In a world ever-more defined by conflict, uncertainty and shifting security landscapes, emerging leaders in peacebuilding and security policy face both challenges and opportunities. The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship offers precisely that kind of opportunity bridging passionate graduates to meaningful roles in nonprofit and advocacy organizations tackling the crucial issues of our time. Though the programme is based in Washington, DC, its global relevance means that aspiring peace and security professionals from Ireland (and worldwide) can position themselves strongly for the 2025/2026 cohort. This blog post will walk you through what the fellowship is, why it matters, how you (especially if you’re based in Ireland) can prepare, and the steps you should take if you want to apply.

What is the Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship?

The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship was established in 1987 in honour of Dr. Herbert “Pete” Scoville Jr., a scientist turned arms-control and peace activist. Its core objective is to recruit and train the next generation of leaders in international peace and security by placing recent college or postgraduate alumni into full-time fellowships at nonprofit, public-interest organisations, typically in Washington, DC.

Key features of the fellowship:

• It lasts six to nine months, during which the fellow works full-time at a host organisation.
• It is aimed at recent graduates (bachelors or masters) rather than seasoned professionals.
• The subject areas span major global security and peace themes: nuclear non-proliferation and weapons of mass destruction (WMD); climate change and security nexus; peace-building and conflict resolution; emerging technology threats; global health security.
• Fellows receive a stipend, health insurance compensation, travel support, and professional development funds. For example, one reference indicates a monthly stipend of about U.S. $4,079 plus professional development funding.
• The fellowship emphasises experiential learning, mentoring, networking with alumni and senior policy experts, and real-world contributions via host organisations.

In short: the Scoville Fellowship offers a springboard into the world of peace-and-security policy by embedding you inside a functioning organisation, not just an academic exercise.

Why It Matters for Ireland-Based Applicants

If you are based in Ireland, or have an Irish-education or international-affairs interest from Ireland, you might ask: “Why should I care about this U.S.-based fellowship?” Here’s why it matters and how to turn it to your advantage.

Global peace & security is inherently transnational

Whether you are working on conflict resolution in Europe, monitoring arms flows, considering climate-security risks, or exploring cyber threats, the issues are global. The training and network you build via the Scoville Fellowship are transferable to many settings — including in Ireland, the EU, or international NGOs. A strong experience in Washington can help you stand out when applying for roles in Europe or internationally.

Unique international profile

Many applicants come from U.S. universities and U.S.-based backgrounds. If you bring an Irish, European or global perspective, you may have a unique and compelling profile. You could highlight how your background gives you a different vantage point on security, peace-building, or European/Atlantic relations.

Network & credibility

Hosting a full-time fellowship in Washington gives access to policy-makers, think-tanks, advocacy organisations and networks that may otherwise be hard to access from Ireland. That network, once established, can be invaluable for future roles in Europe, the UN, EU, NGOs or academia.

Leveraging the experience back home or in Europe

After completing the fellowship, you could bring that experience home — in Ireland or in regional work — and use it to both raise your profile and shape the field. You might use your Washington network, your project work and the skills gained to secure roles in Dublin, Brussels or beyond.

Addressing specific Irish / European angles

If you build your application strategically, you could emphasise how U.S./European/Atlantic security intersects with Ireland’s (and the EU’s) interests: e.g., Northern Ireland peace-process lessons, climate-security in maritime Europe, Ireland’s role in UN peace-missions, or Irish diaspora and global conflict resolution. That cross-link helps you show both relevance and uniqueness.

2025/2026 Cohort: Key Dates and What to Know

For the 2025/2026 cohort of the Fellowship, these are the important details:

• The Spring 2026 fellowship application deadline is October 6, 2025.
• The Fall 2026 fellowship application deadline is January 9, 2026 (or similar early January date).
• The application must be submitted via the online portal (Submittable) and will require you to create an account.
• Eligibility: Usually you must have completed a bachelor’s (or equivalent) by commencement of fellowship; preference is given to U.S. citizens, but foreign nationals residing in the U.S. may apply  note: many sources indicate that non-U.S. citizens living outside the U.S. are not eligible.
• The fellowship is full-time (six to nine months) in Washington D.C., and the placement is within one of roughly 26 participating organisations.

