PowerHouse Texas Policy Fellowship

The PowerHouse Texas Policy Fellowship is a rigorous 5-month long, PAID fellowship program in the State Capitol to gain experience in energy policy, technology and innovation. The Policy Fellowship is specifically intended for individuals with a background in science, engineering or environmental sciences who are interested in gaining hands-on experience in policymaking and the legislative process. Accepted program participants will be placed in either a Democrat or Republican legislative office and serve as a full-time policy fellow responsible for researching and analyzing legislation. PowerHouse Texas carefully selects the Representative or Senator Office for each Fellow to maximize their growth as policy leaders and enhance the quality of their Fellowship experience. Fellows will work alongside experienced legislative staff and participate in weekly seminars where they will interact with other program participants, scientific advisors, industry leaders, elected officials and state agency representatives. 

The Policy Fellowship offers undergraduate, graduate students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the functions and operations of the Texas House of Representatives or Texas Senate during a legislative session. Fellows will learn how the state legislative process works and become better equipped to serve the communities they represent. The program will help pave the way for a career in energy and environmental policymaking. 

Benefits

In addition to learning the legislative process and developing their leadership skills, participants will receive a monthly stipend of $4,100 to assist with living expenses, plus a one-time $700 moving stipend. The PowerHouse Texas Policy Fellowship begins on January 11, 2027 with a mandatory program orientation, and ends on June 1, 2027. Fellows will be required to work full-time in Austin, Texas for the entire duration of the legislative session. 

After the Fellowship program, Fellows are encouraged to continue to contribute to the energy policy area, and PowerHouse Texas will support Fellows in securing full-time positions in their industries of choice within the State Capitol, lobby, education, nonprofit, etc. 

Applicants with experience living in frontline communities that experience immediate and worse impacts of climate change or in energy communities where energy production is a major economic activity in their area will be prioritized. We are looking for Fellows that represent the diverse state of Texas with different political beliefs, geographies and interests. 

Applications are open for the 2027 Legislative sessions and will be accepted on a rolling basis until the deadlines on August 30, 2026, October 15, 2026 and November 30, 2026. 

About PowerHouse Texas

PowerHouse Texas is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that educates and cultivates policy leaders who will promote energy innovation, security, and sustainability. We go beyond partisanship so policymakers, legislative staff, industry experts, innovators and public citizens can share solutions that will secure Texas’ position as a leader in energy and advance new technologies. 

PowerHouse Texas was established in 2022 by the Texas Energy and Climate Caucus to bridge the political divide and build consensus across the aisle around critical energy policy issues. The 501c(3) educates policymakers, staff and future energy leaders through the Energy Policy Fellowship, the Energy Academy, Energy Tours, the Energy Policy Advisory Council and Energy Innovation Forums. 

Work Requirements / Academic Credit 

Applicants should understand that all program participants will be considered full-time staff by the members’ offices where they are assigned. Though responsibilities may vary from office to office, program participants should expect to work beyond a typical 40-hour work week. 

We encourage participants to seek educational credit as part of their participation in the leadership program. The determination of how many credit hours the PowerHouse Texas Policy Fellowship qualifies for will vary among colleges and universities–it is the student’s responsibility to learn how their respective schools award academic credit and provide 

requirements to PowerHouse Texas staff in advance of starting the program. 

Eligibility Requirements 

A program participant of the Policy Fellowship must meet the following requirements: ● ● Must be an undergraduate, having completed at least 2 years, in a two or four-year accredited institution, OR 

● Graduate student enrolled in an accredited institution, OR 

● A recent graduate, within two years of January 9, 2023, 

● Possess excellent composition and communication skills, 

● Provide community/extracurricular involvement, recommendations, and supporting documents that speak to their leadership potential, and 

● Must have a minimum grade point (GPA) average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. 

Interview Process:

Submit written application:

1Early Decision: Aug 30, 2026

Regular Deadline: Sep 15, 2026

Late Deadline (if spots available): Nov 30, 2026

First round interview with PowerHouse staff

Praxis assignment

Second round interviews with 1-3 host offices 

Submit Application: 

Contact Anagha Uppal for additional information at [email protected] or call 208-705-0120.