Established in 2020, the Maryland Legislative Fellows Program offers distinguished graduate students from Maryland and the surrounding region a unique opportunity to engage in the policymaking process during the Maryland General Assembly's annual legislative session. Based in Annapolis, Fellows work alongside nonpartisan professional staff within committees, caucuses, delegations, and offices within the Department of Legislative Services that support legislative efforts. Throughout the session, Fellows also attend specialized programming designed to deepen their understanding of the legislative process and enrich their overall experience.

The Maryland Legislative Fellows Program takes place in Annapolis during session through the Maryland General Assembly’s Department of Legislative Services (DLS), the nonpartisan agency that provides legislative support to Members of the General Assembly. Fellowship placements are similarly nonpartisan, spanning leadership offices, committees, caucuses, delegations, and offices within DLS.

Work assignments vary by placement, but Fellows generally engage in legal, fiscal, and policy research and analysis. All assignments require strong writing and analytical skills. Additional responsibilities may include: 

  • Writing reports, research summaries, publication content, and other materials
  • Preparing and delivering briefings
  • Responding to legislative requests
  • Collaborating with stakeholders
  • Preparing witnesses
  • Following committee proceedings, floor actions, and bill progress

 

Legislative Fellows receive a stipend, paid in installments according to start date:

Fellowships run for 15 or 19 weeks, concluding Friday, April 16, 2027, and are conducted in-person at the State House in Annapolis. Legislative Fellows must work a minimum of 20 hours per week and establish a regular weekly schedule in coordination with their assigned office. Attendance is required on select Tuesdays for in-person programming. Fellows must also attend the following:

 

  • A webinar prior to the start of the fellowship (dates and times provided upon selection)
  • An in-person onboarding session (Tuesday, December 8 or Tuesday, January 5)
  • In-person orientation on Tuesday, January 12 (full day)

 

Transportation to Annapolis and overnight accommodations are not provided. Free parking is available at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, with complimentary shuttle service between the stadium and the Maryland General Assembly.

The Fellows Program is designed for students pursuing a master’s, doctoral, or law degree at a Maryland or regional institution. Applicants may be studying any field, although offices generally prefer studies related to public policy or a course of study relevant to the assignment, such as economics, education, environment, finance, public health, and various other quantitative, policy or legal studies.

The Maryland Legislative Fellows Program is open to individuals who meet the following requirements:

  • At least 18 years of age
  • Hold an undergraduate degree
  • Current GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Currently enrolled in a master's, law, or doctoral program at a public or independent college or university (applicants scheduled to graduate in December 2026 are eligible)
  • Possess strong writing and analytical skills
  • Able to work in person in Annapolis a minimum of 20 hours each week
  • Able to attend required in-person Tuesday programming (times vary)

APPLICATION OPENS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026

The application link for the Maryland Legislative Fellows Program will be posted on October 1.

Deadline to apply: October 31, 2026

 

Applicants apply online and must submit the following documents at the time of submission:

  1. Resume (PDF format)

  2. Unofficial Transcript (PDF format): Typically available through your school's student account portal.

  3. Cover Letter (PDF format): Briefly explain your interest and background in public policy work, along with your objectives for a fellowship with the Maryland General Assembly.

  4. Writing Sample (PDF format): A writing sample that illustrates your research, analysis, and writing skills (a previous academic paper is recommended).

IMPORTANT: Applications will not be considered for any of the following reasons:

  • Applicant does not meet eligibility requirements.
  • Application is missing required documents.
  • Documents submitted are not in PDF format.

Following the submission deadline, complete applications are shared with offices for review, and interviews are scheduled and conducted. While these offices extend tentative offers to candidates, official offers are ultimately extended by the Maryland Legislative Fellows Program and formalized through fellowship agreements executed by the Fellow and assigned office. Most offers are finalized by mid-December.

QUESTIONS?

Call (410)946-5120 or e-mail fellowships@mga.maryland.gov.