For Ireland-based applicants: eligibility caveat

As noted, many of the fellowship’s eligibility rules give preference to U.S. citizens or those already residing in the U.S. (or with a U.S. work visa). This means that if you are based in Ireland and do not have U.S. residency or work visa, you must carefully check whether you meet the eligibility criteria at the time of application.

However it’s still advisable to apply if you meet the criteria; you may also contact the fellowship administrators directly to clarify eligibility for non-U.S. nationals living abroad.

What the Fellowship Offers: Benefits & Outcomes

The value of the fellowship lies not just in the stipend or the placement—it’s in the experience, network and career springboard. Here is what you can expect.

Professional placement and hands-on experience

You will work full-time at a host organisation engaged in peace and security issues. Your work may involve research, writing, advocacy, organising events, supporting strategy, engaging with policymakers, etc. This means you gain practical, real-world experience beyond the classroom.

Mentoring and networking

The programme arranges meetings with policy experts, alumni, board members of the fellowship, and hosts regular events to build cohort and alumnus relationships. These connections can be invaluable for your career trajectory.

Professional development funding

Aside from your stipend, you also receive support (e.g., $1,000) to attend conferences, take a language or policy course, or travel for professional development. That means you can deepen your specialisation or build new skills.

Career outcomes and credibility

Former fellows of the programme report that the fellowship “opened doors” and significantly shaped their career paths in peacebuilding, policy, advocacy and international affairs. For someone from Ireland, this can provide a strong credential and differentiator when competing for roles in international organisations, NGOs, or governmental/international security sectors.

Access to policy ecosystem in Washington

Working in Washington DC puts you at the heart of non governmental policy activity, congressional hearings, think-tanks and advocacy networks. The exposure you gain is hard to match elsewhere and can accelerate your understanding of how policy is made and implemented at high levels.

Who Should Apply? Do You Qualify?

Ideal applicant profile

Here’s a breakdown of the kind of candidate the fellowship is designed for and how you from Ireland or elsewhere can position yourself.

You should have (or be able to show):

• A bachelor’s degree (or master’s) completed by the time the fellowship starts.
• Demonstrated interest and involvement in public-interest, advocacy or activism in peace, security or a related field. This could include organising a student forum on conflict resolution, volunteering in NGOs, policy writing, campaigning, etc.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to engage with high-level policy issues.
• A clear interest in one (or more) of the focus areas: nuclear non-proliferation & WMD, climate & security, peace-building & conflict resolution, emerging technology threats, or global health security.
• For non-U.S. applicants: Note eligibility restrictions. Many sources say non-U.S. citizens living outside the U.S. are not eligible.

How to assess your fit

• From Ireland: Ask yourself — do I have U.S. citizenship or U.S. work visa status? If not, check with the fellowship administrators whether you qualify as a foreign national under their rules.
• Do I have real-world or advocacy experience (not just academic)? The fellowship values activism and public-interest work.
• Am I passionate about one of the key issue areas, and can I articulate how I’ll contribute?
• Am I ready for six to nine months full-time in Washington, DC (or willing to relocate)?
• Do I bring a unique perspective (for example a European/Irish angle) that can add value in a U.S.-based policy environment?

If you’re borderline eligible

If you find you don’t fully meet the U.S. citizenship or visa requirement, don’t be discouraged you can:

• Contact the fellowship administrators and ask for clarification on eligibility for non-U.S. nationals.
• Consider whether you can secure a U.S. work visa or otherwise meet the requirement.
• Use this as a launch-pad: even if you don’t apply this cycle, build your activism, writing, experience, and apply next time when eligibility is clearer.

