American Opportunity Fellowship 2026
About this scholarship
The American Opportunity Fellowship is a semester-long fellowship in applied political economy and economic policy for advanced undergraduates, early graduate students, and recent graduates in the United States.
The American Opportunity Fellowship (AOF) is offered by The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute. Based on the referenced posting, it is an intensive, cohort-based, semester-long programme focused on applied political economy, economic policy, and American policy history.
The fellowship is designed for advanced undergraduate students, early graduate or professional students, and recent graduates who want deeper exposure to how economic ideas shape public policy in the United States. The programme combines classroom learning, mentorship from practitioners and scholars, networking opportunities, and practical training such as policy writing and professional development. It is intended for students and emerging professionals interested in economics, political economy, public affairs, journalism, research, think tanks, and related policy pathways.
According to the posting, AOF is semester-long and includes in-person meetings in Washington, DC and Simi Valley, California, alongside fellowship activities during the term. Funding support includes housing and meals, a stipend for incidental expenses and ground transportation, and flight or train travel support for participants coming from outside the Washington, DC area.
This opportunity is best suited to applicants with a demonstrated interest in economics, political economy, economic policy, American policy history, or a related field. Applicants should prepare to show academic engagement and motivation for policy-focused learning. Application processes and exact timelines may vary by cycle, so candidates should follow the provider's current fellowship announcement and submit all requested materials through the official application route when available.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Applicants should be advanced undergraduate students, current undergraduates in their sophomore year or later, early graduate or professional students in the first two years of a relevant programme, and/or recent graduates who completed a bachelor's degree in 2024 or later. They should demonstrate interest in economics, political economy, economic policy, American policy history, or a related area.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
