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Yale Policy Institute

Yale Policy Institute

YPI Academic Fellowship

OpenCivic EngagementGlobal AffairsFellowship

About the Program

The YPI Academic Fellowship introduces high school students to public policy through weekly lectures, assigned readings, discussions, and group policy proposals. Fellows work with Yale University students and hear from guest speakers on topics such as health and education policy.

The program is run by the student-led Yale Policy Institute, whose activities are independently operated and are not supervised or endorsed by Yale University.

Applications for the 2026–2027 cohort close on October 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Tuition is USD 375, plus a USD 25 application fee. Need-based cost waivers and financial assistance are available through the application form and fellowship team.

Sources verified October 24, 2026: official fellowship page, YPI application guide, and provider information.

Eligibility

Applicants should demonstrate intellectual curiosity, interest in policy and research, and strong written and verbal communication skills. A minimum GPA of 3.3 is recommended. Fellows must commit to all nine weeks and have reliable internet access for virtual sessions. Geographic eligibility is not specified in the published materials. Current high school students in grades 9–12.

How to Apply

Apply through the Google Form linked from the official fellowship page: https://forms.gle/neFM4sJDMMrYdiYX9. The application guide lists short essays and a longer policy proposal response. Request financial assistance in the form if needed. A Google sign-in is required to access the form.