How to Prepare Your Application — Step by Step

To succeed in the 2025/2026 application round (for Spring 2026 or Fall 2026 start), you need to plan strategically. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Familiarise yourself with the programme’s website & FAQs

Go to the official site of the fellowship. Read through host organisation lists, the kinds of placements fellows have done, alumni stories, and what the fellowship emphasises (e.g., activism, diversity, practical policy work).

Step 2: Self-audit your credentials and eligibility

• Confirm your degree status (completed bachelor’s or master’s).
• Confirm whether you meet any citizenship/work visa requirements.
• Document your activism, advocacy, volunteering, policy work, writing, or NGO involvement.
• Reflect on which of the issue-areas (nuclear/non-proliferation, climate & security, peace-building/conflict, emerging tech threats, global health security) you align with.
• Consider how your Irish/European background gives you a distinctive viewpoint.

Step 3: Choose your issue-area and develop a narrative

Early in your preparation, decide which thematic area you want to focus on. For example:

• Peace-building & conflict resolution (perhaps with focus on Europe, Northern Ireland, diaspora, etc).
• Climate & security (maritime Ireland, North Atlantic, Europe).
• Emerging technology threats (cyber security, AI, space, etc).

Once you choose, build a narrative:

• “Why this issue matters to me”
• “What I have done so far”
• “What I wish to do during the fellowship”
• “How I will use the experience afterwards”

Step 4: Strengthen your experiential credentials

Since the fellowship prizes activism and public-interest work, consider boosting your profile:

• Organise or volunteer for NGOs, student-groups or community initiatives on peace/conflict or security issues.
• Write blogs, op-eds, or policy-briefs on topics in your theme area (especially ones linking your Irish/European experience to global security).
• Attend conferences, webinars, meetings in your field.
• Connect (even remotely) with alumni from the fellowship or affiliated organisations to learn about their work.
• Build a network: join relevant associations in Europe / Ireland (peace-studies, international security, conflict resolution) and highlight your participation.

Step 5: Craft your application materials

According to sources, your application will need:

• CV (2 pages recommended)
• Personal essay (~750 words) discussing your qualifications, interest, objectives, career goals
• Policy/Opinion essay (~750 words) on “What is the greatest emerging threat to international peace and security and why?” (or another topic defined by the fellowship)
• Official transcripts (undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate)
• Two letters of recommendation

Step 6: Build your timeline

• Mark the application deadlines: October 6, 2025 (Spring 2026) and January 9, 2026 (Fall 2026) are key.
• Give yourself a timeline backwards:
  • 3-4 months ahead: research host organisations & issue areas; begin preliminary writing.
  • 2 months ahead: draft essays, refine narrative, ask mentors/colleagues for feedback.
  • 1 month ahead: finalise CV, gather transcripts/letters, proofread essays, complete online application.
  • Week before: review eligibility, double-check attachments, send application, follow up with referees.

Step 7: Choose host organisation preferences

Once you’re selected as a finalist you’ll choose (in coordination with the programme) the host organisation that fits your interest. Review the list of participating organisations (often ~26) and identify 2-3 that align with your theme, region or skillset.

Step 8: Prepare for interview (if applicable)

Finalists may be interviewed. Prepare by:

• Reviewing your essay responses and being ready to discuss them.
• Understanding current key issues in your thematic area (for example: new arms treaties, climate-security risk modelling, cyber threats, European peace-building efforts).
• Being able to articulate what unique perspective you bring (from Ireland/Europe) and how you’ll contribute to your host organisation.
• Having questions ready about the fellowship experience: mentorship, network, placement options, alumni paths.

Step 9: Post-application follow-up

After submission:

• Stay responsive to emails from the programme.
• Prepare your referees in case follow-up is needed.
• Begin thinking ahead: if you’re selected, what relocation/visa logistics you’ll need. If not selected, plan your next move (either apply again or pursue internship/advocacy work to build your credentials for the next cycle).

