The Ellen Schall Experience Fund is an annual NYU Wagner award supporting students who accept unpaid summer public service internships. For Summer 2026, NYU Wagner planned a cohort of 10 recipients.
Recipients work full time for at least 10 weeks between May and September, with placements possible across sectors and countries. The fund couples financial support with structured reflection, connection, and professional-development touchpoints.
Benefits & funding
- Each of the 10 Summer 2026 recipients receives a $7,500 stipend.
- Recipients join structured summer activities focused on reflection, peer connection, and professional growth.
- The stipend is taxable; withholding and year-end treatment differ for U.S. and international students.
Eligibility
- Be currently enrolled and taking classes in an MPA, MUP, or Executive MPA program at NYU Wagner.
- Be a continuing student with at least six Wagner credits completed before April 2026 and remain enrolled rather than graduate before or during September 2026.
- Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and be in good academic and financial standing; applicants below 3.0 may apply but are waitlisted until Spring 2026 grades are final.
- Hold a confirmed, degree-relevant public service internship that is unpaid, runs at least 35 hours per week for at least 10 weeks, and takes place between May and September 2026.
- Do not receive more than $500 in compensation from any Summer 2026 internship, take a leave or maintenance of matriculation in 2026–2027, or already hold a fellowship that includes a summer internship stipend.
- Do not work for yourself or for an organization where you are a founder or principal; international students must also follow NYU’s employer-location and travel rules.
Can you apply?
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Application process
- 1Secure a confirmed internship that satisfies the unpaid, full-time, duration, and public-service requirements.
- 2Submit the ESEF application through the official NYU Wagner form by 11:59 p.m. ET on April 10, 2026.
- 3Ensure the internship employer submits the required verification form by 12:00 noon ET on April 13, 2026.
- 4If selected, keep the approved internship and complete the fund’s summer professional-development and reflection activities.
Program timeline
Application opens
Mar 4, 2026, 9:00 a.m. ET
Online information session
Apr 7, 2026, 6:00 p.m. ET
Application deadline
Apr 10, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
Employer verification deadline
Apr 13, 2026, 12:00 noon ET
Award announcements
Apr 17, 2026
Eligible internship period
May–September 2026