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LPPI

LPPI Field Fellowship (Summer 2026)

This competitive fellowship will provide selected fellows with the unique opportunity to engage in impactful, hands-on work that addresses the most pressing domestic policy challenges facing historically underserved communities.

Program Overview:

The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute (LPPI) is proud to announce the second annual Field Fellowship program (Field Fellowship) for undergraduate and graduate students from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. This competitive fellowship will provide selected fellows with the unique opportunity to engage in impactful, hands-on work that addresses the most pressing domestic policy challenges facing historically underserved communities.

The Field Fellowship will begin in late June 2026 and will run through late August 2026. The 8-week period will be determined by the Partner site based on their needs.

During the program, fellows will be placed at one of LPPI’s Partner sites and will actively contribute to programs or projects at their placement.

This Field Fellowship can be used by Luskin master’s students looking to complete their summer internship requirement and may serve as a launch pad for Luskin undergraduate and graduate capstone projects. Those selected will be responsible for consulting with academic department advisors to meet their program’s requirements. 

APPLY HERE

Program Goals:

  • Hands-On Experience: Fellows will gain valuable field experience by working directly with LPPI’s Partners, which may include government agencies, community-based organizations, or advocacy groups on projects that address critical issues affecting marginalized communities.
  • Research & Mobilization: Fellows will support ongoing research initiatives and mobilization efforts to advance policy reforms and create more equitable opportunities.
  • Leadership Development: Fellows will participate in professional development opportunities, including mentorship and networking with policy experts, community leaders, and LPPI affiliates, to enhance their leadership and policy-making skills.
  • Community Impact: The program offers the chance for fellows to directly contribute to tangible policy and community impacts, furthering LPPI’s mission to create policy solutions that uplift communities of color.

Partners:

Below is a list of Partners for the 2026 Field Fellowship. Fellows will be matched based on their application materials and the specific needs of each site. These are the only Partners available for the program. Please note that not every placement will host a fellow, and final decisions will be made by the Partner.

Partner: St. Joseph Center

Location: 204 Hampton Drive, Venice, CA 90291

Description: The fellow will support the Vice President of External Affairs & Communications by researching policy priorities and funding patterns of U.S. federal elected officials to help St. Joseph Center prepare for upcoming fiscal year appropriations requests.

Partner: St. Joseph Center

Location: 8525 S. Broadway, Los Angeles CA 90003

Description: The fellow will support the Senior Director of Housing with administering and collecting client satisfaction surveys.These surveys gather feedback on current services as well as identify potential services clients may need in the future. The goal is to use this data to inform planning for the upcoming fiscal year and to guide ongoing improvements in client care.

Partner: Community Coalition (CoCo)

Location: 8101 Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90044 

Description: The fellow will support the Associate Director of Community Planning with community-led development, political education, and strategies that center the power, permanence, and economic prosperity of South Los Angeles residents.

Partner: LA City Council District 6 (Imelda G. Padilla)

Location: City Hall, 200 N Spring St, Ste 470, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Description: The fellow will support the Director of Planning and Land Use and work on one of LA’s most challenging environmental justice fights: Van Nuys Airport land use, Sun Valley’s industrial corridor, and the policy decisions shaping daily life for East San Fernando Valley families. You will collaborate with the Planning and Legislative teams to track live Council files, draft memos that reach the Councilmember’s desk, and support the community-facing work that connects policy to people.

Partner: CA Assembly District 80 (David Alvarez) 

Location: District Office, 276 Church Ave., Suite D Chula Vista, CA 91910 

Description: The fellow will support tasks that advance civic education and constituent services for CA Senate District 31 as office leadership sees fit.

Partner: CA Senate District 18 (Steve Padilla)

Location: Multiple Options – contingent on Partner preference and fellow availability

  • District Office 1: 780 Bay Blvd., Suite 204 Chula Vista, CA 91910
  • District Office 2: 82013 Doctor Carreon Blvd., Suite J Indio, CA 92201
  • District Office 3: 1224 State Street, Suite D El Centro, CA 92243
  • Capitol Office: 1021 O Street, Suite 7630 Sacramento, CA 95814

Description: The fellow will support tasks that advance civic education and constituent services for CA Senate District 18 as office leadership sees fit.

