The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute (LPPI) is proud to announce the (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.

Learn more here!

UCLA LPPI is a local organization with national reach, providing UCLA students with the unique opportunity to engage with leading civil rights groups, elected officials, philanthropic leaders, members of the media, and other cross-sector partners across the United States.

Policy Fellows are placed within one of the Institute’s functional departments: Executive Leadership, Research, Communications, Leadership Programs, Mobilization, and Administration (Operations & Finance). Over the course of nine months, Fellows become integrated into their department’s work, contributing to team projects while learning under the supervision and mentorship of UCLA LPPI full-time staff and affiliated faculty experts. In addition to hands-on, experiential learning, fellows participate in regular paid professional development activities that expose them to Latino/a policy experts, connect them to relevant academic and career resources, and provide targeted skill-building to accelerate their own leadership trajectories.

Alumni go on to shape policy-making through influential roles in both the public and private sectors, including academia, government, think tanks, and media organizations.

UCLA LPPI hires student employees across a variety of positions. When applying to the Policy Fellows Program, applicants should select one of the following roles. Please review the descriptions and academic class eligibility for each.

Undergraduate Student Worker (Undergraduate): Undergraduate student workers support both LPPI’s Research and non-research departments, including Administration, Communications, Leadership Programs, and Mobilization. They assist with a range of tasks, such as project management, outreach, event coordination, policy analysis, and mobilization.  Undergraduate positions do not include tuition and fee remissions.

Graduate Student Researcher (GSR): GSRs work with LPPI’s Research Department, engaging in advanced policy research, data collection, and data analysis that directly supports LPPI’s mission. The most competitive applicants for GSR positions have research experience and skills in quantitative and/or qualitative methods. GSR positions may be eligible for tuition and fee remissions (please click here for eligibility).

Graduate Student Worker (GSW): GSWs support LPPI’s non-research departments, including Administration, Communications, Leadership Programs, and Mobilization. They assist with a range of tasks, such as project management, outreach, event coordination, policy analysis, and mobilization. GSW positions do not include tuition and fee remissions.

UCLA LPPI invites incoming and continuing UCLA students to apply for the Policy Fellows Program. The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled across UCLA schools and departments. There is no GPA requirement*, and students of all majors and class standing are welcome. Applicants must be able to commit to the following requirements:

• Attending and participating in Orientation in mid-September. 
• Working a minimum of 15 hours per week during Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters. 
• Must be an enrolled UCLA full-time student throughout the program. 
• Making a meaningful contribution to their department for the entire 9-month program, from mid-September to end of June.
• Attending in-person cohort training and professional development sessions throughout the year (scheduled during work hours).
• Actively fostering a professional work environment by demonstrating respect, commitment, and collaboration with peers and supervisors.  

The UCLA LPPI Policy Fellows Program is open to all incoming and continuing UCLA students. Please see our FAQs for more information. 

*In order for GSR positions to be eligible for tuition and fee remissions, they must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Please click here for the other eligibility requirements.

The Policy Fellows Program is a hybrid employment that offers a unique opportunity to support applied policy research that advances meaningful policy change. In addition to mentorship and access to leading policy influencers, Fellows receive competitive pay determined by their class standing. Fellows are not required to work during winter and spring break or university holidays. 

Graduate students may be hired as Graduate Student Researchers (GSRs) or Graduate Student Workers (GSWs). GSRs have advanced research and writing skills and work with the Research Department to produce research products. GSR positions may be eligible for tuition and fee remissions (please click here for eligibility). GSW positions are not eligible for tuition or fee remissions and work with the other functional LPPI Departments (e.g., Mobilization, Communications, Leadership Programs, and Administration).

Compensation

• Undergraduate Student Worker (Undergraduate)
  • Hourly pay rate: $22-$25*
  • Payment schedule: biweekly based on timesheet submission
• Graduate Student Worker (GSW)
  • Hourly pay rate: $23.95-$33.80*
  • Payment schedule: biweekly based on timesheet submission
• Graduate Student Researcher (GSR)
  • Hourly pay rate: In accordance with the United Auto Workers (UAW) 4811 contract. 
  • Payment schedule: monthly based on timesheet submission
  • GSR positions may be eligible for tuition and fee remissions (please click here for eligibility).

*Hourly pay is based on academic years in the Policy Fellows Program

Please check back in early spring 2026 for the 2026-2027 application process.

Key Dates:

Application Opens: Monday, March 30th, 2026

Office Hour #1 (Zoom): Wednesday, April 8th at 5 PM-6 PM PT

Information Session (In-Person): Wednesday, April 15th at 5 PM-6 PM PT at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Room 2343

Office Hour #2 (Zoom): Wednesday, April 22nd at 5 PM-6 PM PT

Application Deadline: Sunday, April 26th, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT

Notice of Interview Status: mid-June 2026

Final Notice of Application Status: mid-August 2026*

Program Start Date: Monday, September 21st, 2026

Program End Date: End of Spring academic term or Wednesday, June 30th, 2027

*Application decisions will be released on a rolling basis

Policy fellows are selected through an application process that conducts a holistic review of the applicant. Our application process gives candidates the opportunity to showcase their guiding values, lived experiences, prior work history, academic strengths, research skills, leadership potential, and future goals.

