Legislative Fellows Program

Begun as a partnership between the University of Delaware and the Delaware General Assembly in 1982, the Legislative Fellows Program is now sponsored in cooperation with Delaware State University.

For the students, who are selected through a competitive application process, the experience offers a valuable opportunity to observe and contribute to the political decision-making process. For the General Assembly, the program provides the research skills of the Fellows as well as a link to University resources.

Through their nonpartisan, in-depth research, Fellows assist legislators in addressing critical issues facing the state. In recent years, Fellows have worked on areas as diverse as land-use planning, education reform, and juvenile justice.

The Legislative Fellows Program is managed by the University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration. Dr. Jerome Lewis is the director of the IPA;  Lisa Moreland Allred is the program manager for the Legislative Fellows Program.

• Legislative Fellows travel to Legislative Hall Dover three days a week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) from January through June. Travel to Dover is by university carpool (subject to program funding)
• Legislative Fellows receive a competitive stipend/scholarship
• Legislative Fellows take a three-credit graduate seminar, State and Local Government Management and Policy, as an integral part of the program

Lea​rn more about the experience and alumni who have participated. 

In Their Own Words...

I feel more equipped with writing and policy research skills and feel competent in producing high-quality work with short deadlines.

- Brandon Grabelsky, '15 and '16 Legislative Fellow

"I had excellent opportunities to research issues across state lines and develop nuanced recommendations and observations to pass onto legislators. Staffing the Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee was extraordinarily rewarding, and I valued the opportunities to enhance my planning, communications, and organizational skills through that process.

- Lexi West, '17 Legislative Fellow

My assignments allowed me to observe how the policy-making process unfolds in the real world.

- Scott Murphy Eisenhart, '16 and '17 Legislative Fellow

To apply to the Legislative Fellows Program, visit the program's Eligibility and Selection page.

For more information about the Legislative Fellows Program, contact Program Manager Lisa Moreland Allred.