CAP Fellows

Training a more diverse generation of new civic leaders

With support from The Boston Foundation, Eastern Bank, and others, the CAP Fellows Program began in 2019 as an innovative, ten-week summer program for graduate students at UMass, Northeastern University and Suffolk University to focus on practical strategies and tactics for changemaking in public policy. Since that start, 90 Fellows have passed through the program, taking on roles shaping policy in both the public and private sectors. 

Each summer, CAP selects 20 graduate students with an interest in public policy to be CAP Summer Fellows. 

During the 10 week Fellowship, Fellows are placed in paid internships in either the public or private sector. In these internships, they work on matters related to public policy. Past placements include the offices of state Representatives and Senators, the administrative offices of various cities, the government liaison offices of for-profit enterprises, think tanks, and direct service nonprofits. 

What is CAP Fellows all about?

Once a week, Fellows come together to participate in roundtable discussions with prominent leaders and practitioners involved in public policy and civic engagement: reporters, editors, pollsters, advocates, corporate and government leaders. In these sessions, Fellows have the chance to ask questions and network with policy makers, and establish new relationships with their peers. CAP Fellows are also provided mentorship from CAP staff during the summer session to reflect on their professional development.

Who is Eligible?

Graduate and law students from Northeastern University, Suffolk University and the four campuses of UMass are invited to apply. If you are interested in learning more about your eligibility for this program, reach out to your campus career education center or contact us directly through our contact form.

Past & Present Fellows

“CAP helped me link theory with practice and to acquire more of the practical skills needed to move things along”

— Allie Lyamuya, CAP Fellow Alumni

“The connections and friendships are already helping me along my professional journey, and I know they will be there for a lifetime.”

— Jane Elachem, CAP Fellow Alumni

Reflections from Mahesh Admankar, a former CAP Fellow

READ HERE ➡