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At a glance

Duration

Each cohort will run for 9 months, e.g., January 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026

Duration

Each cohort will run for 9 months, e.g., January 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026

Application Period (closed)

Applications are accepted during several periods throughout the year, including October 1-December 31

Application Period (closed)

Applications are accepted during several periods throughout the year, including October 1-December 31

Cohort Size

50 fellows accepted into inaugural class; future cohorts will be made up of 25-35 fellows

Cohort Size

50 fellows accepted into inaugural class; future cohorts will be made up of 25-35 fellows

Format

One seminar per month, each 1.5 to 2 hours (offered virtually or on Capitol Hill)

Format

One seminar per month, each 1.5 to 2 hours (offered virtually or on Capitol Hill)

Tuition

No cost to fellows; Donor funded

Tuition

No cost to fellows; Donor funded

Program Details

The National Security Policy Fellowship is the flagship initiative of the Bretton Woods Institute for Strategic Leadership. Over 9 months, fellows participate in seminars, workshops, and a capstone legislative project to deepen their ability to shape U.S. soft power that strengthens American security and prosperity.


This fellowship provides Congressional staff with a clear and comprehensive understanding of U.S. international assistance as a strategic tool of national power. Through expert-led sessions, case studies, and practical exercises, participants gain the knowledge and skills to advise Members on the policy, political, and fiscal dimensions of foreign assistance.

Fellows in Inagural Cohort

Who Should Apply?

Congressional staff with portfolios in national security, appropriations, health, development, or foreign policy

The fellowship is approved by both the House and Senate Ethics Committees and will be conducted in accordance with all applicable policies. These policies include, but are not limited to, the following:

The course is non-partisan and intended to provide Congressional staff with an academic foundation and practical skills related to foreign policy, international assistance, and oversight.

All participants will agree to a non-attribution philosophy, including the prospective fellows, session leaders/instructors, and guest speakers.

Course materials and instruction will be as balanced as possible and will not advocate for a specific policy/legislative position.

No registered lobbyists will be involved in the execution of the fellowship, either as course instructors or guest speakers.

Prospective fellows will not publish or repurpose the capstone project for the course, “Evaluating Policy Options for International Assistance.” The capstone is intended for academic use only.

Fellowship Tracks

Ready to Apply?

We review applications on a rolling basis for upcoming fellowship cohorts and research placements.

National Security Policy Fellowship (NSPF)

Our flagship professional development cohort focuses on the intersection of soft power, hard power, and international assistance. Fellows participate in a multi-month curriculum featuring expert-led primers, crisis simulations, and a capstone policy analysis project. We offer a cohort directly to Hill Staffers, and we work with our university collaborators to offer a parallel cohort to students.

The Bretton Woods Institute for Strategic Leadership operates as a nonpartisan 501(c)3 educational organization. All fellowship programs adhere strictly to federal ethics guidelines and nonprofit educational standards.

Fellowship Tracks

Ready to Apply?

We review applications on a rolling basis for upcoming fellowship cohorts and research placements.

National Security Policy Fellowship (NSPF)

Our flagship professional development cohort focuses on the intersection of soft power, hard power, and international assistance. Fellows participate in a multi-month curriculum featuring expert-led primers, crisis simulations, and a capstone policy analysis project. We offer a cohort directly to Hill Staffers, and we work with our university collaborators to offer a parallel cohort to students.

The Bretton Woods Institute for Strategic Leadership operates as a nonpartisan 501(c)3 educational organization. All fellowship programs adhere strictly to federal ethics guidelines and nonprofit educational standards.

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Ready to Strengthen American Leadership?

Join us in our mission to revitalize U.S. soft power and build the next generation of policy leaders. Sign up for our mailing list.

Contact

Executive Director
nicolerodgers@instituteforamerica.org

Fellowship Course Director
damionhigbie@instituteforamerica.org

© 2026 Bretton Woods Institute for Strategic Leadership. All rights reserved.

Rebuilding American Leadership

Logo
Image

Ready to Strengthen American Leadership?

Join us in our mission to revitalize U.S. soft power and build the next generation of policy leaders. Sign up for our mailing list.

Contact

Executive Director
nicolerodgers@instituteforamerica.org

Fellowship Course Director
damionhigbie@instituteforamerica.org

© 2026 Bretton Woods Institute for Strategic Leadership. All rights reserved.

Rebuilding American Leadership

Logo
Image
Ready to Strengthen American Leadership?

Join us in our mission to revitalize U.S. soft power and build the next generation of policy leaders. Sign up for our mailing list.

Contact

Executive Director
nicolerodgers@instituteforamerica.org

Fellowship Course Director
damionhigbie@instituteforamerica.org

© 2026 Bretton Woods Institute for Strategic Leadership. All rights reserved.

Rebuilding American Leadership

Logo