Partner: CA Senate District 21 (Monique Limón)

Location: Multiple Options – contingent on Partner preference and fellow availability

  • District Office 1: 222 E. Carrillo Street, Suite 309 Santa Barbara, CA 93101
  • District Office 2: 1111 S. Broadway, Suite 101 Santa Maria, CA 93454
  • District Office 3: 300 E. Esplanade Drive, Suite 430 Oxnard, CA 93036
  • Capitol Office: 1021 O Street, Suite 8518 Sacramento, CA 95814 

Description: The fellow will support tasks that advance civic education and constituent services for CA Senate District 21 as office leadership sees fit.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must be current undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs.
  • Fellows must be available to work in person at their assigned Partner site during the summer of 2026. To be eligible for this fellowship you must be available to work a minimum of 240 work hours total (30 hours per week for 8 weeks). Required hours may vary depending on the needs and expectations of the Partner or the requirements of your Luskin program. 
  • Fellows must participate in an orientation, mid-program check-in, and end-of-program presentation.
  • Strong interest in public policy, advocacy, and social justice issues, particularly as they relate to Latino and other communities of color.
  • Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity and inclusion through policy work.
  • Prior experience in research, advocacy, or community service is preferred but not required.
  • Fellows must have reliable transportation to commute to and from their placement.
  • Share fellowship experiences through LPPI digital communications channels, including newsletter, social media, and blog.  

Application Materials: 

  • Short Responses: The short responses are 200 words maximum to each of the following questions:
  1. What draws you to the UCLA LPPI Field Fellowship, and how does it align with your personal and professional interests?
  2. What experiences, skills, or knowledge from your academic, professional, or community involvement will you bring to your work with a Partner site?
  3. How will participating in this fellowship help you address the most critical policy challenges facing Latinos and other communities of color, and how does this relate to your long-term career aspirations?
  • Resume 
  • Unofficial Transcript

Application Process:

Interested students will be required to submit an application detailing their academic background, career interests, and motivation for pursuing the fellowship. There will be three components to the application process:

  1. Application Review: LPPI staff will review application materials.
  2. LPPI Interview: LPPI staff may require an interview to assess the applicant’s alignment with LPPI’s mission and the goals of the fellowship program.
  3. Partner Interview: The Partner may require an interview to evaluate the applicant’s suitability for the specific project or program they would be supporting.

The Partner will have the final say in selecting the fellow who will be placed with them.

APPLY HERE

Fellowship Benefits:

  • Stipend: A competitive stipend of $6,000 will be provided to all fellows for the duration of the program. Student Stipend Payments will be made in 3 installments: 
  • Professional Development: Fellows will have access to mentorship from leaders in their placement.
  • Impactful Work: Fellows will gain experience on projects that make a real-world difference for marginalized communities while also advancing their understanding of policy and advocacy.
  • Holidays: Friday, June 19th, 2026 and Friday, July 3rd, 2026 (Independence Day Observed)

Key Dates:

  • Application Opens: Monday, March 30th, 2026
  • Application Deadline: Sunday, April 12th, 2026 at 11:59 PM
  • Notice of Application Status: mid-May 2026
  • Program Start Date: end-June 2026**
  • Program End Date: end-August 2026**

*Disbursement will be processed through Bruinbill account.
**8-week period to be determined with Partner based on their

Logistics:
For more information on the application process, contact LPPI at LPPIPrograms@luskin.ucla.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Am I able to take vacation during the Field Fellowship program?

No, vacations will not be accommodated. This is a short 8-week long program and Partners expect the Field Fellow to be available to work in-person at the Partner’s preferred office location for 8 consecutive weeks for a minimum of 240 hours. Exceptions are rare and can only be approved by the Partner supervisor. 

Can I apply the Field Fellowship to my Luskin School of Public Affairs Undergraduate Capstone requirement? 

If your placement at a Partner site is successful, you may pursue a continued appointment with the Partner beyond the Field Fellowship program to meet capstone requirements during the academic year. Those selected will be responsible for consulting with their academic department advisors to meet their program’s capstone requirements.

Can I apply the Field Fellowship to my Luskin School of Public Affairs Master’s program requirements? 

Yes, but you are responsible for coordinating and arranging with your Partner site to ensure you meet your Master’s program summer internship requirements. Furthermore, you are responsible for coordinating and arranging with your Partner site to meet the requirements of your graduate capstone project. Those selected will be responsible for consulting with their academic department advisors to meet their program’s requirements.

Can I receive a transportation stipend from UCLA LPPI?

UCLA LPPI does not provide transportation stipends at this time. 

Will I be required to work in-person?

Yes. This program is in-person and applicants must be prepared and able to travel to and work in-person at their Partner site. 

I identify as an undocumented student; am I eligible to apply for the Field Fellowship?

Yes, undocumented students are eligible to apply. For specific questions, please contact us at LPPIPrograms@luskin.ucla.edu.

I am a UCLA student but not in the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, am I eligible to apply for the Field Fellowship?

No, applicants must be current undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. 

I am graduating this Spring 2026, am I eligible to apply? 

No, applicants must be current undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs.