The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship was established in 1987 to provide college graduates with the opportunity to gain a Washington perspective on key issues of peace and security. Twice yearly, the fellowship’s Board of Directors selects a small group of outstanding individuals to spend six to nine months in Washington. Supported by a salary, the fellows serve as full-time project assistants at the participating organization of their choice. In the Program’s first twenty-seven years, one hundred and forty-eight fellowships have been awarded. Scoville Fellows, through independent projects and active participation with their chosen organization and the larger community dedicated to peace and security issues, have rich opportunities to gain experience and leadership skills and to help translate their social concerns into direct action. In addition, each fellow selects a board member to serve as a mentor and mentor, smoothing the transition to Washington, DC.
Scoville Fellows are selected from an international pool of distinguished applicants. Prospective Fellows are expected to demonstrate excellent academic accomplishments and a strong interest in issues of peace and security. Graduate study, a college major, course work, or substantial independent reading that reflects the substantive focus of the fellowship is also a plus. Prior experience with public-interest activism or advocacy is highly desirable. It is preferred, but not required, that such activities be focused on peace and security issues. The goals of the Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship program are to:
- provide a unique educational experience to outstanding individuals who might otherwise not have the opportunity to work on peace and security issues in Washington, DC;
- develop leadership skills that can serve the Fellow throughout a career in the peace and security field or related areas of public service;
- contribute to the critically important work of the participating nonprofit, public-interest organizations; and
- continue the work of Herbert Scoville, Jr. by encouraging young people to contribute to this field
Specific Eligibility Criteria
Candidates are required to have completed a baccalaureate degree by the time the fellowship commences. Preference is given to United States citizens, although a fellowship to a foreign national residing in the U.S. is awarded periodically. Non-U.S. citizens living outside the United States are not eligible to apply. The Scoville Fellowship is not intended for students or scholars interested in pursuing independent research in Washington, DC.
Preference will be given to individuals who have not had substantial prior public-interest or government experience in the Washington, DC area.