Niskanen Summer Institute: Democracy that Works — Summer School

The Niskanen Summer Institute: Democracy that Works is an intensive one-week academic program run by the Niskanen Center, a public-policy think tank based in Washington, D.C. Held in the downtown of the city, it brings a small cohort of 15–20 leadership-minded undergraduates together to study the intersection of politics and policy and the Center’s framework for institutional reform. Participants engage directly with policymakers and experts and learn how Washington actually operates. The program is fully funded and open to students worldwide.

Benefits & funding

Fully funded: lodging, meals, travel, and transportation (including flights) are all covered.
A $250 USD stipend for each participant.
One week of direct engagement with policymakers, scholars, and practitioners in Washington, D.C.
A small cohort of 15–20 undergraduates and access to the Niskanen Center network.

Eligibility

Open to college undergraduates in the class of 2026 or later (currently enrolled students).
Open to applicants worldwide, including international students — all costs, including airfare, are covered.
No citizenship, age, or work-experience requirement is stated.
Selection is based on essays, academic record, and a recommendation.

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Education required
Bachelor Enrolled

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Application process

1
Prepare a resume, an unofficial transcript, and the contact details for one recommender.
2
Write responses to three short-essay questions.
3
Submit the application through the online portal linked on the official program page.
4
Interviews are held on a rolling basis; decisions are sent by late March.

Program timeline

Application deadline
Feb 27, 2026
Rolling
Interviews
Decisions announced (by this date)
Mar 27, 2026
Program week in Washington, D.C.
Jun 8, 2026 to Jun 12, 2026