American Opportunity Fellowship (AOF)

About the Program

AOF combines four mutually reinforcing pillars:

• Classroom instruction in classical liberal political economy and Reaganomics (theory, practice, history, and contemporary policy debates);

• Mentorship by practitioners and scholars;

• Networking and community building with like-minded peers and recent alumni in DC; and

• Practical application via structured exercises, policy writing, and professional formation.

The program provides participants with an understanding of the history of economic policy ideas that animated Ronald Reagan’s presidency and contemporaneous debates around related issues. Program speakers will help participants understand how Washington really works, including the process by which economic ideas become (or don’t become) policy; the role of research, business, interest groups, lobbying, think tanks, and journalism in the policymaking process; and current policy debates related to economics and opportunity.

Over the course of the fall 2026 semester, AOF fellows will meet in person three times–twice at the Ronald Reagan Institute in Washington, DC and once at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California–and have regular synchronous interactions via Zoom.

Participants

AOF cohorts have approximately 25 students. Admission is highly selective. Applicants should be current undergraduates (in their sophomore or later years), be in the first two years of a relevant graduate or professional program, and/or have completed their bachelor's degree in 2024 or later. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in economics, political economy, economic policy, American policy history, or a related field.

Speakers

The syllabus for the 2026 American Opportunity Fellowship is under development. Previous speakers include:

• Hon. Bill Beach (Former Commissioner of Labor Statistics)

• Hon. Elaine Chao (Former Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Transportation)

• Douglas Irwin (Dartmouth College)

• Michael Strain (American Enterprise Institute)

• Hon. Kristen Silverberg (Business Roundtable, and former US Ambassador to the EU)

• Erica York (Tax Foundation)

• Sen. Jim Talent (R-MO)

AOF in-person program dates are the following:

• August 12-14, 2026 in Washington, DC

• October 15-17, 2026 in Simi Valley, CA

• January 7-9, 2027 in Washington, DC

As a condition of accepting the fellowship, fellows must commit to participating in the entirety of each in-person and Zoom session.

A course pack (approx. 75 pages per session) will be provided in advance. Participants are expected to come to each session thoroughly prepared, having completed all relevant readings.

Housing and meals are provided. For students coming from outside the Washington, DC area, flights or train transportation will be provided as well. A stipend is provided to cover incidental expenses and ground transportation.

May 1: Applications Open

June 23: Applications Close