Building Robust & Inclusive Democracy

Tisch Summer Fellows

Tisch Summer Fellows (TSF) is a summer internship program available to undergraduate and graduate students. Since 2004, community-based advocacy organizations, national non-profits, government agencies, and elected officials have hosted Tufts students from all disciplines to support dynamic, mission-driven projects to advance the public good.

Tisch Summer Fellows (TSF) is a summer internship program available to undergraduate and graduate students. Since 2004, community-based advocacy organizations, national non-profits, government agencies, and elected officials have hosted Tufts students from all disciplines to support dynamic, mission-driven projects to advance the public good.

Tisch Summer Fellows 2026

The Tisch Summer Fellows program is designed to support the professional and career development of participants while enhancing the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to build robust and inclusive democracy. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students from across the university are invited to apply for the 2026 cohort of Tisch Summer Fellows (TSF). The 2026 TSF program period is June 1 through August 7, 2026. 

General Eligibility Requirements & Application Instructions

Students enrolled at a health sciences campus may visit the health sciences TSF landing page for complete details, including specialized opportunities and unique application deadlines.   

Upcoming Information Sessions

Monday, Nov. 17 | 12:00-1:00 pm | Barnum, room 100 | Register 

Thursday, Dec. 4 | 5:00-6:00pm | Eaton 250 | Register

TSF 2026 Applications

The 2026 Tisch Summer Fellows application period will open on December 8, 2025. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on January 23, 2026. 

  • Participants spend 300 hours over a 10-week program period* engaged in a project-based fellowship position addressing critical issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion with mission-driven program partner organizations. Fellowship positions are available in the greater Boston area, Providence, RI, and Portland, ME (TUSM only). Remote-only opportunities are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and might not be available during the upcoming program period.

    View examples of past TSF partner organizations.

    *TUSM students have a shorter program period requiring fewer hours.  

  • In addition to the fellowship position, participants attend skill-building workshops, roundtable discussions, and reflection sessions throughout the program period. These experiences are intentionally designed to align with the mission and values of Tisch College and principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion to build a robust, dynamic learning environment.  

  • Thanks to the generosity of Tufts alumni and other supporters, each member of the TSF cohort receives a living allowance to ensure this opportunity is accessible to all Tufts students. Members of the 2025 cohort of Tisch Summer Fellows received a living allowance of $5,250. Students enrolled at the Tufts University School of Medicine receive an adjusted amount based on shorter program length.  

  • TSF is open to eligible international students, however, Tufts does not provide I-20 sponsorship for the sole purpose of this program. If you are currently in the U.S. on a visa, work authorization is required to intern in the United States. If you are studying on a student visa sponsored by Tufts, please reach out to your I-Center Advisor to inquire about eligibility for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). If you are studying on a student visa at another U.S. institution, you should reach out to your international student advisor at your school for further assistance.    

Learn More

For more information, contact Jenna Logue, Tisch Summer Fellows Program Administrator, by email or at 617-627-3535.

During the program, I became a more confident communicator, improved my community organizing skills, and strengthened my time management and team-building abilities. This internship was a major step on my journey to a post-college career.

2024 Tisch Summer Fellow, A25