Become a Fellow

Overview

Types of Fellowship

The Center for Public Service employs two distinct fellowship models: the 10-week Oregon Summer Fellowship for currently-enrolled graduate students on summer break, and the eight-month Hatfield Resident Fellowship for recently-graduated students looking to launch their careers. Our fellowships are designed to enlist the intelligence, fresh ideas, and energy of truly exceptional candidates who are passionate about public service, can adapt quickly, and work independently on Oregon’s public sector challenges. Sponsoring agencies include state and local governments, cities and counties, and nonprofit organizations. We outline both fellowship models below, providing additional insight and information into candidate eligibility, compensation, and program expectations. 

The Oregon Summer Fellowship

Oregon Summer Fellows (OSFs) are contracted with Portland State University (PSU) to serve 10-week assignments at their sponsoring agency, following a pre-established statement of work. Fellows receive a total stipend of $6,375, paid in three installments over the course of the fellowship. PSU is committed to promoting the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in employment and access by fostering a diverse and equitable educational workplace. Our work is guided by compliance with our non-discrimination policies, and all federal and state regulations related to equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Oregon Summer Fellow Eligibility Guidelines

  1. Eligibility. Oregon Summer Fellows must be enrolled in a graduate program, at the Master’s or Ph.D. level, and classified as students by their home institution.
  2. Certain Fields Preferred – Not Required. Historically, most fellows have been drawn from such programs as public administration, public policy, public affairs, or other related fields of study that are relevant to our sponsor agencies (i.e. natural resource management, information technology, engineering, or urban planning). However, eligible potential fellows can come from any academic field, provided they meet other eligibility criteria.
  3. Application Process. Candidates who wish to be considered for a fellowship must complete all phases of the application process within the time periods specified.
  4. Fellowship Length. Oregon Summer Fellows work for 10 weeks, full-time (40 hours a week), for a total of 400 hours.
    Start and End Dates will vary according to students’ academic calendars, but Oregon Summer Fellowships typically run from May/June through August/September.
  5. Start and End Dates will vary according to students’ academic calendars, but Oregon Summer Fellowships typically run from May/June through August/September.
  6. Compensation. Fellows will receive $6,500, paid in installments, throughout their fellowship.

Hatfield Resident Fellowship for recently graduated Masters and PhD students

Hatfield Resident Fellows (HRFs) become limited-duration employees of PSU in a wage appointment employment status serving eight-month scopes of work. Fellows are overtime-exempt employees and receive $26,520 over the course of the Fellowship, paid on a salaried basis each month following all applicable federal and state wage and hour laws and guidelines for a professional work week. Fellows sign a wage agreement with PSU that details the term of service, including start and end dates. This is not a health benefits-eligible position and a background check is required. PSU is committed to promoting the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in employment and access by fostering a diverse and equitable educational workplace. Our work is guided by compliance with our non-discrimination policies, and all federal and state regulations related to equal opportunity and affirmative action. 

Hatfield Fellow Eligibility Guidelines

  1. Graduate Degree Required. To be considered for a fellowship, candidates must have graduated from a graduate-level program at an accredited university within the year preceding the start of the fellowship.
  2. Certain Fields Preferred – Not Required. Historically, most fellows have been drawn from such programs as public administration, public policy, public affairs, or other related fields of study that are relevant to our sponsor agencies (i.e. natural resource management, information technology, engineering, or urban planning). However, eligible potential fellows can come from any academic field, provided they meet other eligibility criteria.
  3. Work Status. Fellows must show proof of being eligible to work in the United States for their entire Fellowship term.
  4. Application Process. Candidates who wish to be considered for a fellowship must complete all phases of the application process within the time periods specified.
  5. Fellowship Institute and Professional Training.* Once selected, fellows are required, as part of their employment terms, to participate in an initial “Institute” training experience, as well as monthly professional development events held by CPS during their fellowships.
  6. Fellowship Employment Dates. Fellows are asked to commit to work for 32 weeks, at 32 hours per week, with a 1-week observed winter break. Start and end dates may vary for individual Fellows, given Sponsor needs and Fellows’ particular circumstances.
  7. Employment Status. As limited duration employees of PSU, Hatfield Resident Fellows are required to comply with all applicable laws and PSU policies during the duration of their Fellowships. Hatfield Resident Fellows are eligible to accept a fellowship position if they have not held a staff, faculty, or graduate assistantship position during the same fiscal year in which they work as a fellow.
  8. Compensation. Hatfield Fellows receive $3,392 a month ($27,136), and are eligible for sick-leave and public pension benefits. They do not, however, receive employer-paid health insurance.

*These ongoing training and professional development activities aim to supplement each Hatfield Fellow's expertise by increasing their leadership and management capabilities. In addition, these events give the Center for Public Service (CPS) an opportunity to teach the fellows about the Northwest's rich policy heritage, as well as the ethics and values that continue to shape the Northwest's policy-making process.

Contact Us

Center For Public Service Fellowships
psfellows@pdx.edu

Meaghan Lingo, Fellowship Program Administrator
mlingo@pdx.edu | 503-725-6674

Margaret Banyan, Affiliated Faculty
mbanyan@pdx.edu | 239-707-0674

Hafsa Shahzad, Program Assistant
shahzad@pdx.edu