The Maryland Legislative Fellows Program is highly competitive with a limited number of placements. Applications are considered on a rolling basis by offices, which begin reviewing applications, scheduling interviews, and making selections from September through December. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for the greatest exposure and opportunity for placement.

The Maryland General Assembly meets annually for a period of 90 calendar days, beginning the second Wednesday in January and continuing through April. Fellowships through the Maryland Legislative Fellows Program begin as early as October 2025 and as late as January 2026, depending upon the office placement. All fellowships conclude the last week of session.*

Fellows must work an average of 20 hours per week and establish a regular weekly schedule with their office, with one day falling on a Wednesday or Thursday during session for in-person programming. Fellows begin their tenure with focused training to prepare for their assignments during the legislative session. All Fellows must attend a mandatory 2-day orientation on January 13 and 14, 2026, in Annapolis.

The type of work assigned to Fellows varies, depending on the specific job assignment. Fellows will generally be involved in legal, fiscal and policy research and analysis, as well as responding to legislative requests and producing publication content. All work assignments require strong writing and analytical skills. Potential work assignments include:

• Budget
• Committee Staffing
• Fiscal and Policy Notes
• Legislative Drafting
• Library and Information Services
• Racial Equity Impact Notes
• Program Evaluation and Government Accountability

A stipend is awarded to a Maryland Legislative Fellow based on the duration of their fellowship and is paid in installments. Please note, all stipends are taxable income.

Transportation to Annapolis is not provided, nor overnight accommodations. Free parking is available at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, and free shuttle service is provided between the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and the Maryland State Government Complex.

* Fellows that begin in October conclude their fellowship on April 14, 2026.

The Fellows Program is specifically designed for graduate students at Maryland and regional institutions offering master’s, doctorate, and law degrees. Applicants may be from 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
• Presently enrolled in a graduate program at a public or independent college or university within the state of Maryland or the surrounding region (applicants may be scheduled to graduate in December 2025). Candidates must possess an undergraduate degree.
• Possess strong writing and analytical skills and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
• Able to work in Annapolis an average of 20-hours each week, to include a Wednesday or Thursday for programming during the 2026 Legislative Session

Deadline to apply: October 31, 2025. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. For the greatest consideration, apply early.

To apply, applicants must submit the following with their application:

1. Cover Letter (PDF Format): Briefly explain your interest and/or background in public policy work, and your objectives for a fellowship with the Maryland General Assembly.
   
2. Resume (PDF Format)
   
3. Unofficial transcript (PDF Format)
   
4. Writing Sample (PDF Format) 

Offices will schedule and conduct interviews, making their selections through early December.