Leveraging Your Irish/European Perspective — What Makes You Stand Out?

Your geographic background in Ireland/Europe gives you an opportunity to differentiate your application. Here’s how to leverage that to your advantage.

Highlight trans-Atlantic and European security ties

While the fellowship is U.S.-based, global security is interconnected. You might emphasise:

• Ireland’s role in international peace-missions (e.g., UN) and how that shaped your interest in peacebuilding.
• Northern Ireland’s peace-process as a case-study: how lessons can apply to other conflicts.
• EU-Atlantic security challenges: e.g., Baltic states, Eastern Europe, NATO-EU relations, and how an Irish view enriches these debates.
• Maritime security in the North Atlantic, climate change and security implications for Ireland/Atlantic Europe.

Show a bridge between European policy and U.S./global policy

Many U.S. organisations value fellows who can bring global/European insight: you can offer comparative perspectives:

• How do U.S. peace-and-security strategies compare with EU approaches?
• Where can trans-atlantic collaboration be strengthened?
• How might Ireland, as a neutral state, contribute to broader peace initiatives?

Emphasise language/cultural skills, network potential

If you have European/Irish networks, multilingual skills, or experience in European NGOs/organisations, highlight them. They show you can bring diversity, adaptability and international perspective.

Make the narrative personal and global

Use your story: how did your Irish context shape your concern for peace/security? Maybe you volunteered with a local organisation, witnessed post-conflict challenges, or engaged in European youth networks. Tie that personal narrative to the global security themes of the fellowship.

Show readiness to relocate & engage

A U.S.-based fellowship means relocating to Washington, DC, for six to nine months. Make sure you articulate your readiness, logistic plan, funding considerations (stipend, housing, etc.), and flexibility. For an Ireland-based applicant, you could note prior international experience, mobility, adaptability to new environments.

Sample Application Strategy: An Ireland-Based Candidate’s Approach

Here’s how an Ireland-based candidate might structure their strategy, using the fellowship as a goal.

Step 1: Choose a theme — e.g., Peace-building & Conflict Resolution

Given Ireland’s history (e.g., peace processes, European integration) a candidate might choose “Peace-building & Conflict Resolution” as their focus.

Step 2: Build your narrative

• Introduction: “Growing up in Northern Ireland/the Republic of Ireland, I observed how the process of conflict resolution shaped society and policy. This sparked my interest in how peace-building works in transition contexts.”
• Experience: “During my undergraduate degree in International Relations at University X in Dublin, I volunteered with NGO Y working with refugee integration in Ireland. I also authored a blog series on post-conflict Northern Ireland as a model for other regions.”
• Motivation for Scoville: “I want to deepen my capacity for policy and advocacy on peace and security by anchoring in a U.S. policy environment and bringing back insights to European/Irish contexts.”
• Specific plan: “During my fellowship, I hope to work with Host Organisation Z that focuses on peace-building in post-conflict regions. I will contribute with research on comparative European peace-processes, leveraging my Irish/European network. Afterwards, I intend to join a European or Irish NGO working on conflict resolution in the Balkans or Africa, with a policy-advocacy dimension.”

Step 3: Strengthen credentials

• Secure volunteering/internship with an Irish peace-oriented NGO (e.g., Irish peace-institutes, conflict-resolution centres).
• Write and publish articles or blog posts on peacebuilding, linking Ireland and global contexts.
• Attend European conferences on peace & security (or virtual ones) and note your participation in application.
• Build references who can speak to your advocacy/volunteer involvement and global outlook.

Step 4: Application materials

• CV: Emphasise international experience, advocacy/volunteer work, leadership roles.
• Personal essay (~750 words): Structure it clearly — my story, my motivation, what I bring, what I expect.
• Policy/Opinion essay (~750 words): Choose a strong question (e.g., “What is the greatest emerging threat to international peace and security and why?”). You might answer: “Climate-driven migration in the North Atlantic and its security implications: lessons from Ireland and Antarctica” (or something creative) and then propose policy responses & your role.
• Transcripts: Ensure degrees are completed or will be by fellowship start.
• References: Choose referees who know your advocacy, writing, leadership, international perspective.

