Horizon Fellowship

Geographic Scope: Washington, DC (placement location required)

Focus Areas:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy
• Biotechnology policy
• Emerging technology policy
• AI and biosecurity convergence
• Related policy areas at federal agencies, congressional offices, and think tanks

Program Overview:
The Horizon Fellowship places experts in emerging technologies in federal agencies, congressional offices and committees, and leading think tanks in Washington, DC for up to two years. Fellows join a community of 85+ other fellows and alumni, receiving comprehensive training, networking opportunities, and financial support to launch careers in public service.

Eligibility:

• Passion for making a difference and contributing expertise to emerging technology challenges
• Subject-matter expertise in emerging technology (required) — demonstrated through coursework, work experience, research projects, policy writing, or deep self-study
• Prior policy experience not required
• Open to diverse backgrounds and career stages: recent graduates to mid-career professionals
• Welcome interdisciplinary professionals (engineers, data scientists, historians, lawyers, doctors, etc.)
• Three tracks available:
  • Executive branch track
  • Congress track
  • Think tank track (includes junior track for recent graduates)

What They Don't Fund:
No specific exclusions stated, but focus is on emerging technology policy expertise.

Award Details:

• Fellowship Duration: 6 months for junior fellows, 12 months for fellows (with potential for second term renewal)
• Compensation (2026 cohort):
  • Fellows: $113,000/year equivalent
  • Junior fellows: $75,000/year equivalent
  • Plus $15,000 in health care support
  • $3,000 professional development stipend
  • Up to $3,000 for relocation to DC (if needed)
• Start Date: Summer 2026
• 100% placement success rate historically achieved

Program Outcomes:

• More than 90% of alumni transition to full-time roles in policy and government after fellowship
• Past placements: State Department, Department of Defense, National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, Senate Commerce Committee, Department of Energy's Office of Critical & Emerging Technologies, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Center for Security and Emerging Technology, House committees

Contact Information:

• Website: horizonpublicservice.org
• "Become a Fellow" page for more details
• "Applicant FAQ" page
• Career Interest Form for future notifications

Background:
Horizon is a non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded to help the US government navigate rapid technological change by supporting the next generation of emerging technology policy talent. Since launch, they have helped 75+ experts fill roles at top think tanks, congressional offices, and federal agencies.

Application Process

Application Timeline:

• Applications for 2026 cohort closed on September 2, 2025
• Annual application cycle with deadline typically in early September
• Notifications of offers typically by end of November

Program Structure (January-Summer 2026):

1. Training Phase (January–March 2026)
   • Part-time, work-compatible remote training
   • Topics: How US federal government works, applied skills (e.g., policy memo writing), AI and biosecurity policy debates
   • Culminates in immersive in-person weekend in Washington, DC
   • Networking with dozens of emerging technology experts
2. Matching Phase (April–May 2026)
   • Individualized matching process
   • Horizon connects fellows with prospective host organizations within their track
   • Most fellows receive multiple placement offers
   • Fellows choose placement matching their goals
3. Placement Phase (Spring/Summer 2026 onward)
   • Full-time policy roles matching expertise, goals, and interests
   • Horizon provides full-time salary and benefits once placement begins
   • Work is fully supervised and directed by host organization

Application Components:

• Written questions
• Interviews
• Short paid work tests
• Designed to test whether applicants enjoy types of tasks representative of prospective policy work

Required Materials:
Specific materials not detailed in provided pages — see "Become a Fellow" page for complete application requirements

Selection Criteria:

• Attitude, abilities, and knowledge more important than formal credentials
• Subject-matter expertise demonstration
• Passion for emerging technology policy
• Track record of taking on challenging problems

Important Notes:

• Research shows great candidates often disqualify themselves, especially from underrepresented groups
• Applicants uncertain about qualifications strongly encouraged to apply
• Process designed as "fit test" for those unsure if policy work is right for them