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The Heritage Academy
An Online Public Policy Fellowship
Conservatives in all life stages are faced with ever-increasing challenges to our values—in our schools, communities, universities, professions, states, and nation. Countering the assault on our beliefs requires being armed with a firm understanding of our nation’s founding principles and a solid grasp of today’s most urgent public policy issues.
Join The Heritage Foundation’s Academy for the knowledge and network you need to defend your views, win the battle of ideas, and return self-governance to the American people. Apply to Heritage’s free, virtual, part-time fellowship today!
Heritage Academy Lecture Preview
Program Overview
The Heritage Academy is an eight-week fellowship which will deepen your understanding of America’s founding ideals and our most pressing public policy issues. Heritage Academy Fellows gain an understanding of the fundamental principles of conservatism through on-demand lectures, live Q&As, and discussion tracks.
As a Heritage Academy Fellow, you will:
- Learn from the country’s leading experts during 16 policy lectures. These lectures are available on demand so that you can learn at your convenience and on your schedule.
- Interact with leaders and experts in the conservative movement during four live Q&As.
- Connect with other conservatives from around the country and the world to develop your network during live, small-group discussions.
- Earn professional credentials and access Heritage’s Job Bank and career resources to build your future.
Who should apply?
Talented students, working professionals, and committed patriots of all ages with internet access are invited to apply. The Heritage Academy has hosted Fellows from all 50 states and 40+ countries around the world.
Important Dates
Autumn 2025 Program: September 29 – November 24
Application Deadline: September 21
Featured Speakers
Heritage Discussion Tracks
High School Track: Involved in a conservative club or group in your home state and looking to plug into the broader conservative movement? Interested in public policy issues and want to learn more and engage with national experts? Join our High School Track and meet like-minded students and learn how you can defend your values in the classroom and throughout your life. Many Heritage Academy Fellows are admitted to the in-person, summer High School Fellowship.
College Track: Do you want to meet other conservative college students from across the country—and across the world? Looking for a deeper dive into hot policy topics to effectively ensure free speech and defend your views on campus? Join our College Track to discuss these and other topics. Gain the skills and contacts you need to land your first internship or job in the conservative movement. Many Heritage Academy Fellows are later accepted into Heritage’s Young Leaders Program, the conservative movement’s premiere Washington, D.C. internship program.
Professionals & Patriots Track: Join our Professionals & Patriots Track to connect with other professionals and engaged conservatives from all walks of life. Gain the knowledge you need to promote conservative values at home, in the workplace, and in your community.
Heritage Academy Testimonials
“I enrolled in the Heritage Academy to deepen my public policy expertise. Since completing the course, I’ve written op-eds, attended policy summits, and forged connections with mission-aligned organizations. The Heritage Academy’s comprehensive curriculum, including lectures, discussions, and policy briefs, combined with exceptional expert-led networking opportunities, far exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend this transformative program to high school students, college students, and professionals aiming to excel in policy.”
—Tracy Gardner, Ph.D., Senior Measurement Advisor at Pearson
“The Heritage Academy is best-in-class equipping for conservatives to understand the key public policy issues essential for protecting and preserving freedom in our country. The readings and lectures were exceptional. Whether involved in public policy or not, the Heritage Academy is a tremendously worthwhile opportunity!”
—Keri D. Ingraham, Senior Fellow & Director, American Center for Transforming Education at the Discovery Institute
“As a conservative freshman studying Philosophy and Political Science at Stanford, the Heritage Academy was one of the most valuable experiences of my first year. The program deepened my understanding of conservative principles and public policy while sharpening my critical thinking skills. It also challenged me to engage with complex ideas, think independently, and articulate my views more clearly. In a campus environment where these perspectives are often missing, the Heritage Academy provided a unique and enriching foundation that I highly recommend to all conservative students.”
—Sloane Wehman, Student, Stanford University
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Christopher Sullivan at [email protected].
