New York State Senate 2026-2027 Graduate Fellowship

Since 1965, the New York State Senate Legislative Fellowship has given post-graduate school students direct access to state government and the legislative process. Selection for a Senate Fellowship is competitive. Strong personal initiative and principles are essential for success. Applications from a wide range of interests and disciplines are welcomed and encouraged. Many fellows are today employees of the State Senate, the State Assembly, the Executive Chamber, or state agencies. Almost all go on to shape public policy in some capacity.

The Fellowship Program runs from mid-September 2026 through mid-June 2027 (9-month Fellowship); Fellowship stipend is $52,000, paid in biweekly installments and is subject to taxation. The annualized value of the fellowship stipend is approximately $70,000.

We have four different types of Fellowships to offer:

Legislative Fellowships (11-12 positions) -- Legislative Fellows are assigned to a Senate member. Duties vary and depend upon the needs of the member. Legislative Fellows generally perform in-depth policy research, meet with stakeholders and interest advocacy groups, address the concerns of constituents, track bills through the legislative process, and attend legislative sessions, among other assigned duties. Legislative Fellowships are open to all academic majors.

James Biggane Finance Fellowship (1 position) -- The Biggane Fellow is placed with the Senate Finance Committee. Duties include analyzing the state budget in assigned topical areas, reviewing revenues and expenditures for state agency operations, and participating in budget negotiations with senior staff. An interest and/or background in public finance or economics is preferred.

Richard Wiebe Public Service Fellowship (1 position) -- The Wiebe Fellow is placed with the Majority Counsel and Program Office. Duties include researching policy ideas in assigned topical areas, meeting with advocacy groups to learn their legislative priorities, and drafting and negotiating legislation. A legal or policy based background is preferred.

Richard Roth Journalism Fellowship (1 position) -- The Roth Fellow is placed with the Majority Press Office. Duties include writing press releases, speeches, and talking points; attending and setting up press conferences and other events; editing content for print and social media; tracking news stories and legislative developments to keep members of the Majority Conference informed.

What's in it for You:

The opportunity to earn while you learn -- we offer a stipend of $52,000 for the duration of the nine-month fellowship.

Excellent health and fringe benefits, including but not limited to health insurance, dental, vision, entry into the NYS Retirement System, Deferred Compensation (like a 401-K account), mental health support and resources, and many more!

The chance to network with policymakers, legislative staff, interest group advocates, and constituents.

Come and see how legislation and public policy are shaped and observe the legislative process from idea conception to bill passage!