside peers from across California, Massachusetts, and New York. Reliable internet access and a laptop with a video camera are required for weekly video meetings.

There will be one in-person event—an orientation in either Boston, Sacramento, New York City, or Albany. uAspire will cover all travel expenses.

Compensation & Application Details
Fellows will receive a $750 monthly stipend, totaling $2,250 over the course of the fellowship, upon completion of all program requirements.

Interested students should complete this application form by Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 11:59 pm local time. The application takes approximately one hour to complete. Applicants will be notified of their status by June 12, 2025.

If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Melissa Clarke, New York Policy Director, at melissac@uaspire.org.

Apply Today!