Thank you for your interest in the Polaris Project fellowship!  Below you will find the answers to questions that we regularly receive from prospective fellows.

• How do I apply for the fellowship?
• What are the hours of the fellowship?
• Does Polaris Project cover tuition fees or have financial support?
• What is the interview process like?
• How many fellows would I be working with at Polaris Project?
• Does Polaris Project offer housing or help with finding or poroviding any accommodation?
• There are a few programsthat interest me, what stage do I have to decide which one I would like to apply for? Is there any overlap during the fellowships?
• Would Polaris be able to assist me with a visa application e.g. providing necessary documents that I may need?
• What is the dress code?
• Can I apply to be a fellow if I don't have any expereince in the anti-human trafficking movement or other social justice initiatives?
• Who applies for the fellowship?
• If I am not able to become a fellow, do you have other volunteer opportunities?
• What will I be doing as a fellow?
• Why does your organization use the word "fellowship" instead of "internship"?
• What are the application deadlines?
  

How do I apply for the fellowship?

To apply, please send a personalized cover letter, resume, and contact information for three recommendations to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   In your email, please specify the top three fellowship positions you are interested in.  Due to a large volume of applications we will only be contacting applicants that enter the interview process.  If you are selected for an interview, you can expect to be contacted within one week of your application deadline.  For any other inquiries please email us at the same address as above.

What are the hours of this fellowship?

The minimum work requirement for the fellowships is 24 hours a week; however, we strongly prefer full-time availability of 40 hours a week, particularly during the summer fellowship.

Does Polaris Project cover tuition fees or have financial support?

All fellowships are unpaid.  While we are unable to provide any direct funding, many fellows have successfully sponsored their position through university stipends, church sponsorships, summer scholarships or other community based support.  Part-time fellows often secure other part-time jobs in the DC area to off-set the cost of living.

What is the interview process like?

While the interview process will vary depending on the fellowship position you are applying for, fellows typically go through one to three interviews either in-person or over the phone before a final decision is reached.  If you are selected for an interview, please come prepared to answer questions about your background, Polaris’ programmatic initiatives, and on the issue of human trafficking.

How many fellows would I be working with at Polaris Project?

Since 2003, about 230 fellows have passed through our program and several have joined our staff.  Depending on our current needs we take in somewhere between 10-20 fellows at the DC headquarters office each session.  There are usually 2-3 fellows in each department or program.

Does Polaris Project offer housing or help with finding or providing any accommodation?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer housing to fellows.  Many fellows have successfully found affordable temporary housing though Craigslist.com.  American University also rents temporary summer housing in its dorms at an affordable price.

There are a few programs that interest me, what stage do I have to decide which one I would like to apply for? Is there any overlap during the fellowships?

We ask that when you apply for the fellowship, you specify in your email and cover letter your top three program choices.  Polaris Project’s various divisions are closely related and we all work together, so while the majority of your fellowship work will be in a specific program, it is likely that you may be asked to help in other sections at times. We also work to fit you with the best program and can adapt with certain skills and needs. 

Would Polaris be able to assist me with a visa application e.g. providing necessary documents that I may need?

We cannot provide any legal assistance with visas or official documents, but we can provide documents of acknowledgment or certification that you are enrolled in the program once you have received notification of acceptance.
   
What is the dress code?

Business casual

Can I apply to be a fellow if I don’t have any experience in the anti-human trafficking movement or other social justice initiatives?

Yes.  While many of our fellows have prior relevant experience, this is not a requirement of the fellowship program.  We encourage you to learn more about human trafficking upon applying; this will be very important if you reach the interview stage of the application process.  Read through our website, and explore the issue on your own before applying. 

Who applies for the fellowship?

The fellowship program generally consists of current or recently-graduated undergraduate and graduate students or professionals who are taking time off to contribute their services to this cause.  That said, we welcome people of all ages and backgrounds to apply.  Legal fellows are typically either law students or practicing lawyers. 

If I am not able to become a fellow, do you have other volunteer opportunities?

Yes.  If you would still like to be involved, please let us know and we will keep your application on file for any other volunteer opportunities that may arise. Additionally, you can visit our Action Center for other ways to get involved.

What will I be doing as a fellow?

Although tasks vary depending on the fellowship, in the past, fellows have worked on grant proposals, research projects, providing client services, and helping with administrative tasks.  For a more detailed description of each position, please see the individual fellowship listing.

Why does your organization use the word "fellowship" instead of "internship"?

Polaris has always been committed to raising new leaders in the field of anti-trafficking.  Our organization demands a high level of professionalism and responsibility of all of its fellows, and is committed to providing meaningful training and leadership development for all fellowship participants.  Fellows receive intense training and meaningful work experience while they are a part of the program.  Because these expectations go above and beyond what is typically expected of an intern, we have elected to use the term "fellowship" to describe the position as accurately as possible.  

What are the application deadlines?

Below you can find a list of all fellowship deadlines.  Keep in mind that the process is highly selective and spots fill up very quickly.  Early applications are strongly advised.