Step 5: Logistics & practicalities

• Make sure you can commit to relocating to Washington for six-nine months.
• Review the stipend to understand living costs in DC — you can mention you understand the commitment in your essay.
• If applicable: check visa/work permission issues (for non-U.S. citizens) and mention how you intend to manage that.
• Consider housing logistics in DC, travel costs, and how you will make the most of the professional development fund (e.g., attend a policy conference, language course, etc).

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Generic applications

Many applicants use generic language about “peace and security” without specificity. To avoid this:

• Focus on one or two specific issue-areas and show concrete interest/experience.
• Link your background (Irish/European or otherwise) to a distinct angle.
• Show you know the host organisation’s work (once selected) and how you fit in.

Mistake 2: Weak activism/advocacy record

Because the fellowship values public-interest and advocacy experience, an application without concrete examples weakens credibility. Avoid this by:

• Highlighting what you have done: volunteering, organising events, writing, campaigning.
• Explicitly explaining your role, your impact, and how that prepared you for the fellowship.

Mistake 3: Ignoring eligibility restrictions

For non-U.S. candidates, eligibility (citizenship/work visa) can be a barrier. Make sure you:

• Check the fellowship’s official website for current policies.
• Clarify your status in your application or via email to the fellowship admin, if appropriate.
• Don’t assume eligibility—make it explicit.

Mistake 4: Underestimating the relocation/logistics commitment

A full-time six-nine month fellowship in Washington is a serious commitment. Applicants who do not address how they will manage relocation, stipend, housing, travel may appear underprepared. Avoid this by:

• Including in your essay a paragraph on logistics/relocation or your readiness for it.
• Showing awareness of stipend vs cost of living.
• Indicating that you have considered the professional development fund and how you plan to use it.

Mistake 5: Poorly structured essays

The personal essay and policy/opinion essay have word limits (~750 words each). Common errors include exceeding word-count, lack of clarity, weak structure, vague statements. To avoid this:

• Write clear introductions, body paragraphs, conclusion.
• Answer the question/statement directly and support it with evidence or examples.
• Proofread for grammar, clarity, and flow.
• Get feedback from mentors or peers (especially those with experience in policy or advocacy).

What to Expect During the Fellowship

Once you are selected, here’s what your fellowship term is likely to involve:

Orientation & placement

You’ll start with orientation as part of the fellowship cohort. Then you’ll join the host organisation you and the programme selected. You’ll have a supervisor, and you’ll define your project or tasks alongside your host.

Day-to-day work

Your responsibilities may vary depending on your host organisation but could include:

• Researching a topic (e.g., emerging technology threats, conflict resolution in a region).
• Writing policy briefs, reports, blog posts, op-eds.
• Organising or participating in events, meetings, hearings, strategy sessions.
• Building networks, attending coalition meetings, contacting policy-makers, contributing to advocacy activities.
• Participating in monthly check-ins, mentoring sessions, alumni/networking events.

Professional development & network building

You’ll have a stipend and some funding for professional development (conference, language, training). Use that wisely: choose something that enhances your chosen theme or network. Expect meetings with senior policy experts, alumni events, and cohort bonding. The network you build can last long after the fellowship.

Mid-fellowship review & exit

You and your supervisor may set objectives at the start and review progress mid-way. At the end of the fellowship, you’ll likely produce a final deliverable (report, policy brief, project summary) and reflect on your experience. You’ll also engage with the alumni network and potentially continue relationships with your host organisation.

After the Fellowship: What’s Next?

Completing the Scoville Fellowship isn’t the end—it’s a launch. Here’s how to make the most of it.

