The Stevens Initiative Virtual Exchange

What this program actually is

The Stevens Initiative Virtual Exchange is a fellowship run by Aspen Institute. It's built for 9th–11th grade students who want to work remotely with Aspen Institute on International Relations, Political Science, Social Science, Linguistics.

The program runs for 6 months, based out of Online. There's no cost to participate. That covers the program itself — check the official page separately for whether travel, housing, or meals are included.

Who it's for

Programs like this get the strongest applications from students who can point to a specific reason they want this one — not just "any research program" or "any internship."

• Students in 9th–11th grade — check the official page for exact grade cutoffs before applying.
• Open to students nationwide (and often internationally — verify on the official site).
• Strongest fit for students already curious about: International Relations, Political Science, Social Science, Linguistics. You don't need prior formal experience — curiosity beats credentials.

Typical day-to-day in programs like this

The following describes what participants generally do in fellowships of this shape — not a confirmed schedule for The Stevens Initiative Virtual Exchange. Always check the official program page for the actual activities.

• Commit to a longer-term (often year-long) program of mentorship, project work, and cohort meetings.
• Ship a substantive project by the end — treat this like a job.
• Join a small, ongoing community of past fellows that will outlast the program itself.

How to apply well

Selection is competitive but not unrealistic. A thoughtful application usually beats a decorated one.

• Start with the deadline: Early February. Work backwards — most students underestimate how long recommendations and essay drafts take.
• Read the official page twice before writing anything. Note the exact prompts and word counts.
• Answer the actual question. Reviewers read hundreds of essays; specificity beats polish.
• If recommendations are required, ask at least 3 weeks out. Give your recommender a one-page brag sheet with what you're applying for and specific things you'd love them to mention.
• Submit at least 24 hours before the deadline. Portals crash. Files fail to upload. Give yourself the buffer.

Cost, funding & logistics

Cost and logistics kill more applications than eligibility does. Sort these out before you get emotionally invested.

• Format: Fully remote — no travel needed.
• Duration: 6 months.
• There's no cost to participate. That covers the program itself — check the official page separately for whether travel, housing, or meals are included.

After the program

The most valuable thing you leave The Stevens Initiative Virtual Exchange with is usually not the credential — it's the two or three people you met and the one concrete thing you made. Keep in touch with your mentors and peers; they're the beginning of a professional network in International Relations, Political Science, Social Science, Linguistics.

Add the program to your resume, but also write down (for yourself) what specifically you learned, what you'd do differently, and what question you now want to answer next. That reflection is what turns a summer into a direction.