Apply
Please note: applications for summer 2013 are closed.
Each summer, Breakthrough seeks five to ten outstanding young analysts, writers, and thought leaders for a paid fellowship as part of our young leaders initiative, Breakthrough Generation. Fellows will contribute writing and research to one of three policy programs at the Breakthrough Institute: Energy and Climate, Conservation and Development, or Economic Growth and Innovation. Fellowships are highly competitive — only 5-10 percent of applicants are generally accepted — and involve cutting-edge writing, research, and public policy analysis. See below for more information on how to apply — complete applications should be sent to generation [at] the breakthrough.org. For more information about the fellowship, click here.
Since its inception in 2008, Breakthrough Generation has trained 50 top young policy analysts and thinkers.
The fellowship runs for ten weeks between June and August 2013 and pays $500 per week. The exact dates will be set in March. Fellows work 40 hours per week, and may be considered for full-time employment at the end of the fellowship. Breakthrough does not provide housing.
Who Can Apply?
Final-year undergraduates, college graduates, and postgraduates are eligible to apply for the fellowship. Fellowships are open to applicants from any country.
The Application
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume or CV, and three writing samples to generation [at] thebreakthrough.org. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The application must reach Breakthrough Institute by March 5, 2013 at 11:59 PM PST.
Cover Letter
Please indicate at the top of your cover letter which of the three program areas you wish to be considered for: Energy and Climate, Conservation and Development, or Economic Growth and Innovation. An excellent cover letter will display a thorough understanding of Breakthrough's work and ideas, and discuss at least one of our publications and/or Michael Shellenberger and Ted Nordhaus's book Break Through. Please limit your cover letter to one page maximum.
Note: At least one of our Energy and Climate projects this summer will focus on nuclear energy technology and policy. If you are specifically interested in this area, please tailor your cover letter accordingly.
CV/Resume
Please limit your resume or CV to two pages maximum.
Three Writing Samples
1) A 500-1000 word argumentative essay or op-ed (does not have to be published) on a subject of your choice that demonstrates an ability to make a focused argument in a clear, convincing, and accessible way. This writing sample is evaluated for evidence of critical thinking and general writing skills. For examples of opinion pieces written by Breakthrough staff, see here, here, and here.
2) A research paper of up to approximately 15 pages. This does not need to have been published, but should demonstrate an ability to research and analyze a subject in more depth. It is recommended, but not required, that the topic of the research paper be relevant to the program area you are applying to.
3) An additional writing sample of your choosing — this can be an opinion piece, a research paper, a policy memo, or any other piece of writing that complements the first two samples.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are welcome but not required. Recommendations will only be accepted if the author of the letter, not the applicant, sends the letter directly to Breakthrough.
Breakthrough Institute is an equal opportunity employer.