The Patman Scholars Fellowship

Scholars receive funding to help cover living and educational expenses while completing unpaid or underpaid internships directly with an elected or appointed government official. 

In addition to financial support, Patman Scholars gain access to exclusive professional development opportunities, including VIP meet-and-greets with elected officials and policymakers, invitation-only speaker events, and signed books from acclaimed authors—offering scholars unique insight and direct exposure to leaders shaping public policy today.

Eligibility Note: Internships must be directly with an elected or appointed official. Internships with committees, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations are not eligible.

Patman Scholarship Application Information

Application Timeline

• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis

• Students should apply after receiving an offer letter from an eligible internship placement

• Open to any UT–Austin student (undergraduate or graduate)

How to Apply

Submit all application materials via email to:
LBJPatmanCenter@austin.utexas.edu

Information to Include in the Email Body

Please include the following details in the body of your email:

• Full Name

• UT EID

• Email Address

• Phone Number

• Undergraduate or Graduate Student

• Academic Program (Major) and Expected Year of Graduation

• Internship Placement and Dates of Appointment

• Paid or unpaid internship (if paid, please include pay range)

• Transcript Consent (see below)

• Academic Advisor’s Name and Email Address

Required Attachments

Please attach the following documents to your email:

• Personal and Internship Statement

• Mentorship Statement

• Financial Need Statement

• Resume

• Offer Letter from Internship Placement

Letter of Recommendation

• Applicants must identify a former employer or academic professor to submit a 1–2 page letter of recommendation

• Letters must be emailed directly by the recommender to:
  LBJPatmanCenter@austin.utexas.edu

• Letters submitted by students will not be accepted

• Recommenders should address:

  • The applicant’s readiness for the internship

  • Professional preparation

  • Leadership potential and distinguishing qualities

Statement Guidelines

Transcript Consent

Please include one of the following statements in your email body:

• Yes — I consent to the Patman Center verifying that my GPA is above 3.3 with my academic advisor.

• No — I do not consent to the Patman Center accessing my academic information.

Personal and Internship Statement (1–2 pages)

Please address:

• What has motivated you to pursue a career in public service and/or civic leadership?

• What type of internship will you pursue, and how do you expect to grow from the experience?

Mentorship Statement (1–2 paragraphs)

Each Patman Scholar is paired with a Senior Fellow mentor. Please address:

• What qualities are you looking for in a mentor?

• Who would be an ideal mentor for you (general characteristics only — do not request specific individuals)?

Financial Need Statement (1–2 paragraphs)

Please explain:

• How this financial award would support your internship experience

• Whether you would be able to participate in the internship without financial support, and why or why not

Resume

• Include an overview of your professional experiences

• Highlight relevant volunteer, civic, or leadership activities

Open only to UT-Austin students.