Fellows Program

Each semester the Center for the Political Future and its Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics invite prominent political professionals to become CPF Fellows and lead study groups for USC students in Los Angeles. These resident Fellows expose students to a wide array of perspectives, broadening and challenging their understanding of government while strengthening civil dialogue on campus and within the community. [Apply for a Fellows Study Group]

Study groups are the cornerstone of the CPF Fellows Program. These in-depth seminars focus on the ins and outs of practical politics, and are coordinated in partnership with the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics to include immersive experiences beyond political theory and academic journals. Each one meets once a week for four to ten weeks and focuses on how politics works in practice rather than in theory.

A study group includes:

• Weekly seminar sessions led by the Fellow
• Guest speakers the Fellow brings in from their own field
• Office hours with the Fellow outside of class
• Access to internship and career leads through the Fellow and CPF staff

Study groups also count toward the CPF Student Scholars Program. One study group satisfies a Tier 1 requirement, and study groups are required for Tiers 2 and 3.

[Apply for a Fellows Study Group]

If you are unable to attend a CPF Fellow’s study group, please fill out the CPF Study Group Absence Form.

Meet Our Current Fellows – The Fellowships are offered by invitation only. Potential Fellows are invited to apply based on a number of factors, including their current national stature, commitment to the CPF mission, ability to attract students to their study group, prior teaching experience, recommendations from former Fellows, advice from our CPF Board of Councilors, and ability to provide USC students with an exciting study group on practical politics. The Fellows roster is normally booked for the next 2-3 semesters.

Pizza and Politics Series – Free pizza and small-group conversation with CPF Fellows. Fellows discuss current events, their careers, and whatever students bring up. Open to USC students, faculty, and staff. No sign-up required. Pizza and Politics lunches are held from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. in SOS B15 on these select Tuesdays: October 13, October 20, October 27, November 10, and November 17.

Fellows Program: Hear From USC Students

“As someone deeply interested in both journalism and politics, the Fellows Program has been a valuable and unique opportunity for me as a USC student. I was able to engage with, and learn from, renowned guest speakers who joined our class each week to discuss the Democratic debates and the future of both parties. I can’t express enough how incredible it was to have access to these leaders in the media and politics and to have candid, open conversations. Adam Nagourney was a great Fellow who actively encouraged our participation in the class and created an environment where students and guest speakers felt safe to discuss, debate, and question current events in real time.”

Chandra Ingram, Journalism and International Relations and Global Economy

“Having the opportunity to be a part of the Center for Political Future’s Fellows Program was the highlight of my first semester at USC. My experience centered around taking a ten week course on the role of interest group politics in our federal government taught by Ron Christie, the former advisor to President George W. Bush. Throughout the ten weeks, our class got a behind-the-scenes look at the orthodox and unorthodox mechanisms of lawmaking in the lobbying process, legislative branch and executive office. With over thirty years of experience, Professor Christie’s was able to bring the subject matter and readings to life. I am extremely thankful for the Center for Political Future for providing me with this experience and I hope to continue to use it as a resource as I progress in my academic career.”

Adam Jackman, Political Science

“While the American people continue to grow closer to online identities and virtual networks, it is strange that many have come to distrust journalists who, for decades, have packaged hard-hitting truths into “byte” sizes for the public. Through quite serious but feel-good storytelling, Ann Klenk revealed that what lies behind TV screens is the same as what lies behind your front door. With her rolodex of industry pioneers, she taught meaningful journalism through the eyes of people who are skeptics. Going into this class, there was so little I understood about the political world. And while I still do not know everything, this class taught to never be satisfied until I do.”

Julianna Montano, Philosophy, Politics and Law