To begin your application, click here. Applications and all supporting materials are due by Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT. 

In addition to the online application form, your complete application must include:

1. SHORT RESPONSES. Please address each of the following prompts in 250 words or less.
   • What about UCLA LPPI’s mission and work resonates with you the most?
   • What skills or experiences do you hope to contribute to the UCLA LPPI team as a Policy Fellow? What skills or experiences do you hope to gain?
   • How would the Policy Fellows Program help you make progress toward your long-term career goals?
2. RESUME. A professional resume of no more than 2 pages.
3. UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT. You can access your unofficial transcript via MyUCLA.
4. WRITING SAMPLE. Please include a 3-5 page writing sample about a social or policy issue (not inclusive of appendices and reference pages) that demonstrates your communication, writing, and analytical skills. You may submit a class paper, policy memo, work project, or an excerpt from a longer paper. If you do not have an appropriate writing sample, you may prepare one for this application on a policy issue area of your interest. 

The above documents should be combined and saved as one PDF file labeled “LPPI-FirstInitial-LastName-Year.” For example, LPPI-J-Bruin-2025. You can use a free website like smallpdf.com to combine multiple documents into one PDF file.

The online application form will prompt you to upload your combined PDF file. If you have difficulty uploading your attachment or have other application questions, contact: LPPIPrograms@luskin.ucla.edu

APPLY HERE

What does the Policy Fellows Program experience entail? What type of projects do Fellows support?

• At hiring, policy fellows are placed within one of UCLA LPPI’s functional departments (Communications, Research, Leadership Programs, Mobilization, and Administration) and assigned a supervisor. Fellows work with their supervisors each quarter to complete a professional development plan that identifies their short and long-term goals, specific work assignments, and opportunities for growth.
• Work hours typically include activities like participating in one-on-one meetings with your supervisor, meeting with your project team, completing your assigned weekly tasks, staffing UCLA LPPI events, such as report webinars and forums, and participating in the program’s professional development training(s) and networking opportunities. 
• Below are examples of recent Fellow projects by department:

1. Communications—Track media mentions and compile weekly press clips; update Excel databases of reporters and media contacts; social media content creation including graphics made on Canva, social media copy, and videos; prepare social media toolkits for LPPI events; update the Institute’s website on WordPress; design email marketing campaigns on MailChimp; and support the development of blog pieces, press releases and media outreach. Placements in this department are open to undergraduate students and graduate student workers. 
2. Research – Conduct literature reviews; co-author policy reports and data briefs; conduct fact-checking; ready publications for distribution; develop interview guides; collect and analyze qualitative data; support in survey design; create and manage Excel databases; conduct data analysis using Stata or R software; create data visualizations; support with annual updates for research webpages. Placements in this department are open to undergraduate students and graduate student researchers
3. Leadership Programs – Develop meeting agendas and facilitate trainings; design program evaluation surveys; create and deliver presentations; update databases; perform market research and environmental scans; prepare memos and briefing materials for event speakers; support Fellows program recruitment activities; and manage program calendars. Placements in this department are open to undergraduate students and graduate student workers.  
4. Mobilization – Support a range of policy and research activities, including maintaining legislative trackers, conducting background and landscape research, and contributing to stakeholder mapping across issue areas and regions as needed. Assist with the planning and execution of webinars, convenings, and other public engagement efforts. Placements in this department are open to undergraduate students and graduate student workers.

Can I be considered for both Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) and Graduate Student Worker (GSW) positions during the 2026-2027 application cycle?

• In the application, you must specify the primary position you are applying for. If you are a graduate student applying for a GSR position, you can also choose to be considered for a GSW position if your GSR application is not successful. However, if you select a GSW position as your primary choice, you will not be considered for a GSR position.
• Be sure to carefully review the available positions and select the one that best aligns with your qualifications and interests. You will only be allowed to submit one application. Remember, GSR positions are only placed in the Research Department while GSW positions may work in Communications, Mobilization, Leadership Programs, or Administration. 

What kind of writing sample should I submit? Are there specific recommendations?

• The writing sample should be between 3-5 pages and may be from a prior research report, policy analysis, or similar type of academic writing. For this component of the application, you are demonstrating your ability to form an analytical argument using available evidence. You should be the primary author of your writing sample and we recommend that it aligns with UCLA LPPI’s mission. If you do not have an appropriate writing sample, you may write one on the policy issue area of your choice. 

What qualities do you look for in a Fellow?

Beyond our minimum eligibility requirements, we look for candidates who are passionate about advancing U.S. Latino/a communities and other communities of color who possess:

• Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including effective verbal and written communication;
• A positive attitude and adaptability within an entrepreneurial environment;
• Interest in applied research, data analysis, policy advocacy, strategic communications, policymaking, leadership development, and/or non-profit administration. 

