COVES Fellowship

The Graduate School is pleased to announce that we are partnering with the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to sponsor a COVES fellow! 

The Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science (COVES) Fellowship is a 12-week fellowship program of the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (VASEM). Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows will serve as science advisors in a variety of possible placements, including legislative offices, executive agencies, or prominent companies and nonprofits in the state of Virginia. 

Fellows will gain experience by serving their host office and performing relevant tasks such as researching, drafting, and revising relevant policies. Fellows will also be paired with a VASEM member who will serve as an experienced science policy mentor throughout the fellowship.

• Fellows will serve from May 24th through August 13th, 2027.
• A stipend of $9,000 and $2,000 in professional development funds will be provided to recipients. 
• The 2027 COVES Fellowship will run primarily in person with some remote opportunities.
• Fellowship orientation in Richmond, VA: May 20 - May 21, 2027.

Information Sessions

Each year, VASEM hosts two information sessions for prospective applicants. These sessions provide an overview of the fellowship and application process, while offering participants the opportunity to engage directly with the COVES Program Coordinator and COVES alumni.

If you are interested in applying, please join one of the upcoming sessions:

• Information Session #1 on October 28, 2026 at 11 am – Registration required
• Information Session #2 on November 12, 2026 at 12 pm – Registration required

Eligibility requirements

To be considered, applicants must be enrolled in a graduate program at VCU. (Masters or Ph.D.)

Interested graduate students should complete the 2027 COVES Application and submit it to the application portal by Tuesday, December 1 at 11:59PM. 

The following should be included with the COVES application as a single attachment. 

• Resume or CV
• References
• Advisor Letter of Support
• Personal Statement
• Science Policy in Virginia
• Placement Interest
• International Student Eligibility Confirmation (if applicable)