Fellowship
Overview
Searchlight’s fellowship program has three key objectives:
- To encourage the production of novel, pro-growth, responsive policy and research to be championed by lawmakers, stakeholders, and thought leaders at all levels of government.
- To challenge outdated assumptions, reject ideological orthodoxy, and energetically drive the conversation through ideas that are supported by facts, fresh data, subject matter expertise, and practical application.
- To develop and burnish nimble public policy professionals who are unafraid to disrupt norms and support policy implementation, principals, public institutions, and other entities with a goal of advancing liberal values and policy outcomes that benefit all Americans.
Candidates
We’re seeking fearless, creative thinkers to apply for Searchlight’s fellowship. Our ideal applicants will have unique experiences or perspectives on policy issues. Searchlight encourages and welcomes a broad range of ideological, educational, and professional backgrounds.
Fellowship applications and inquiries are accepted on a rolling basis over the course of a given year.
To apply, candidates will be asked for a policy pitch, the answers to several thought exercises, a resume, and a letter of reference.
Key Dates
October 1, 2025
2026 Fellowship Application Opens
November 30, 2025
(Date Updated) First Round Application Window Closes
December 2025
First Round Notifications Sent
January 2026
Program Starts
January 12, 2026
Rolling Fellowship Applications Accepted
Our Fellows
Current
Past
Marc J. Dunkelman
Resident Scholar
Blas Nuñez-Neto
Senior Fellow
Daniel Delgado
Senior Fellow
David Bowen
Senior Fellow
Jane Flegal
Senior Fellow
Joel Wertheimer
Senior Fellow
Mara Keisling
Senior Fellow
Matt Darling
Policy Fellow
Pavan Venkatakrishnan
Policy Fellow
