Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026: Remote Tech Policy Opportunity for Students
Are you a student or recent grad 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 pairs 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 actual challenges. The program mixes solo work with group meetings and calls. Note that this summer cohort is unpaid due to funding changes, but it builds strong skills for your future.
Why Join This Fellowship
Governments use tech more each day to serve people and manage new inventions. Yet, they need people who get both policy and tech. The Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026 fills that gap by letting early-career folks help shape better tech rules.
It opens doors to tech policy jobs, which can be hard to break into without experience. By teaming up with officials, you see how decisions get made. This leads to real changes in public services and helps bring fresh views to policy.
Skills and Benefits You’ll Build
Fellows get hands-on practice with policy research, reports, and breakdowns. You learn how governments handle tech topics from start to finish. Workshops, guest talks, and mentors from the field guide you along the way.
You also grow your network with other fellows, past participants, and experts in tech policy. This connects you to Paragon’s larger group for future jobs in research, media, or growth programs. These links can spark careers in public policy, civic tech, or social good work.
Who Can Apply: Eligibility Rules
To qualify for the Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026, check these points:
- Be in college, grad school, law school, or PhD now, or graduated within the last year.
- Live mostly in the US with work rights, like US citizen, green card, or student visas (F-1 OPT, CPT, STEM OPT, J-1) that allow off-campus work.
- Commit to 8-10 hours weekly and join regular online meetings.
- Never done this fellowship before.
- Be free the full dates, plus group interviews May 17-20, 2026.
How to Apply and Key Dates
Start with the online form on Paragon’s site. Share your background, school info, short essays, and a 3-5 page writing sample on a clear topic. Answer about your time, skills, and tech policy interests.
Top applicants do a group trial interview May 17-20, 2026. Have work papers ready if picked. Deadline is April 30, 2026, at 8:59 PM PT (11:59 PM ET). Submit early, as late ones do not count.
Apply now at the Paragon Policy Fellowship application page. This remote spot in the Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026 is a smart step for tech policy fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Paragon Policy Fellowship Summer 2026?
It is a part-time, fully remote program from May 27 to August 14, 2026, where you work 8-10 hours weekly with state and local governments on tech policy issues like AI rules and data privacy.
Is the fellowship paid?
No, this summer cohort is unpaid due to funding changes, but it builds key skills and networks for tech policy careers.
Who is eligible to apply?
Current college, grad school, law school, or PhD students, or those who graduated within the last year, living in the US with work authorization like citizenship or student visas.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are due by April 30, 2026, at 8:59 PM PT. Submit early, as late ones will not be accepted.