Free the Facts Fellows receive stipends that allow them to pursue unpaid or underpaid internship and academic opportunities.

The FtF Fellow Program awards monetary stipends to Ambassadors in All-Star standing who have independently obtained an internship or an academic opportunity. 

Ambassadors can apply to the Program for funding in the spring, summer, or fall and may apply as often as they wish while in All-Star standing. Although Washington, D.C., is the most popular location, the Fellow Program supports any qualifying opportunity within the United States.

In order to be eligible for the Fellow Program, applicants must:

1. Be an Ambassador in “All-Star Standing” at the time of the application deadline.
2. Be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior enrolled and in good academic standing with—an accredited post-secondary institution.
3. Be able to secure an internship or related academic opportunity independently. This includes:
   • Opportunities in Washington, D.C. with a congressional office, the White House, a think tank, or other office, organization, or institution that focuses on public policy, public affairs, and/or government/politics.
   • Opportunities outside of the D.C. area with a state legislator’s office, governor’s office, or similar office, organization, or institution.
4. Be able to secure two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s future promise as a leader and their current ability to make the most of the internship opportunity they are pursuing.

Applicants accepted to the Fellow Program are eligible to receive:

1. A monetary stipend to cover expenses related to the internship or related academic opportunity.
   • Housing during the internship period, including a sublet, dorm accommodations, or other rental housing.
   • Supplemental income to minimize the economic hardship caused by accepting an unpaid or modestly compensated internship opportunity (amount to be determined based on need and availability).
   • Program fees and/or tuition costs associated with the internship opportunity.
   • One-time travel to/from the location of permanent residence and location of the opportunity.
   • Daily travel to/from accommodations and the internship site.
2. Access to our professional network and invitations to exclusive programs and events that are only available to students in Free the Facts' leadership network.
3. A letter of recommendation from Free the Facts' senior leadership (provided the Fellow fulfills all necessary requirements for a recommendation during their tenure).

As part of the application, Fellows are required to develop a budget and research the various costs associated with undertaking the internship or academic opportunity. The following resources may be helpful in completing this component of the application:

• How to Create a Budget in 5 Steps
• DC Metro Cost to Ride & Other SmartTrip Information
• Personal Monthly Budget Template