Harris Fellows
Meet the 2024 Harris Fellows!
About Harris Fellows
Harris Fellows offers UH undergraduate students the opportunity to work as full-time interns in Harris County government offices during the summer semester.
Harris Fellows will allow Cougars to serve the residents of the nation’s third largest county, whose diverse population of 4.8 million is larger than that of 26 states. Students will apply skills learned in the classroom as well as develop skills that can only be taught in a real world setting. As a major employer, Harris County has 30,504 employees that make an average of $58,186 per year according to OpenPayrolls. Hobby School internship programs have a proven record of leading to gainful employment.
Students will work full-time in Harris County government offices. Although assignments will vary from office to office, students will assist their host office in their general duties. This will most commonly include constituent services, research, policy analysis, and special projects as assigned.
The opportunity will provide students with outside of the classroom experience in the real-world day to day operations within the nation’s third largest county. Although students will complete a term paper relevant to their internships for academic credit, the overall focus of the program is to immerse them in the workings of county government so they can develop professional skills, gain applied research expertise, polish interpersonal abilities, and build a professional network.
Harris Fellows earn 3-12 upper level hours in political science (dependent on the student's degree plan) for participation in the program by combining supervised academic study and research with practical training. Hobby School of Public Affairs senior director Renee Cross is the instructor of record.
Students selected for the program will receive a $6,000 stipend to participate in the program from the week of June 5 through the week of August 7. Students must complete the program requirements in their entirety to receive the full amount; if they are unable to do so, appropriate action will be taken to recoup funds.
Eligibility requirements
Must be a junior or senior at the University of Houston during the semester of application. Students of any major are welcome to apply. Transfer students must have at least 24 hours completed at UH. Students graduating spring 2023 are welcome to apply, but required to re-enroll as a post-baccalaureate. Must be in good academic standing with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Ideal candidates possess
- Outstanding academic achievement
- Strong writing ability
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated dedication to public service through volunteerism in school and/or community activities
- Government internship or campaign experience
Personal interviews, academic achievement, writing ability, community and school activities, previous internship and/or professional experience, and financial hardship are factors in the selection process.
Program requirements
- Harris Fellows work a minimum of 40 hours per week and are required to work more if needed from their host office.
- Harris Fellows complete various academic assignments, which make them eligible for 3-12 academic credit hours. It is best to consult with an academic advisor to determine the appropriate number of hours for each student.
- Harris Fellows are not allowed to be enrolled in any other courses, whether in-person or online.
- Harris Fellows must be enrolled for the appropriate hours/classes at UH before the initial stipend is issued. Proof of enrollment is required.
Application
Applications are now closed. Please check back Spring 2025.