Established in 1994, the Yale President’s Public Service Fellowship (PPSF) connects Yale talent with the New Haven community. We provide full funding for Yale students to work full-time at local nonprofits and city agencies during the summer. Through immersive placements and weekly dinners, Fellows gain a unique perspective on meaningful community engagement and make a lasting impact on the city we call home.
The Fellowship Experience
Over the past three decades, more than 1,000 PPSF Fellows have dedicated themselves to service throughout New Haven. This program is more than a summer job; it is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the work of local leaders and drive real change. Fellows work directly on projects that impact residents while building essential professional skills. Beyond your daily work, you will join a cohort of peers for weekly meetings and orientation sessions designed to broaden your knowledge of our city.
Eligibility
We welcome applications from students who are eager to serve their community and deepen their connection to New Haven. To be considered, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a current Yale undergraduate, graduate school, or professional school student.
- You must not be in your final year of study (graduating students are not eligible).
- You must be in good academic standing with the university.
- Former PPSF Fellows are not eligible to reapply.
Commitment & Compensation
The Fellowship is full-time and must be Fellows’ primary summer work.
For the summer of 2026, placements run for any consecutive 8-11 week period between May 26 and August 7, 2026.
PPSF Fellows will be paid $800/week (taxable) for a 40-hour work week.
PPSF does not provide housing.
All Fellows must:
- Attend a virtual Pre-Orientation meeting on March 25, 2026 at 6pm EST.
- Attend PPSF Orientation Week from May 19-22, 2026 (full-day activities and dinners).
- Attend weekly Tuesday meetings (6-8:30 pm) throughout their Fellowship placement.
- Submit weekly written reports and a written final report.
Selection Process & Timeline
Once applications are submitted, the selection committee will review all materials.
- Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview, which will take place in February and March 2026.
- Notification to interviewed students regarding the status of their application will conclude by March 23, 2026.
- If offered a Fellowship, applicants will be given 48 hours to accept or decline the Fellowship.
