If you’re looking for a unique way to spend your summer while meaningfully impacting your career, check out these distinctive summer fellowship opportunities. Whether you’re passionate about peacebuilding, addressing social and economic issues, sustainability, or pursuing innovative research in anthropology, there’s something for everyone. These fellowships are a great way to gain valuable experience, earn a stipend, and build lasting connections in your field. Opportunities include programs for doctoral students exploring social isolation and public opinion surveys, aspiring authors, and first-year MBA students seeking hands-on experience. Other areas of focus range from the humanities and policy leadership to STEM research with the Department of Energy.
In addition to these programs, ProFellow’s database features a wide variety of professional, graduate, doctoral, and summer fellowships for people of all backgrounds, disciplines, and career stages. Be sure to bookmark your favorites and start your applications today!
1. Off the Beaten Track Anthropology Field School Scholarship
This competitive anthropology fellowship offers full and partial scholarships for the 2025 summer program abroad. The scholarship covers housing, meals, tuition, and administrative costs but does not include transport. It is open to a very limited number of undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students with a genuine interest in anthropology and previous participants of the project, and there are no age limits. Applicants must submit two or more research proposals (150-250 words each), which will be evaluated based on enthusiasm, dedication, and creativity rather than academic merit. The application process also includes a round 2 review where candidates submit a more detailed research plan.
Application Deadline: January 5, 2025
2. Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program
The Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship (MLEF) Program, offered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is a 10-week summer research internship designed for undergraduate and master’s students in STEM fields. Participants work on cutting-edge research projects at DOE National Laboratories or Headquarters, supporting the mission to minimize environmental and climate impacts of fossil fuels and industrial processes while advancing net-zero emissions. DOE scientists and engineers mentor fellows, receive a bi-weekly stipend, and may qualify for housing and travel assistance. The program concludes with presenting research findings at the MLEF Technical Forum. With over 1,000 alumni, the MLEF program aims to build a diverse pipeline of STEM professionals committed to an equitable and clean energy future.
Application Deadline: January 21, 2025
Read Michelle DeFreese’s interview where to see her experience as a Mickey Fellowship addressing food security and policy.
3. Projects for Peace Summer Grants
Projects for Peace offers $10,000 grants to 125 or more student leaders annually to design and implement community-centered, innovative projects addressing global challenges. Open to students of all majors and ages enrolled at participating partner institutions; the program encourages individuals or teams to create sustainable and culturally sensitive solutions that foster peace. Projects can occur anywhere in the world, including the U.S., and must be executed between May and August. Students work closely with campus liaisons and selection committees to develop compelling proposals, focusing on innovation, feasibility, and long-term impact. The program aims to empower students as agents of change while creating meaningful contributions to peacebuilding. Please note that Projects for Peace is only available to students enrolled at our partner institutions. The full list can be seen on the website.
Application Deadline: February 5, 2025
Check out our interview with Fellowship winner Jennifer Lundt and how she helped empower women in Timor-Leste.
4. MDRC Gueron Scholar Doctoral Fellowship
The MDRC Gueron Scholar Doctoral Fellowship supports Ph.D. candidates conducting dissertation research on economic and social issues affecting low-income Americans. This eight-week, paid fellowship invites scholars from underrepresented groups to work at MDRC offices in the New York City office. Fellows engage in MDRC’s intellectual community through seminars, project meetings, and specialized training opportunities, culminating in a presentation of their summer experience. The program fosters professional development while advancing research that addresses critical social policy challenges. Additionally, fellows receive a $10,000 stipend, provided housing, and a field trip to Washington, DC.
Application Deadline: December 31, 2024
5. Social Connectedness Fellowship Program
The Social Connectedness Fellowship (SCSC) empowers young people and individuals with diverse experiences to conduct innovative research on social isolation and belonging. From May to September, Fellows collaborate with partner organizations, producing original research that supports community-driven initiatives and addresses issues of social connectedness. The program offers opportunities to engage with global experts, develop leadership skills, and join an international network of changemakers. Fellows’ work has inspired new events, launched pilot programs, and influenced community initiatives, with alumni advancing to impactful roles in organizations like UNESCO and the UN Environment Program.
Application Deadline: March 10, 2025
6. W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowship in Support of Diversity and Inclusion
The W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowship offers graduate students from underrepresented racial or ethnic minority groups the opportunity to develop educational materials in public opinion survey research. A joint initiative of Cornell University and the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR), this remote fellowship provides a $5,000 summer stipend, complimentary AAPOR membership, and weekly mentorship conversations with leaders in polling research. Fellows dedicate 10 hours weekly to creating instructional materials for educators, contributing to diversity and inclusion in public opinion research.
Application Deadline: March 14, 2025
7. Urban Leaders Fellowship
The Urban Leaders Fellowship (ULF) is a full-time, seven-week paid summer program designed for professionals looking to advance their leadership skills through hands-on policy and community practice experience. Fellows split their time between high-level policy projects with elected officials in the afternoons and collaborating with partner organizations in cities across the U.S. in the mornings. Running from June through August, the program requires a full-time commitment, with a base stipend of $3,500 and the potential for additional need-based scholarships or cost-of-living adjustments. Applicants should assess their ability to fully commit and manage personal obligations before applying. Local and non-local candidates are encouraged to apply, with placement consideration given to regional connections and experience.
Application Deadline: March 20, 2024
Get a snapshot of what life is like as a ULF fellow from winner Victoria Franklin.
8. Inkluded Academy Summer Program
The Inkluded Academy Summer Program is a tuition-free publishing course designed to educate and mentor BIPoC individuals aspiring to careers in the book industry. This comprehensive eight-week program, taught by industry professionals, covers essential areas such as agenting, editorial, publicity, marketing, sales, production, and subsidiary rights. Participants engage in lectures, discussions, and practical assignments and receive one-on-one mentoring and career counseling to prepare for successful careers in publishing. The program emphasizes job placement and creating a direct pathway for BIPoC talent into the publishing world, blending expert instruction with personalized support to empower the next generation of publishing professionals.
ApplicationDeadline: June 9, 2025
9. Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship
The Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship is a prestigious program established to recognize and reward first-year MBA students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, teamwork, and a commitment to fostering positive change and inclusion within their communities. Open to those pursuing a 2025 Summer Associate position at Goldman Sachs in the Americas, the fellowship provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience. Fellows receive a $35,000 award in addition to their Summer Associate salary. Upon successfully completing the internship and accepting a full-time offer, recipients are awarded an additional $40,000, plus any applicable signing bonuses. This program exemplifies Goldman Sachs’ commitment to developing future leaders while supporting those who make a meaningful impact.
Application Deadline: Rolling until Summer 2025
10. NEH Summer Stipends
The NEH Summer Stipends program awards up to $8,000 to support individuals pursuing advanced research in the humanities, particularly early-stage or late-stage writing. This program is open to independent scholars, community college faculty, and university non-teaching staff, with funding for compensation, travel, and other research-related expenses. The stipends enable recipients to dedicate two consecutive months of full-time work to a humanities project, with outputs such as articles, books, digital resources, or translations. The 2024 competition introduces new eligibility guidelines, limiting applicants to those who have not previously held an NEH award, and institutions may nominate only one faculty member.
Application Deadline: September 17, 2025
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