Applications for the 2026–2027 SRCD U.S. Policy Fellowship Program will open on Monday, October 27, 2025, and close on January 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. This article outlines eligibility requirements, the application and interview process, and details on what the program seeks in prospective fellows.
SRCD is currently accepting applicants for both State and Congressional fellowship placements. Federal placements are not available until further notice.
Apply here.
About the SRCD U.S. Policy Fellowship
The SRCD U.S. Policy Fellowship is designed for researchers who want to engage directly with evidence-based policymaking. It supports scholars committed to applying developmental science to policy issues affecting children and families.
Ideal candidates are researchers who are open to learning, committed to equity and inclusion, and interested in exploring policy-related career pathways.
Application Process
The SRCD fellowship selection process includes:
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Written Application Stage
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Interview Stage
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Matching Process (for Congressional placement applicants)
Applications are reviewed by multiple evaluators. All submissions are name-blind and institution-blind to ensure fairness. Applicants receive feedback at each stage to support future applications.
Eligibility Requirements
General Requirements
All applicants must:
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Hold a doctoral-level degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., M.D., or equivalent) relevant to child development before the fellowship begins on September 1, 2026.
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Be an active SRCD member.
Citizenship and Work Authorization
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Congressional Placement: Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
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State Placement: Non-U.S. citizens may apply, but must confirm that citizenship is not a requirement for the specific state office. Most states do not sponsor work visas, so applicants must already have legal authorization to work in the U.S. for the full duration of the fellowship.
Required Background
State and Congressional applicants must have experience related to early childhood development (birth–8 years). This may include:
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Research or practice involving young children or their families
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Work in child welfare, child health systems, childcare programs, poverty-related programs, or early childhood systems
What the Application Includes
Applications are submitted through SRCD’s online portal. Applicants will need to prepare:
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Application Questions
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Statement of Interest (1,600 words)
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Two References
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Transcript
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Placement Agency Statement of Support (750 words)
Pre-Interview Task
Applicants selected for interviews will complete a pre-interview task. This exercise allows reviewers to assess skills rather than writing polish or professional coaching.
Interview Process: Finals Week
Virtual interviews will be held between February 23, 2026, and March 4, 2026.
During Finals Week, applicants will:
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Meet with SRCD staff
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Speak with current fellows
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Interview with the selection panel
The Selection Panel
The SRCD selection panel is composed of:
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Members of the SRCD Policy Committee
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Alumni of the fellowship program
Panels include individuals with varied disciplinary backgrounds and professional trajectories, ensuring well-rounded evaluation.
Evaluation Criteria
SRCD values diversity in all forms and encourages applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, differing perspectives, and scholars with disabilities, first-generation graduates, and LGBTQIA+ scholars.
Applicants are scored on a 1–5 scale across the following skills:
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Expertise in developmental science
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Expertise in research methods
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Openness to growth and learning
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Commitment to inclusion and diverse perspectives
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Communication skills
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Critical thinking and problem solving
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Initiative
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Reliability
Funding
State and Congressional placements are funded through the Heising-Simons Foundation under one- or two-year grant cycles. Placement agencies do not pay for fellows.
SRCD may support state-specific placements if external funders express interest. Potential funders can contact SRCD at policy@srcd.org.
Support & Contact Information
If you have questions or wish to connect with a current or former fellow, email policy@srcd.org.
To know more about such opportunities, click here.
