The Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation (PSI) in Washington, DC, offers the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship three times annually.  The fellowship, which is based on academic excellence and need, is open to both undergraduate and graduate students of color. The Hearst Fellow serves as an intern with PSI in the Washington, DC office of the Aspen Institute.  Through this fellowship, PSI seeks to introduce a diverse group of students to issues and challenges affecting philanthropy, social enterprise, nonprofit organizations, and other actors in the social sector.  Recipients may arrange with their colleges or universities to receive academic credit for this experience.

The Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation seeks to inform and maximize the impact of grantmaking foundations, nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, and public-private partnerships through leadership development initiatives, convenings, and communications so that each can contribute to the good society at home and abroad.

Activities:
In his or her internship, the Hearst Fellow undertakes research, writing, logistical, and administrative support for PSI’s leadership initiatives, public programs, and convenings.

Requirements:
Candidates for this fellowship are highly motivated, current, non-graduating graduate or undergraduate students from underrepresented communities of color.  Each candidate should have an excellent academic record and also have the following:

1. Demonstrated interest or experience in nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and the social sector;
2. Excellent research and writing skills;
3. Demonstrated financial need; and
4. U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency. Students approved for participation in the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program are eligible to apply.

This is not a scholarship. The student must be able to work as an intern for 12-15 weeks in the Washington, DC, office of the Aspen Institute during the academic semester in which the fellowship is awarded.  Fall and Spring interns will work part-time (15-20 hours per week) and Summer interns will be full-time.  All travel and housing costs must be covered by the student.

Fellowship Stipend:
A fellowship stipend of approximately $2,000 will be awarded to the Fall and Spring intern and approximately $4,000 will be awarded to the Summer intern.

Applications are considered three times annually:

The Fall 2014 Fellowship application is available here.

NOTE:  Letters of recommendation should be uploaded via the online application form; however, they may also be emailed directly to the Aspen Institute by the author. Letters of recommendation may be sent to Zach Wenner at zach.wenner@aspeninstitute.org. Please make sure the sender includes WRH REC in the subject line of the email along with the applicant's full name.