Summer Public Service Fellowship
CELE Center Fellowship
Summer Public Service Fellowship
Spend your summer making a difference. The Summer Public Service Fellowship supports UW undergraduates as they complete meaningful internships with nonprofit and government organizations while developing their civic leadership and exploring careers in public service.
Looking ahead to Summer 2027?
Applications will open Winter Quarter
Interested in becoming a Summer Public Service Fellow? Complete the SPSF Interest Form and we will let you know when applications open.
Why become a Summer Public Service Fellow?
The Summer Public Service Fellowship encourages a lifelong commitment to public service by giving undergraduates the opportunity to develop their civic leadership through hands-on work in nonprofit and government organizations.
Build experience
Complete a substantial public service internship and contribute meaningful work to a nonprofit or government organization.
Develop as a leader
Reflect on your experiences, explore approaches to civic leadership, and connect your summer work to your future goals.
Join a cohort
Learn alongside other UW students committed to public service through cohort gatherings, reflection, and shared experiences.
How the fellowship works
Applications and the selection process take place during Winter Quarter.
Selected fellows work with program staff during Spring Quarter to develop their summer internship. Some students enter the fellowship with an existing organization or opportunity, while others receive support developing an internship.
Fellows complete at least 200 hours with a nonprofit or government organization between June and September.
Fellows participate in monthly cohort gatherings and host a site visit with their organization and CELE staff.
Fellows conclude the program by sharing reflections from their summer public service experiences during Dawg Daze.
Who should apply?
SPSF is designed for UW undergraduates interested in public service, civic leadership, community engagement, and careers that contribute to the public good.
Enrollment eligibility for the 2027 fellowship will be confirmed when applications open during Winter Quarter.
Fellows are selected based on:
- Demonstrated commitment to public service career paths;
- History of engagement with community-based organizations and/or government initiatives;
- Ability to articulate how a funded summer internship will contribute to their development as a public servant and civic leader; and
- Readiness to collaboratively develop an intensive summer internship or project that balances benefit to the partnering organization with student learning.
Additional consideration is given to students who:
- Are actively involved in the NextGen Civic Leader Corps at the time of application;
- Have demonstrated financial need; and
- Are pursuing internships or projects that would otherwise be unpaid experiences.
What is expected of fellows?
The fellowship is more than an internship. Fellows contribute to a shared learning community throughout the summer.
- Complete 200+ hours with a nonprofit or government organization between June and September. Log your hours on CCUW.
- Attend monthly cohort gatherings with other Summer Public Service Fellows.
- Host a site visit with your organization and CELE staff.
- Present your fellowship reflections during Dawg Daze at the conclusion of the summer.
Interested in SPSF?
Applications for Summer 2027 will open during Winter Quarter. Join the interest list now to receive an update when the application becomes available.
Questions or looking for individualized application support? Contact celecenter@uw.edu.
Fellowship Support
Some Summer Public Service Fellowships are made possible through the support of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation and investment from the University of Washington Provost Office.
These fellowships represent an investment in the next generation of public service leaders who embody the values of the late Senator Henry M. "Scoop" Jackson; S. Sterling Munro, Jr., former top aide to Senator Jackson and Administrator of the Bonneville Power Administration; and Gene Munro, a lifelong advocate for public service and the wife of S. Sterling Munro, Jr.
Where Fellows Have Served
SPSF students have put public service into practice with government agencies, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and community-based organizations across the region.
- 350 Seattle
- Alliance Française de Seattle
- Campfire Coffee
- City of Seattle
- FIFA
- El Centro de la Raza
- Front and Centered
- International Rescue Committee
- King County Elections
- Renewable Northwest
- Seattle Attorney's Office
- Seattle City Hall
- Street Youth Ministries
- Shelter App
- Somali Health Board
- UW Farm
- UW Medical Center - Montlake
- Washington Bus
- Washington PIRG
- Washington Student Achievement Council
- And many more!
Past fellowship experiences are examples and do not represent guaranteed placements. Fellows develop experiences based on their interests, goals, and community needs.
This opportunity is associated with: CELE Fellowships
Learn more