As graduate students across Illinois begin preparing for summer opportunities, Cook County Government has announced the return of its highly competitive 2026 President’s Summer Fellowship Program, a10week immersive experience designed specifically for master’s level students interested in public service, policy, research, and government leadership. 

The fellowship, which runs from June 1 to Aug. 7, offers participants full-time placement (40 hours per week) within Cook County Government offices at a compensation rate of $20 per hour. Applications open March 9. 

Unlike traditional internships, this program is structured to provide graduate students with substantive, project-based responsibilities that directly impact policy development, operational efficiency, and community services for the county’s more than five million residents. 

Fellows are placed in departments aligned with their academic training and career goals. Focus areas include: 

• Data Analysis & Human Resources – Supporting HR analytics, employee benefits analysis, and performance reporting. 

• Administrative Operations & Constituent Services – Assisting executive offices with coordination, documentation, and public engagement. 

• Veteran Outreach & Engagement – Collaborating with Veterans Affairs and community partners to strengthen support networks for service members and their families. 

• Social media & Public Affairs – Contributing to outreach campaigns, digital engagement strategies, and event management. 

• Library Science & Archives – Working in records management, cataloging, and historical collections. 

• Research, GIS & Environmental Sciences – Conducting policy research and spatial analysis in planning and environmental departments. 

These placements provide fellows with hands-on exposure to executive level government operations while allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. 

Rosa Valdez-Mansilla, who represents the Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship program at the university, explained that the initiative is designed to bridge academic preparation with meaningful public service experience. She emphasized the importance of leadership development and the creation of pathways for students who aspire to careers in government and civic institutions. 

Teneshia Milter, who works with Cook County’s Bureau of Human Resources and supports the coordination of the fellowship program, highlighted the structured professional development component embedded within the experience. She noted that participants engage in workshops focused on civic leadership, workplace professionalism, equity in public service, networking, project management, and long-term career planning. According to Milter, the program equips students with practical skills while deepening their understanding of how government systems operate. 

Both leaders reinforced Cook County’s commitment to cultivating a diverse and equitable public sector workforce. 

The fellowship is part of Cook County’s broader Early Talent Programs, led by the Bureau of Human Resources. In addition to the graduate fellowship, Cook County offers internship opportunities for high school and undergraduate students and maintains partnerships with institutions such as Northwestern University and University of Chicago. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Cook County is the second most populous county in the United States, encompassing 134 municipalities, including Chicago. With its influence across finance, education, public health, infrastructure, and administration, the County serves as a dynamic training ground for aspiring public service professionals. 

For graduate students seeking meaningful experience beyond academic theory, the President’s Summer Fellowship Program offers a powerful credential. Fellows leave with applied public-sector experience, strengthened analytical and leadership skills, and valuable connections within government leadership. 

As public institutions continue to evolve in response to social, economic, and environmental challenges, initiatives like this fellowship demonstrate Cook County’s commitment to developing the next generation of civic leaders. 

Graduate students interested in applying can visit cookcountyil.gov/jobs when applications open March 9.