Program Overview

Assignments

The research paper is the cornerstone of your Fellowship. You will work on it throughout the program and will have several opportunities to receive feedback from your peers and mentors. Part of this review process includes a three-minute speech about your topic in a small group. Listed below is a brief description of the assignments and when they are due. In-depth information and all requirements for the assignments are provided on the “Assignments” page of the Current Fellows section of the CSPC website.

All assignments must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document.

• September 25, 2026 – Two Page Research Paper Proposal

  • Send to Sydney Johnson Martindale via email – sydney.johnson@thepresidnecy.org

• December 11, 2026 – Research Paper Outline

  • Send to your mentor via email and copy Sydney Johnson Martindale.

• January 22, 2027 – First Draft of Research Paper

  • Send to your mentor via email and copy Sydney Johnson Martindale.

• March 5, 2027 – Final Research Paper

  • Send to Sydney Johnson Martindale via email and copy your mentor.

During the conference, you will choose one of three workshops to attend: op-ed writing, memo writing, or speech writing. Following your selected workshop, you will complete a corresponding final assignment, which will be due May 1 at the conclusion of the program. More information about the workshops and final assignment will be provided closer to the conference.

• May 1, 2027 – Final Assignment

  • Send to Sydney Johnson Martindale via email

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

CSPC understands that AI can be a useful tool in academic settings, and we support students in understanding both the benefits and limitations of AI language models. While the research paper must be the original work of the author and Fellows are prohibited from using AI to draft any portions of their papers, Fellows are permitted to use generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, for more limited tasks, including creating reading lists, identifying useful academic sources, assisting with citation formatting, and correcting grammar errors. AI tools can make mistakes or generate inaccurate or fabricated information, including source and citation details. Trust, but verify. Always double-check information, resources, and citations provided by an AI tool against the original source. Fellows are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of all information and citations included in their final papers.

Use of Translation Tools

CSPC recognizes that, for some of our Fellows from international schools, English is not their first language. While Fellows are expected to be proficient in English to participate in the program, we understand that there may be instances when additional translation assistance is helpful while writing the research paper. CSPC authorizes the limited use of Google Translate for minor translation questions. ChatGPT and similar AI tools should not be used for translation assistance. We also encourage Fellows to seek guidance from professors or other academic advisors throughout the writing process.

Virtual Sessions

The virtual program sessions are an opportunity for you to engage with your peers as well as participate in discussions with subject matter experts and practitioners. Fellows will receive more information about each session closer to the date.

All virtual sessions will be held on Zoom and take place at 6:00 p.m. EST. The schedule is as follows:

• September 15, 2026 - Fellows Introduction and Program Overview

  • This will be a chance to meet your peers and ask any questions you have about the program.

• October 21, 2026 - Peer Review Session

  • You will be divided into groups based on your proposed research paper topic to discuss that topic and present your paper proposal. During this session, you will prepare and deliver a three-minute speech to present the proposal for your paper.

• November 19, 2026 - More details to come 

• December 7-18, 2026; January 4-15, 2027 - Individual Check-In Meeting (By appointment) 

  • This will be a one-on-one meeting with you and Sydney to check in about progress with your research and answer any questions you may have.

• February 17, 2027 - More details to come 

• March 18, 2027 - Conference Preview

Mentorship

As a participant in the CSPC Fellows Program, you will have the opportunity to be matched with a mentor. Mentors serve as a resource throughout the Fellowship, offering guidance on both the research paper and broader career and professional development. Our mentors include Fellows Program alumni, academics, professionals, and members of the CSPC network. Each relationship will vary based on what the Fellow hopes to gain from the experience and the areas in which the mentor is comfortable providing support.

• Mentor Matching – Fellows and mentors will complete short surveys about their interests, goals, and mentorship preferences. CSPC will use these responses, along with each Fellow’s research proposal, to make thoughtful matches based on mutual fit, including research needs, career interests, and mentor experience.

• Mentor Communication – CSPC will make the initial introduction between each Fellow and their mentor. From that point forward, Fellows are responsible for initiating contact and maintaining communication throughout the program. Fellows and mentors are expected to connect at least two times during the program, with additional communication encouraged when mutually beneficial. Fellows should communicate their goals and priorities early and be respectful of their mentor’s time.

• Mentorship Support – Mentorship may include discussing research questions and ideas, reviewing outlines or drafts, career exploration, graduate or professional school, networking, leadership development, or other professional goals. The emphasis will depend on the Fellow’s needs and the mentor’s interests and preferred level of involvement. Fellows remain responsible for researching, writing, and completing their own papers.

• Optional Participation – Connecting with a mentor is optional. Fellows who choose to participate should be prepared to communicate consistently and take an active role in making the relationship successful.

Conference

One of the highlights of the Fellows program is the Presidential Fellows Leadership Conference. This year the conference will be held:

• March 31 - April 7, 2027, for international students

• April 3 - 7, 2027, for domestic students

The conference will take place in person in Washington, D.C. In the multi-day conference, you can expect several opportunities to engage on today’s most pressing challenges while interacting with national policymakers and leading experts. To better understand the types of programming you would enjoy participating in, we will send out a poll that will include several options of topics and themes for you to give feedback on.

Fellows will have the opportunity to present their research on posters to their peers and alumni of the Fellows program during our annual Alumni and Friends Reception. Instructions will be provided closer to the conference.

Unless otherwise contacted, you and your school are only financially responsible for coordinating transportation to and from Washington, D.C. for the conference.

All accommodations, meals, and excursions are paid for by CSPC.

The conference is also where Fellows will receive awards for their research papers. Five awards are given out annually for outstanding research papers. The award-winning papers are published in the Fellows Review alongside other additional exceptional Fellows papers. Additional information about each award can be found on the Assignment page.

• The David M. Abshire Award for Most Outstanding Paper by an International Fellow- $1,000 Prize

• The Robert A. Kilmarx Award for Best Military, Intelligence, or Advanced Technology Analysis - $1,000 Prize

• The Donald B. Marron Award for Best Historical Analysis - $1,000 Prize

• The James R. Moffett Award for Most Original Paper on the Modern Presidency or Congress -$1,000 Prize

• The Richard H. Solomon Award for the Most Original Paper on Foreign Policy or Diplomacy - $1,000 Prize