Funding

Salary

Program dates

TBA

Fellowship•USA · Washington

Max Kampelman Fellowship Program

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission)

Application Deadline

Closed · July 29, 2026

Expected to reopen

Official Page

The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, is an independent commission of the US federal government. It was created in 1976 to monitor how the 57 participating States of the OSCE region live up to the Helsinki Accords, covering human rights and democracy alongside military, economic and environmental cooperation. Its Max Kampelman Fellowship Program, named after a longtime US ambassador to the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, brings early-career researchers and communicators into the Commission office in Washington, DC for three months at 30 hours a week. Policy fellows research international military, economic and human rights questions and support staff advisors on hearings, briefings and congressional delegations. Communications fellows work on media outreach, website content and social media. Fellows in both tracks write at least one article for possible publication, and the Commission runs the program in summer, fall and winter terms.

Benefits & funding

  • Hourly pay of US$27, for 30 hours a week across a three-month term.
  • A placement inside a US government commission whose remit covers 57 countries in Europe, Eurasia and North America.
  • Ongoing enrichment, professional development and networking with senior Commission staff.
  • At least one article written for possible publication on the Commission website.

Eligibility

  • Current or registered graduate students.
  • Recent undergraduates may apply if less than one year will have passed between graduation and the start of the fellowship term.
  • Undergraduate students with previous internship experience are considered in exceptional cases.
  • Applicants must hold one of these statuses: US citizen; lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship; refugee or asylee who intends to become a citizen; or a person who owes allegiance to the United States.
  • Able to work 30 hours a week, in person, at the Commission office in Washington, DC.
  • Policy applicants: strong writing, analysis, research and oral presentation, with an interest in government, international relations and human rights.
  • Communications applicants: strong writing and editing, a basic command of WordPress, knowledge of social media platforms, and an interest in government. Photography skills count as a plus.

Can you apply?

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    USA

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  • Education required

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Application process

  1. 1
    Write a cover letter covering background, areas of interest and availability.
  2. 2
    Prepare a resume of no more than two pages.
  3. 3
    Prepare a writing sample of no more than three pages; communications applicants may add portfolio samples.
  4. 4
    Email the package to csce.fellowships@mail.house.gov, with a subject line giving your first initial, your last name, and whether you are applying for a policy or a communications fellowship.
  5. 5
    Send it by the deadline announced for that term. The fall 2026 term closed on 29 July 2026.

Program timeline

  1. Fall 2026 term application deadline

    Jul 29, 2026

  2. Fall term runs three months at 30 hours a week

    Fall 2026

  3. Winter term call, on the summer, fall and winter cycle

    Expected late 2026

  4. Not published

    The program page gives no term start or end dates