• What’s provided: Gaither Junior Fellows work in full-time positions for 10-12 with an anticipated salary of $3,916.67 per month and receive relocation support of up to $1,500.
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Field of Study/Work/Focus Area/Industry: Humanities, Social Sciences
• Program Type: Research

Eligibility

• Must hold a bachelor’s degree prior to beginning the program
• Must be a seniors and or an alum who has graduated within the past academic year
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. for the duration of the program

Timeline

How to Apply

Review the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows materials for the application form and list of policy topics. (Link to be posted Fall 2026)

The Gaither Junior Fellows Program requires the following:

• A complete application form
• One to two page resume
• A one to two page essay (personal statement) on the applicant’s interest in becoming a Junior Fellow.  The personal statement should discuss why you are applying for, what you hope to learn from it, how you think your experience and working style would serve you well as a research assistant,  and why you have chosen to apply for the program you are applying for.
• A writing sample of three to five pages, double spaced. This sample may be either a full-length piece that falls within the size range or an excerpt from a longer work.
  • The writing sample must be accompanied by a brief explanation of no more than half of one page explaining why you chose that sample. The explanation is not included in the three to five page limitation noted above.
  • The writing sample can be on any topic. However, it's recommended to choose a writing sample that is relevant to the program you are applying for, either in subject matter or style of analysis.
  • A works cited page is not required. However, in-text citations (either footnotes/endnotes or parenthetical) should be included with the writing sample
• Two letters of recommendation, at least one of which should be from a faculty member in the applicant’s concentration

Submit your complete application through UFunds by the campus deadline of 11:59 p.m. ET on November 23, 2026 for consideration in the campus nomination process.