Last updated January 13, 2023
If you want to be an agent of positive change through social justice advocacy, these fellowships are for you! This list includes opportunities for lawyers and activists from all over the world to get an education, complete independent projects, and work with organizations dedicated to social justice. If one of these sounds like a great fit for you, make sure to bookmark it to your ProFellow account!
Alliance for Historical Dialogue and Accountability Fellowship
The Alliance for Historical Dialogue and Accountability Fellowship is designed for lawyers, journalists, teachers, social workers, community organizers, artists, scholars and other human rights activists working on issues related to dealing with the past such as: transitional justice, historical dialogue, memory studies, historical justice, oral history, history education. Applicants who are mid-career and hold full or part-time jobs pursuing their advocacy efforts are preferred. The program lasts a full academic semester, from late August to mid-December, and fellows are required to be in residence in New York City for this period. After the ISHR selection committee conducts its selection process, it makes every effort to secure funding for shortlisted Fellows to attend the program.
Atlantic Fellows Programme: Visiting Atlantic Fellows
Over the next 20 years the Atlantic Fellows programme for Social and Economic Equity will support over 600 Fellows in developing innovative understandings of inequalities, and work toward finding real-world solutions. The Visiting Fellows will benefit from meeting and working alongside the other Atlantic Fellows, and the academics in the International Inequalities Institute. This track is a fantastic opportunity for senior figures in the challenge against inequality to undertake an intensive period of research that will create high profile advances in both academic understanding and developing practical responses to the challenge of inequality. The Fellowships will be fully-funded, including any reasonable travel, accommodation in London where needed and office space within the III, along with other reasonable research costs.
Atlantic Non-Residential Fellows
Atlantic Non-Residential Fellows participate in a course, taught over 7 weeks across the year, including an intensive 2-week summer school, delivered by academics from the LSE International Inequalities Institute and the University of Cape Town, with teaching and guidance from charities, NGOs and other advocacy organizations to ensure a range of perspectives on inequalities. The courses will mainly take place within the UK, however at least one week will be spent at the University of Cape Town. All reasonable travel, accommodation and living costs will be supported by the Atlantic Fellows programme. Ideally, applicants would have around 10 years of experience in tackling inequalities.
Atlantic Residential Fellowship (MSc Inequalities and Social Science)
The Atlantic Residential Fellowship supports applicants in taking the one year MSc Inequalities and Social Science (MISS) at the London School of Economics, with dedicated mentorship, as well as engaging with the wider work of the Atlantic Fellows programme. The Fellowship includes all tuition fees, a stipend to cover living costs whilst in London, and expenses for attendance at Atlantic Fellows events. Applicants must meet the conditions of the MSc Inequalities and Social Science at LSE.
Culture of Health Leaders
The Culture of Health Leaders program provides cross-sector leadership development based on evidence, informed by experience, and grounded in principles of equity and social justice. The program is open to individuals from a variety of disciplines—such as technology, the arts, public policy, business, community development, education, transportation, public health, health care, and others—who are committed to working with organizations, communities, health systems, and policymakers to build a Culture of Health in America. Each leader will have access to up to $20,000 per year for three years (total of up to $60,000). Additional tools and resources will be available for year 3 project-related activities.
Equal Justice America Legal Service Fellowships
Equal Justice America is pleased to offer fellowships of up to $4,000 to students at select law schools in the U.S. who work full-time during the summer for organizations providing direct civil legal assistance for the poor. Interning under the supervision of experienced attorneys, fellows provide crucial assistance to low-income clients struggling through the complexities of the civil justice system. Law students must secure a full-time (minimum 35-40 hours per week) placement for at least 10 weeks at a non-profit organization providing direct civil legal services to the poor. Placements can be anywhere in the United States.
Equal Justice Works Design Your Own Fellowship
Equal Justice Works Fellows have the opportunity to design their own Fellowship to address an unmet legal need and underserved community. This Fellowship opportunity allows fellows to leverage their law degree in service of a community or cause of their choice. Throughout the two-year project term, Fellows receive the support they need to focus on helping their community, including: a competitive salary, health insurance and fringe benefits, up to $5,000 in loan repayment assistance per year and Annual Leadership Development Training in Washington, D.C.