Each UCLA LPPI department prioritizes different skills and experiences that align with their areas of work. For instance, our Research department might prioritize prior research experience, command of Excel, statistical skills, or familiarity with data analysis software. By contrast, our Communications team might prioritize strong social media and web design skills.

The sample work projects described in Question #6 give further insight into the types of skills that each department can utilize.

I do not identify as Latino/a – can I still apply to the LPPI Policy Fellows Program?

• You do not have to identify as Latino/a to be an LPPI Policy Fellow. LPPI values the diversity of lived experiences, perspectives, and skill sets, as this diversity enhances our ability to effectively serve U.S. Latino/a communities and other communities of color. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy, see: UC Nondiscrimination & Affirmative Action Policy.

I identify as an international student, am I eligible to apply for the Fellows program?

• Yes, international students who hold F1 or J1 visas are eligible to apply. For more information, please refer to this page: https://internationalcenter.ucla.edu/resources/working-on-campus.
• We regret that we are unable to sponsor international work visas at this time.

I identify as an undocumented student, am I eligible to apply for the Fellows program?

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

Will the 2026-27 Policy Fellows Program be virtual or in-person?

• The Program will be hybrid, with both in-person and virtual components for the 2026-27 academic year. Some in-person availability is expected and required. 
• Applicants should expect to be enrolled in residence at UCLA for the duration of the 2026-27 academic year. LPPI work projects should be completed either virtually or in-person in our offices at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs Building. While we do our best to accommodate student schedules, student fellows must be available to check in with their supervisors and work during typical business hours. 

What is the time commitment?

• Fellows must be available to work a minimum of 15 hours per week following the UCLA academic calendar. Fellows are not expected to work during winter and spring break or university holidays. Upon successful completion of the 9-month Policy Fellows Program, Fellows may be invited to continue working with LPPI through the summer, the following academic year as returning policy fellows, and beyond, subject to performance, UCLA LPPI needs, and supervisorial capacity. 
• On rare occasions, students who fail to meet the expectations of the LPPI Policy Fellows Program may be required to exit the program before its official end date.

Are students required to work during academic school breaks, including summer?

• No. Students are not required to work during breaks or summer, but may be invited to do so based on performance, department needs, and supervisorial capacity. 

May I transfer between LPPI departments during the academic year? 

• No. You should expect to work in the department for which you are hired for the duration of the academic year.

I am not a student at UCLA, can I still apply?

• At this time, the Policy Fellows Program is only open to UCLA students who are enrolled for the 2026-27 academic year. Newly admitted students who plan to matriculate in the fall 2026 term are also eligible. 

Where can I get assistance with my application?

• We will host virtual “Office Hours” via Zoom on Wednesday, April 8th & Wednesday, April 22nd and an in-person “Information Session” on Wednesday, April 15th. Drop by to ask your questions! Not able to attend? Email our team at LPPIPrograms@luskin.ucla.edu. 
• Information Session (In-Person): Wednesday, April 15th at 5 PM-6 PM PT at UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Room 4357
• Click here to join Office Hours on Wednesday, April 8th, from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM PT.
• Click here to join Office Hours on Wednesday, April 22nd, from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM PT.

Are Fellows considered if they plan to spend a quarter for Study Abroad, UCDC, and/or graduating early?

• All Fellows are expected to be available to work for the entire 2026-2027 academic school year, however, in rare instances, exceptions can be made for students who participate in UCDC, study abroad, or plan to graduate early. We ask that during the application process, you be transparent about your situation so that we can move forward accordingly and ensure proper communication before entering the new school year.

Am I able to participate in the Policy Fellows Program if I have another appointment on campus?

• Yes, but only if 
  • You are an undergraduate student and your hours do not exceed 19.5 hours per week, with a minimum of 15 hours reserved for LPPI
  • You are a Graduate Student Worker and your hours do not exceed 20 hours per week, with a minimum of 15 hours reserved for LPPI
  • You are a Graduate Student Researcher and your hours do not exceed 20 hours per week, with a minimum of 15 hours reserved for LPPI
• The minimum 15 hours required by LPPI must be completed during regular business hours and cannot be shifted to accommodate another appointment on campus. 
• While a Graduate Student Worker and Graduate Student Researcher can petition for an exemption to work more than 20 hours per week, this approach is not recommended, and LPPI asks that you disclose your other appointments or your intention to pursue multiple appointments on campus during the interview process. 
• LPPI reserves the right to rescind offer letters to finalists who cannot meet the 15-hour per week minimum after during regular business hours due to another appointment on campus.

What if I am not a full-time UCLA student? Can I still apply?

• No, all applicants must be an enrolled full-time UCLA student when they apply and at the start of the program in September 2026 in order to be considered eligible. 
• LPPI reserves the right to rescind offer letters to finalists who do not meet the UCLA full-time student requirement.

I have another question that is not listed here. Who can I contact?

Please email us at LPPIPrograms@luskin.ucla.edu, and we will forward your question to the appropriate member of our team.