Presidential Fellows:
Partner Institutions
GUIDE TO THE NOMINATION PROCESS
Step 1: Advertise the Fellowship
In order to ensure a strong pool of applicants, CSPC recommends that schools widely advertise the Fellowship to students and faculty. Faculty can help identify strong candidates and encourage them to apply. Your school website, social media pages, and campus information boards are all great places to advertise.
Consider using CSPC’s promotional flyer to help spread the word (make sure to fill out the pdf form with specific details on who to contact to apply).
Step 2: Select your Fellow
CSPC does not mandate the process through which schools choose their Fellows, but we recommend that the Fellowship be open to applicants from all departments. The application process should involve an evaluation of the academic ability of the student, focusing on competence within the social sciences. Please also keep in mind the student’s existing commitments and time management skills. Schools may consider identifying an alternate nominee in the event that the primary nominee is unable to participate in the program.
See below for a full list of suggested criteria for choosing Fellows.
Step 3: Send your Nomination to CSPC Via Email
Upon selecting a Fellow, schools should complete and submit the Fellow Nomination Form to Sydney Johnson Martindale, Director of Leadership Programs, at sydney.johnson@thepresidency.org. Please also include the Fellow’s resume.
The nomination process is open from May 1 to September 1.
Barring any serious concerns from CSPC regarding the applicant’s ability to complete the program requirements, all nominated Fellows will be accepted into the program.
Students will be accepted into the program on a rolling admissions basis. Once the nomination is received (provided it is within the nomination window), an acceptance email will be sent directly to the Fellows with the school point of contact copied.
“I commend the Center for the Study of the Presidency for your ongoing efforts to promote research and dialogue that strengthens our country and helps prepare our next generation of leaders.”
SUGGESTED CRITERIA FOR NOMINATED STUDENTS
CSPC does not mandate the process through which schools choose their Fellows; however, the application process should involve an evaluation of the academic ability of the student, focusing on competence within the social sciences. We recommend that the Fellowship be open to applicants from all departments.
Schools are encouraged to nominate students from diverse backgrounds, especially those who may not have had similar opportunities to the Presidential Fellowship.
Fellows should have strong academic credentials. CSPC suggests that they have a minimum GPA of 3.5, typically the equivalent of an A-.
Fellows should have a demonstrated interest in an aspect of the American government and should be comfortable speaking, presenting, and writing specifically about the American Presidency or Congress.
Most Fellows are in their 3rd or 4th undergraduate year, but graduate students and advanced 2nd-year undergraduate students are also eligible. Students graduating in Fall 2026 are generally not recommended, though final discretion is yours.
All academic majors are eligible.
Applicants may be U.S. or non-U.S. citizens.
Schools should ensure nominees fully understand the program’s requirements and time commitment and are prepared to actively participate as a Presidential Fellow.
REQUIREMENTS FOR FELLOWS
Fellows should be prepared to dedicate 1-2 hours a week to their research paper over the course of their 9-month Fellowship.
Upon program enrollment, Fellows must meet all deadlines or forfeit their status as a Fellow in good standing.
Fellows must attend monthly virtual sessions starting in September.
Fellows must engage with their assigned Mentor.
Fellows are expected to attend our Spring conference in Washington, D.C.
Each Fellow must produce a 10-15 page research paper on a subject with direct relevance to the U.S. Presidency and/or the Congress.