The Undergraduate Research Fellows for Social Science and Public Policy program is an eight-week, paid summer internship that prepares current Brown undergraduates to work as research assistants on empirical social science and public policy projects, including those related to public health, the education system, social inequality, and population well-being. The program is supported jointly by the Annenberg Institute, the Brown University Economics Department, and the Population Studies and Training Center.
The program is structured in two phases. The first phase is a two-week “bootcamp” that covers skills in coding, data management, research design, and statistical analysis. Students will engage in hands-on learning opportunities using Stata, a statistical software package that is widely used in social science research. The second phase is a six-week research internship that pairs fellows with a Brown faculty member in one of the social sciences: Education, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, or a related field. Students will gain firsthand experience with the process of conducting empirical research and operating as an effective research team member.
Our approach emphasizes mentorship and peer learning, encouraging fellows to develop student and faculty relationships that may continue through the rest of their time at Brown. During the program, fellows also attend workshops and panels that introduce them to cutting edge research techniques and highlight research career paths both inside and outside of academia.
Program Dates:
May 26, 2026 - July 17, 2026
- Develop coding and analysis skills using Stata, a statistical software package that is widely used in social science research.
- Learn to operate as an effective member of a research team.
- Build community and connection across different fields and disciplines within Brown University.
Completion of this program will support fellows’ transition to related graduate school programs and/or professions in social science and public policy research.
Program Requirements:
- Fellowship applicants should have a strong interest in social science and public policy and the motivation to pursue research opportunities during their time at Brown.
- Fellows must commit to the entire 8-week, full-time, in-person training program with general availability on weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM. Time off can be accommodated within reason but must be communicated in advance. We will not have program activities on Juneteenth or Independence Day.
- Fellows must complete an I-9 (federal verification of eligibility to work) in order to receive the fellowship stipend.
Eligibility:
- The program is open to Brown undergraduate students who are currently in their first, second, or third year of study.
- Undergraduates from all concentrations and backgrounds are welcome to apply.
- Fellows must have completed at least one introductory statistics course (EDUC 1110, SOC 1100, CLPS 0900, APMA 1650, ECON 1620 or equivalent). Previous coding experience is welcome but not required.
The Undergraduate Research Fellows for Social Science and Public Policy program is committed to fostering a dynamic, diverse, and supportive intellectual community. Students from underrepresented groups and diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Funding Award:
Fellows will be awarded a stipend consistent with the University’s SPRINT summer funding structure (see SPRINT website for more details).
How to Apply:
Applications open December 9, 2025. Apply here: https://utra.brown.edu/students/how-apply
Application Deadline:
Monday, February 2, 2026 by 12 PM (noon) ET
Information Sessions:
Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 12-1 PM, Annenberg Institute room 202
Tuesday, January 27, 2026 from 2-3 PM, Mencoff Hall room 205