First Generation Civil Rights Fellowship (FirstGEN)
FirstGEN is a 10-week summer fellowship for undergraduate students who are the first in their immediate families to attend an institution of higher education and are passionate about pursuing careers in social justice. FirstGEN Fellows gain hands-on experience working on civil rights matters as full-time Public Policy & Social Justice or Education Opportunities interns and participate in weekly advocacy training. Fellows receive a $1,500 stipend.
Georgetown Law Clinical Graduate Teaching Fellowships
The Georgetown Clinical Graduate Teaching Fellowships offer new and experienced attorneys alike the opportunity to combine study with practice in the fields of clinical legal education and public interest advocacy. Each fellowship is associated with one of the Law Center’s clinical programs, and each program varies in purpose, requirements, and duties. Fellows enroll in a two-year program during which they are in residence at a particular Georgetown clinic. Fellows directly supervise J.D. students enrolled in the clinics, assist in teaching clinic seminars, and perform work on their own cases or other legal matters. Clinical Teaching Fellows are paid a stipend of $117,000 for two years.
Gleitsman Leadership Fellowship
The Gleitsman Fellowship sponsors Harvard Kennedy School students who are emerging social activists and innovators who are interested in pursuing a career with a transformative impact on society. Gleitsman Fellows will participate in an enriching co-curricular experience designed to enhance their skills and engage their development as the next generation of public leaders. The fellowship is for 2 years and includes tuition and health fees as well as leadership training and co-curricular courses. Open to domestic and international applicants entering their first year at HKS. Applicants must apply to HKS by December 1.
Greenlining Institute Leadership Academy Fellowship Program
The Greenlining Institute – Leadership Academy Fellowship is an 11-month professional development program for emerging social justice leaders taking the lead on race equity work, and advocating for change on a systemic level. Fellows are assigned to specific policy teams and hone their expertise by working with Greenlining staff on critical issues impacting our communities. Leadership Academy Fellows are passionate about working towards an equitable and just future for communities of color. Fellows are propelled by today’s political climate to engage in racial equity work and join a diverse, multicultural cohort that values and celebrates inclusivity.
Greenlining Leadership Academy Summer Associate Program
The Academy Summer Associate Program is an intensive 10-week training program for young leaders to participate in leadership discussions, skills-building workshops, and conduct site visits to community, government, and corporate entities. Associates learn about issues impacting California and the nation and manage research and advocacy projects under the direction of a Greenlining staff member. Associates present their findings and projects in both a written and oral report at the end of the program. As an Associate, one works 37.5 hours per week and earns a $5,500 total stipend for 10 weeks.
Humanity In Action Fellowship
The HIA Fellowship programs bring together international groups of college students and recent graduates to explore national histories of discrimination and resistance, as well as examples of issues affecting different minority groups today. This 4-week summer fellowship in Europe is highly interdisciplinary and features daily lectures and discussions with renowned academics, journalists, and activists. Eligible applicants are students and recent graduates (including international students) of universities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Ukraine, and the United States. HIA covers the costs of participation and accommodation. Deadlines vary by country.
IGLP Residential Fellowship Program
The Institute for Global Law and Policy (IGLP) Residential Fellowship Program at Harvard Law School offers full or partial doctoral and post-doctoral one-year fellowships to a small number of scholars pursuing research in areas related to the IGLPs ongoing work. The Institute welcomes applications from interested doctoral and post-doctoral scholars who are currently pursuing research in the areas of global law, economic policy, and social justice. Fellows are awarded a competitive stipend commensurate with experience.
LatinoJustice Public Interest Fellowship
LatinoJustice is one of the foremost Latino civil rights organizations in the country. Applicants submit a fellowship proposal outlining how the proposed project fits within LatinoJustice’s mission and our current litigation priorities. Proposals should identify potential law reform litigation as part of the fellowship project. The program seeks recent law graduates with a record of commitment to social justice issues. Bilingual Spanish/English fluency is required. Fellows are based at the NYC office or Southeastern Regional Office in Orlando.