Celebrate and document your experience

• Update your CV and LinkedIn with “Scoville Fellow, Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship (2025/2026)”.
• Write a blog or article about your fellowship work (and you could publish it in Irish/European outlets to raise your regional profile).
• Keep your host organisation connection strong — stay in touch, attend alumni events, collaborate.

Leverage the network

• Use your host organisation contacts and fellowship alumni network when applying for future jobs or internships.
• Speak at conferences or university events (especially in Ireland/Europe) about your experience, raising your profile as an emerging peace/security expert.
• Mentor future applicants or student groups in Ireland/Europe who are doing similar things.

Translate your experience into your next step

After the fellowship, you might:

• Seek full-time positions in think-tanks, international NGOs, EU institutions, governmental agencies (in Ireland/Europe or globally).
• Use the experience as a bridge into further study (e.g., master’s or PhD in peace and conflict studies, security analysis).
• Launch or join advocacy campaigns or civil-society initiatives in Ireland/EU using your expertise.
• Consider roles that link Ireland/Europe and global policy: e.g., Irish government foreign affairs unit, EU security team, UN peace-missions, or Irish NGOs engaged in global conflict resolution.

Long-term career trajectory

Many alumni of the fellowship have gone on to influential roles in policy-making, advocacy, research and leadership. As an Ireland-based candidate, you can craft a trajectory that is international in scope while rooted in your local/regional identity.

FAQ – Addressing Ireland-/Europe-Specific Questions

Q1. Can I apply if I’m a non-U.S. citizen living in Ireland?
A: The eligibility rules suggest preference is for U.S. citizens, and non-U.S. citizens may apply only if they reside in the U.S. with work visa. You should contact the fellowship administrators for clarification in your specific case.

Q2. Does the fellowship pay enough to live in Washington, DC?
A: The stipend is around U.S. $4,000 per month (per last published figure) plus health insurance and professional development fund. Washington, DC is expensive, so you should price-check housing costs and plan accordingly. You may want to research DC housing and budgeting before committing.

Q3. Is the fellowship only about U.S. domestic policy?
A: No — although it is based in Washington, the focus is international: non-proliferation, global health security, emerging tech threats, peace-building across regions. The value is in contributing globally while being in a U.S. policy environment.

Q4. How competitive is the fellowship?
A: It is very competitive. The fellowship emphasises strong academic records, proven activism/advocacy, and fit with the host organisations. You’ll need to make your application stand out.

Q5. Can I apply if I will finish my bachelor’s later in the year?
A: Usually you must complete your bachelor’s by the commencement of the fellowship term. If you finish after the start date, you may not qualify. Always check the official eligibility info.

Q6. Are there Ireland/Europe-specific host organisations?
A: The host organisations are primarily U.S.-based think-tanks or advocacy groups. However, your placement may allow you to focus on European/Irish issues or partner with international teams within those organisations. Be sure to discuss your interest with the fellowship staff and host options.

Final Thoughts

The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship for 2025/2026 presents an outstanding opportunity for motivated, globally-minded graduates to accelerate their career in peace and security policy. For Ireland-based applicants, the fellowship offers a chance to blend your unique regional perspective with the high-impact environment of Washington, DC.

Key takeaways:

• Start early: the deadlines are approaching, so plan your application now.
• Build a strong, specific narrative around one of the key thematic areas.
• Leverage your Irish/European background as a unique asset, not a disadvantage.
• Ensure you meet eligibility requirements or clarify your status.
• Use your application materials to highlight past advocacy, leadership, and your readiness for intensive policy work.
• Be prepared for the logistics of relocating, working full-time, and making the most of professional development funding.
• Think long-term: this fellowship is not just a six-nine-month commitment—it can be a springboard into an international career.
• Exactly how your journey unfolds will depend on your background, your unique voice, and your determination. If you choose to apply (and I hope you do), treat the process as a strategic step toward shaping your future in peace, security and international affairs. Your story from Ireland, your commitment to change, and your readiness to engage in global issues can come together powerfully in this fellowship.