Over the past decade, the program has expanded to support 50 Fellows each year, offering living stipends, mentorship, and career development opportunities. As it celebrates its tenth anniversary, the program takes pride in its thriving alumni community and is well-positioned for continued impact in the years ahead.
2015
Program established at two schools
- Leonard D. Schaeffer commits funding to support undergraduates in full-time government internships.
- University partnerships are established with the University of Southern California and Princeton University.
- Fellows receive a living stipend, assistance with internship placements, and mentorship from university alumni.
2016
Expansion to new university partner
- Program expands to the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health through a partnership with Health Career Connection, focusing on public health internships at local and state levels.
- Program leaders visit campuses to meet Fellows and learn about their experiences.
2017
New partners & programming for Fellows
- Harvard Institute of Politics joins as a university partner.
- Collaboration with the Partnership for Public Service introduces a hybrid Development Series featuring public policy experts and a dinner with keynote speakers hosted in Washington, D.C.
- Fall Recognition events become a core program component, celebrating Fellows’ contributions to public service with certificates of recognition.
2018
Professional Development Days introduced
- Alumni feedback inspires the launch of Professional Development Days in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., where Fellows connect with public service leaders, alumni, and peers.
- The first Schaeffer Fellows Resource Guide is distributed, offering tailored advice for internships and professional development.
2019
New university partner & first Summit in D.C.
- University of Virginia, through a collaboration between the Miller Center and UVA Career Center, joins as a university partner, enhancing regional diversity and increasing the cohort size to 45 Fellows.
- Inaugural Schaeffer Fellows Summit, held in Washington, D.C., focuses on leadership, values, and transferable skills. Fellows visit the Brookings Institution for sessions on how research informs public policy.
2020
Fellows persevere during COVID-19 pandemic
- Program supports 50 Schaeffer Fellows for the first time.
- Internships and events, including a virtual Summit Series and Fall Recognition, transition online due to the pandemic.
- Virtual visit with RAND summer associates on graduate school, policy research, and careers.
2021
Virtual programming model refined
- Virtual and hybrid internships continue.
- Program introduces small-group, interest-based pods for Fellows to network with like-minded peers and discuss career exploration.
- Virtual Summit Series is enhanced with interactive sessions and alumni-led workshops on professional development topics.
2022
Program Advisory Board established
- Advisory Board is formed, bringing together university partners, former government officials, and program leaders to evaluate the program’s strengths and strategize for its future.
- Standard Memorandum of Understanding is established with each University Partner to streamline operations and ensure consistency.
- In-person Schaeffer Fellows Summit resumes in Washington, D.C.
2023
Alumni engagement grows
- Fellows participate in expanded professional development programming, including small-group sessions led by alumni ambassadors.
- Program sees a rise in the number of alumni volunteering to serve as 1:1 mentors for current Schaeffer Fellows.
- In-person Fall Recognition Events return at partner campuses.
2024
Celebrating 10 years of Schaeffer Fellows
- Program supports its tenth cohort and hosts special anniversary events in the growing alumni hubs of San Francisco and New York City.
- Program unveils a new logo and mission statement.
- USC Leonard D. Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy and Government Service is announced, establishing a permanent home for the program, securing its endowment, and supporting expanded opportunities.