Deadline: March 16, 2026
Applications are open for the Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program 2026-2027. The Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program provides a unique opportunity for professionals in health and aging to gain the experience and skills necessary to make a positive contribution to the development and implementation of health policies that affect older Americans.
The Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program aims to create a diverse cadre of leaders who will serve as change agents in health and aging policy to ultimately improve the health care of older adults. The year-long fellowship offers a rich and unique training and enrichment program that is focused on current policy issues, communication skills development, and professional networking opportunities to provide fellows with the experience and skills necessary to help affect policy.
Funding
Residential Fellows (full-time):
Unless otherwise agreed, the fellow will live in Washington DC from no later than mid-October through September of the fellowship year.
- The program will provide a stipend of up to $70,000 depending upon career stage and level of institutional support.
- A relocation budget will be provided for residential fellows up to a maximum of $4,500.
- Health benefits are available to full-time residential fellows, if not provided by another source, up to a maximum of $400/month.
- The program does not cover employment taxes, compensate for retirement savings, or adjust the stipend for cost-of-living differences.
Non-Residential Fellows (part-time):
All travel to Health and Aging Policy Fellows required events in Washington DC will be reimbursed by the National Program Office. Click here to review these events.
- All non-residential fellows are expected to secure employer/organizational support that will allow them to 1) fully participate in all mandatory events and activities organized by the Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program, including the six-week orientation in Washington DC, and 2) commit 20% of their time to their fellowship placement. Stipends of up to $15,000 are available on a limited basis for those unable to secure full institutional support, with priority given to those early in their careers. Such support will be provided on a case-by-case basis. The degree of institutional support is a consideration when selecting fellows.
- No funds provided by the Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program can be spent on indirect costs to the fellow’s institution as per our funders’ policies.
- Placement-related travel support is available for non-residential fellows, up to a maximum of $10,000.
Eligibility
- Applicants at all career stages are eligible to apply. However, this fellowship is primarily designed for individuals who have completed professional training or who have a significant career track in the health and aging fields, so individuals who are completing their undergraduate degree are not eligible immediately upon graduation. They encourage all those interested in the fellowship to pursue a position that will provide on-the-job training and/or graduate training prior to applying for this program.
- The HAPF program has a broad interdisciplinary focus and past fellows have included physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, dieticians, healthcare administrators, epidemiologists, economists, and lawyers from academic and practice settings. Applicants must have a strong commitment to health and aging issues and should specify how the program would meet their particular career goals.
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. or its territories who have career plans that anticipate continued work in the U.S. after the fellowship period.
Selection Criteria
The Selection Committee will assess each applicant from the national pool based on the following criteria:
- Commitment to health and aging issues and improving the health and well-being of older Americans
- Potential for leadership in health policy
- Professional qualifications and achievements
- Future impact of the fellowship experience on the applicant’s career
- Interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstration of an understanding of the policy concern discussed in your application
Application
For more information, visit HAPFP.