Leadership and Advocacy for Women in Africa (LAWA) Fellowship Program
The LAWA Fellowship program brings women’s human rights lawyers from Africa to Washington, DC, for a 14-month course of study to earn a Master of Law degree at Georgetown University. After the course, fellows will return to their own countries to advocate for women’s rights and put their training into action. After fellows earn their degrees they will work with various public interest organizations in the DC area to learn different advocacy strategies and brainstorm ways to implement similar programs when they return home. The LAWA Fellowship provides the tuition for the Foundations of American Law and Legal Education Course (a U.S. $2,200 benefit) and for the LL.M. degree (a U.S. $58,500 benefit) at the Georgetown University Law Center, as well as professional development training. Applicants from any country in Africa are invited to apply.
MDRC Gueron Scholar Doctoral Fellowship
This summer fellowship is for doctoral candidates who are pursuing independent, self-directed research on economic and social problems affecting low-income Americans. Any student enrolled in a doctoral program in economics, psychology, sociology, child development, child welfare, family relations, criminal justice, education, public policy, or related fields is eligible. The goal of the program is to provide opportunities for graduate students to gain exposure to social policy research, understand employment options beyond the academic and public sectors, and get the advice and support of MDRC’s staff in completing their dissertations. The fellowship offers a stipend of up to $5,000.
Nathan Cummings Foundation Fellowship
The Nathan Cummings Foundation Fellowship supports visionary leaders by giving them boundless space to turn an inspired idea in the field of social justice into a world-changing reality. The Fellowship awards three individuals up to $150,000 each to pursue an innovative project that seeks to address a challenge related to climate change or inequality – or within the intersection of these two major issues. Fellows will be thought partners informing the Foundation’s work and will have the use of a dedicated office at NCF’s New York City headquarters. Only U.S. citizens whose projects are focused on work within the U.S. are eligible for the Fellowship at this time.
NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice Associate Program
NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice is looking for young professionals interested in intensive educational and professional development in legislative advocacy, on the basis of Catholic Social Justice. Running from late August through July, the program is 11 months in Washington D.C. There are three types of associate positions that are being offered: Communications Associate, Government Relations Associate, and Grassroots Mobilization Associate. Applicants must be at least 21 years old and college graduates or people in the mid-career or retirement phases of their life. A $15,000 stipend is being offered to those accepted into the program.
New York City Social Justice Post-Graduate Fellowship (SJPF)
The New York City Social Justice Post-Graduate Fellowship (SJPF) is a full-time program for law school graduates to gain professional experience within municipal government. Placements in the New York City government are for 9 months. Fellows will be placed within City agencies, offices, or the City Council in roles that complement their skill sets, interests, and expertise. Fellows have the opportunity to collaborate with senior-level policymakers, and elected officials, and participate directly in the work of policymaking and governance. Educational and professional enrichment courses are provided to the fellow as well as a stipend of $46,500.
Next Generation Fellowship
The Next Generation Fellowship (NGF) is a leadership development and policy advocacy training for formerly incarcerated or justice-involved individuals from across California. It supports emerging leaders in 1) advancing racial justice and cultural healing, and 2) influencing state and local government through policy advocacy. The fellowship focuses on the movement to end mass incarceration with an emphasis on promoting healthy, safe communities. Over three 2-day sessions, participants will take part in culturally-relevant activities intended to foster effective storytelling, civic participation, and strategic advocacy.
Open Society Fellowships
The fellowship funds work that will enrich public understanding of those challenges and stimulate far-reaching and probing conversations within the Open Society Foundations and in the world. A fellowship project might identify a problem that has not previously been recognized, develop new policy ideas to address familiar problems or offer a new advocacy strategy. Project themes should cut across at least two areas of interest: human rights, government transparency, access to information and to justice, and the promotion of civil society and social inclusion. The Open Society Fellowship accepts proposals from anywhere in the world. Stipends are either $80,000 or $100,000.
