The John Quincy Adams Society has officially announced the launch of its Fall 2025 Marcellus Policy Fellowship, a competitive and fully funded opportunity designed for rising thinkers and practitioners in the realm of U.S. foreign policy. This prestigious fellowship seeks to cultivate a new generation of strategic voices who will shape the future of American diplomacy, national security, and international engagement.
Inspired by the vision and legacy of John Quincy Adams — who famously championed principled, restrained, and strategic diplomacy — the programme is tailored to prepare fellows for impactful careers across government, academia, think tanks, journalism, and advocacy.
What the Marcellus Policy Fellowship Offers
The Marcellus Policy Fellowship is not just a learning experience — it’s a professional launchpad. Selected fellows embark on a transformative journey focused on policy development, intellectual depth, and publication-ready writing. Throughout the programme, participants:
- Engage in rigorous discussions on global affairs and American strategy
- Receive personalised mentorship from leading scholars and foreign policy experts
- Produce three polished and impactful pieces of writing: a policy paper, a policy memo, and an op-ed — all suitable for publication or submission to policymakers
Fellows join a powerful network of alumni and mentors, gain credibility in the policy space, and emerge with a tangible portfolio that demonstrates thought leadership in international affairs.
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Who Can Apply for the Marcellus Policy Fellowship
The fellowship is open to individuals who demonstrate a clear intent to build a long-term career in U.S. foreign policy. This includes:
- University students (both undergraduate and graduate) with a keen interest in national security and global diplomacy
- Early-career professionals (with no more than two years of full-time experience in a foreign policy-related role)
- Interns (unpaid or paid) whose experience does not exceed the two-year work cap
- Military personnel with experience in roles that required substantial foreign policy engagement, such as intelligence or strategic analysis
Importantly, U.S. citizenship is not a requirement. The programme is open to applicants from any country, as long as they aim to contribute to the discourse on American foreign policy.
Fellowship Structure and Benefits
This is a remote, part-time programme — meaning fellows can participate while continuing with their academic or professional duties. Key benefits include:
- USD 750 stipend to support participation and writing efforts
- Mentorship from distinguished foreign policy professionals and academic experts
- A publish-ready writing portfolio, including a full policy paper, a memo, and an op-ed
- Career visibility and access to networks in government, media, academia, and international organisations
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Deadline and How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit their materials on or before 21 August 2025. The application requires:
- A current CV
- Background details
- Responses to short essay questions assessing your motivation, analytical thinking, and foreign policy outlook
APPLY FOR THE MARCELLUS POLICY FELLOWSHIP
Whether you’re passionate about shaping global strategy, influencing public policy, or contributing to smarter diplomacy, the Marcellus Policy Fellowship 2025 is a springboard to turn ambition into real-world influence.
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