Program Overview

The Archer Fellowship Program provides undergraduate students from across The University of Texas System with a unique opportunity to live, learn, and intern in our nation’s capital during the fall or spring semester. While in Washington, D.C., students earn in-residence UT Arlington credit for their coursework and gain hands-on work experience in an internship. By living together in luxury condominiums near Capitol Hill, Archer Fellows build lasting friendships and professional connections with each other. The Archer Fellowship Program can be tailored to students’ own personal and intellectual interests.

 

Eligibility

The Archer Fellowship Program is available to undergraduate students of all majors and areas of study, and we welcome a diverse array of student interests and backgrounds.

 

Students must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply:

• Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater at The University of Texas at Arlington
• Previous work or internship experience
• Campus involvement and/or community leadership experience
• Applicant must be pursuing a University of Texas System bachelor’s degree

 

If selected for the Archer Fellowship Program, students must meet the following requirements by the beginning of the semester they will be in Washington, D.C.:

• Junior or senior status by years and hours (first and second year students are not eligible)
• Twenty-four hours of in-residence credit completed at The University of Texas at Arlington
• Completion of political science core-curriculum requirements (POLS 2311 and POLS 2312 or their equivalents)

 

Courses

Archer Fellows take courses taught by faculty from UT Austin, UT Dallas, and policy experts from the Washington, D.C., community. Students earn 15 hours of upper-division course credit, including six hours of course credit for their internship experience.

 

POLS 4390: Policymaking in Washington

POLS 4389: The Politics of National Memory

COMM 4392: Advocacy in Applied Settings

POLS 4691: Archer Program Internship

 

Students are strongly encouraged to consult their academic advisor to learn how these classes will fit into their degree plans. Because the courses are considered in-residence, graduating seniors may participate in the program during their final semester.

 

Internship

All Archer Fellows participate in a full-time internship that aligns with their academic and professional goals. Archer Fellows are responsible for researching and applying for internships, while Archer Center staff provides guidance and assistance throughout the process. The Archer Center has a vast network of connections in a variety of fields in the nation’s capital, and Archer Fellows have developed a fantastic reputation as high quality interns.

 

While many internships in Washington, D.C., offer financial compensation (e.g. stipends, hourly pay, etc.), some opportunities remain unpaid. For that reason, students should not expect to earn an income while in D.C. Visit archercenter.org for a non-exhaustive list of potential internship sites.

 

Program Costs and Scholarships

The 2023-2024 Archer Fellowship Program fee is $4,900, and is subject to change in future years. This fee does not cover housing or other expenses. Archer Fellows pay a program fee in lieu of UT Arlington tuition, and most financial resources currently used on their home campus can apply to the Archer Fellowship Program costs. Students are encouraged to visit archercenter.org/funding-your-fellowship.html for more information on program expenses.

 

Generous scholarships are available to help Archer Fellows fund their semester in Washington, D.C.

Typically, students fund their fellowship through existing financial aid, designated campus funding, and Archer Center need and merit-based scholarships. If you have concerns about the cost of the program, please reach out to the Archer Center. We do not want financial concerns to keep you from applying to be an Archer Fellow.

 

Applicant Advising

Prospective Archer Fellows can meet with their campus coordinator to learn more about the program and receive feedback on their application materials. Students are also welcome to contact the Archer Center with questions at archeradmissions@utsystem.edu.

 

Contact Information

Bobbie Brown

Campus Coordinator at UT Arlington archerfellows@uta.edu

archercenter.org

 

The Archer Center

archeradmissions@utsystem.edu