Leadership Development
Advancing American Freedom Foundation’s integrated approach to develop principled leaders for lifelong leadership in American public life.
America’s future depends on forming leaders with judgment, character, and a deep commitment to enduring conservative principles over decades.
Through selective cohorts, serious intellectual formation, and mentoring, AAF identifies and equips people who are prepared to serve in government, law, policy, journalism, business, philanthropy, and other parts of civil society.
The Long View Leadership Initiative offers multiple programs to develop talented and principled individuals:
NATIONAL FELLOWSHIP
A national fellowship for early- and mid-career leaders across regions and professions, centered on readings, intellectual engagement, peer community, and long-term leadership development over 10 months.
Applications
Closed for 2026–2027
Questions? Contact Paul Glader
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Internships at AAF headquarters pair professional experience with principled formation. Interns work with a department or policy team at AAF. They also experience seminars on conservative ideas, public policy, and professional development topics.
Contact Jenna Hageman · Meaghen McManus
UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS
Faculty at 15+ partner universities mentor 10–20 AAF Collegiate Fellows on each campus during the 9-month school year. The groups read and discuss two big books each year and participate in a national network.
Contact Paul Glader
RULE OF LAW
Spring 2027
A specialized 3-day program of AAF’s Edwin Meese III Institute for the Rule of Law that supports future leaders in the judiciary and legal profession. It trains incoming clerks in legal research, writing, and decision making. And it provides intellectual formation in originalism, textualism, and the role of the judiciary.
Contact Jessica Reinsch
CAPITOL HILL STAFF
Closed for 2026–2027
A 10-month fellowship for staffers serving in House and Senate offices, designed to deepen their understanding of conservative principles and policy.
Contact John Shelton · Jace White
Together, these programs form a network of leaders who understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to faithfully serve institutions that endure.
