Applications for the 2023-2024 Penn Kemble Forum on Democracy are now open! The Penn Kemble Forum promotes bipartisan conversation among young foreign policy leaders. NED is seeking early to mid-career professionals in the DC area interested in expanding their knowledge of the role of democracy and human rights. We encourage candidates from government, think tanks, media, and the private or non-profit sectors to apply.
ABOUT THE PENN KEMBLE FORUM ON DEMOCRACY
The Penn Kemble Forum on Democracy promotes bipartisan conversation among young foreign policy leaders in Washington, DC. The Forum is an opportunity for them to share ideas across sectors and explore the role of democracy and human rights within the context of a broad range of policy questions.
The Forum convenes monthly for off-the-record dinner conversations led by foreign policy experts, government officials (past and present), and democracy practitioners. Penn Kemble Fellows have met with Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad, Dr. Francis Fukuyama, Azar Nafisi (Reading Lolita in Tehran), and many others.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
No ‘democracy experience’ required – applications are encouraged from the Hill, security-focused young professionals, journalists covering international affairs, and the private sector, as well as from democracy and development practitioners.
It is organized and sponsored by the National Endowment for Democracy with the assistance of a distinguished advisory committee of scholars and practitioners.
APPLY FOR THE PENN KEMBLE FORUM FELLOWSHIP
Applications for the 2023-2024 Penn Kemble Fellowship are now open until July 26, 2023. Please read the instructions below and find the application form at the bottom of this page. Contact PennKemble@ned.org if you have any questions or experience any issues with the application form.
Applicants to the Penn Kemble Forum Fellowship should have between 5 to 10 years of professional experience in international affairs, foreign policy, or national security. Please note that internships or academic studies are not considered professional experience. We encourage candidates from government, think tanks, media, and the private or non-profit sectors to apply.
To ensure active participation, applicants need to be based in the Washington, D.C. region. The program is unpaid and nonresidential. Successful applicants are expected to attend monthly discussions to be held after working hours, usually on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Additional events and meetings with Penn Kemble Forum alumni and NED staff will also be scheduled, as well as social events (happy hours, theater visits, etc.), but are optional.
This is a very competitive program, limited to 30 fellowship positions. Before applying, please consider if your professional and personal obligations will allow you to participate fully. Please also bear in mind that the monthly discussions will be held in person in order to allow fellows to fully engage with one another and with speakers.
Requirements
- Fellows must be based in the Washington, DC region.
- Fellows must be available to attend a Saturday morning retreat held at the NED offices on September 23.
- Fellows are expected to attend a minimum of two-thirds of scheduled monthly roundtables. Attendance at other events (such as happy hours and career development seminars) is optional, but encouraged.
Application Process
Applicants are asked to complete the application form below, which includes the following required documents:
- Current resume;
- A statement of interest (500 words maximum) describing how the applicant will contribute to and benefit from the Forum;
- Letter of recommendation from a current or former employer or academic supervisor detailing the applicant’s intellectual and analytical abilities, international commitment or experience, and personal qualities.
Deadline
Open until July 26, 2023
