Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder
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William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship

Established in 1995, the William Randolph Hearst Fellowship: Encouraging Tomorrow’s Diverse Nonprofit Leaders opens students to new career pathways in the social sector, creating a pipeline from which a new generation of leadership is emerging.

The Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation (PSI) offers the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship to one student three times annually. The fellowship, which is based on academic excellence and need, is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. The Hearst Fellow serves as an intern with PSI either remotely or in the Washington, DC office of the Aspen Institute. Through this fellowship, PSI seeks to introduce a broad range of students to issues and challenges affecting philanthropy, social enterprise, nonprofit organizations, and other actors in the social sector. Recipients may arrange with their colleges or universities to receive academic credit for this experience.

The Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation seeks to inform and maximize the impact of grantmaking foundations, nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, and public-private partnerships through leadership development initiatives, convenings, and communications so that each can contribute to the good society at home and abroad.

POSITION DETAILS

Activities: In his/her/their internship, the Hearst Fellow undertakes research, writing, logistical, and administrative support for PSI’s leadership initiatives, public programs, and convenings. Please note this is a working fellowship, not a fellowship to support independent research.

Requirements: Candidates for this fellowship are highly motivated graduate or undergraduate students. Candidates must be enrolled at an institution of higher education for the semester for which they will be applying. Summer candidates must show proof of enrollment for the upcoming fall semester. Each candidate should have an excellent academic record and address the following factors in the cover letter accompanying their application:

  • Demonstrated interest or experience in nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and the social sector;
  • Excellent research and writing skills;
  • Demonstrated financial need;
  • How you would bring your unique experiences and perspectives to the fellowship; and
  • Must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States. If hired, a Form 1-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be completed at the start of employment.

To apply, you will need to submit a current resume and cover letter. See application link below.

If you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to also submit an unofficial transcript, writing sample, and one letter of recommendation or reference from a professor or supervisor (past or present).

Fellows will work 15-20 hours per week per week which may be done remotely.

Fellowship Compensation: Fellows will be compensated on an hourly basis.

2026 Application Deadline and Start Date:

  • Fellowship Availability: Spring 2026
  • Application Deadline: December 15, 2026
  • Tentative Start Date: Monday January 12, 2026

SPRING 2026 APPLICATION

Featured

Hearst Alumni Reflections

Spectrum: Stories of the Hearst Fellowship at PSI is a blog series featuring current and past holders of the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship.

READ OUR STORIES

Past Fellowships at PSI

PSI operated the American Express Leadership Academy 2.0 for 10 years, with the partnership ending in 2023. The program welcomed 15 emerging social sector leaders to Aspen, Colorado, each year for a week-long experience grounded in the Aspen Seminar’s text-based dialogue approach.

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