Open Society Presidential Fellowship
The Open Society Presidential Fellowship is awarded yearly to recent JD, LLM, MPA, MPP, and MBA graduates from accredited law, public policy, and business schools. Based in New York City, fellows pursue work related to human rights, good governance, and justice through an 11-month residence within the Office of the President at the Open Society Foundations. Fellows receive a salary of $65,000 plus benefits. Check the website for varying deadlines.
Piton Fellowship: Mid-Career Cohort
With a strong focus on justice, racial equity, diversity and inclusion, the Piton Fellowship Mid-Career Cohort is a 5-month fellowship that helps Denver-based leaders of color who are at least 10 years into their careers explore new paths of leadership. Fellows will deeply engage in individual and collective work to expand their knowledge and understanding of key issues faced by communities of color throughout metro-Denver. While fellows will gain collective benefits from being part of the Piton network, each fellow will also have the opportunity to get personalized coaching to guide them along their unique journeys of impact.
Public Rights Project Fellowship
Public Rights Project helps talented attorneys find pathways into rewarding public service careers. The organization places skilled, public interest-minded fellows into a state or city government law office — a City Attorney, District Attorney, or Attorney General — for two years. Fellows will have the opportunity to work in the Offices of the Boulder County District Attorney, Delaware Attorney General, District of Columbia Attorney General, Minnesota Attorney General, Seattle City Attorney, and Suffolk County District Attorney. Prospective fellows may apply to one or more offices. Fellows will have the opportunity to work on a range of civil rights, economic justice, and environmental justice issues that directly impact vulnerable populations locally and across the country. The 2-year fellowship provides fellows with a stipend of $60-80K/year, depending on the placement city, and health benefits are provided.
Reproductive Justice Fellowship Program
The Reproductive Justice Fellowship Program (RJFP) is a policy-focused fellowship designed to create entry points into the reproductive health, rights, and justice fields and to enhance legal and advocacy capacity at organizations working to advance reproductive justice for all people. RJ Fellows gain hands-on policy advocacy experience and work on cutting-edge reproductive health, rights, and justice issues, particularly as they affect people of color and other marginalized communities. The fellowship is for 1 year and available to recent law school graduates; a stipend one $55,000 and other benefits are provided.
Skadden Fellowship
Described as the “Legal Peace Corps”, Skadden Fellowships are for graduating law students who wish to devote their professional lives to providing legal services to the underprivileged. Fellowships are awarded for two years and include a salary of approximately $54,000 per year, $2,000 stipend for training, and pays all fringe benefits to which an employee of the sponsoring organization would be entitled. Applicants must secure a potential position with a sponsoring public interest organization before applying for a Fellowship.
Open Society Foundations Soros Justice Fellowships
The Soros Justice Fellowships support outstanding individuals—including lawyers, advocates, grassroots organizers, writers, print and broadcast journalists, artists, filmmakers, and other individuals with distinctive voices—to undertake full-time projects that engage and inform, spur debate and conversation, change policy or practice, and catalyze change around the U.S. criminal legal system at the local, state, and national levels. Fellowships can be either 12 or 18 months in duration and may be undertaken with the support of a host organization
U.S. Latino Leadership Fellowship
The U.S. Latino Leadership Fellowship is a game-changing opportunity for practitioners, scholars, and activists ready to lead the transformation of U.S. Latino and other underserved communities. The fellowship aims to create sustainable changes and innovative ideas to revolutionize local and national policies toward these communities while also giving fellow networking opportunities and leadership training. The fellowship is open to all Harvard Kennedy School graduate degree programs and includes full tuition, health insurance, and a $25K/year stipend for the duration of the degree.
Young Professionals Programme for Legal Empowerment (YPPLE)
The Young Professionals Program for Legal Empowerment (YPPLE) aims to equip young legal professionals to become powerful change agents. The program teaches fellows to develop a holistic understanding of how grassroots legal empowerment plays a catalytic role in bringing social change. The 2-year fellowship is open to young law graduates/legal professionals in India who wish to pursue a career in the field of human rights as lawyers, practitioners, researchers, or academics. Fellows will engage in field-based research and contribute to the advocacy work of their assigned organization. A monthly stipend of Rs. 25,000 is provided.
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