The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowships are awarded each year to support college graduates, and provide them an opportunity to gain practical knowledge by contributing to the efforts of nonprofit, public-interest organizations working on peace and security issues. Applications are being invited for the full-time, six-to-nine month fellowships in Washington, DC. Selected candidates will get a chance to work with nonprofit, public-interest organizations addressing peace and security issues.
Applications are especially encouraged from candidates with a strong interest in these issues who have prior experience with public-interest activism or advocacy.
Program and Purpose
Scoville Fellows will choose to work with one of the twenty-seven organizations participating in the program. With the assistance of the program director, Fellows will select a placement which best matches their interests and the needs of the host organization. Participating organizations provide office space and support, supervision and guidance for Fellows’ work. With the exception of Congressional lobbying, Fellows may undertake a variety of activities, including research, writing, and organizing that support the goals of their host organization.
Stipend and Benefits
The Fellows receive a stipend of $2,400 per month and health insurance, plus travel expenses to Washington, DC. The program also provides $500 per fellow to attend relevant conferences or meetings that could cover travel, accommodations, and registration fees.
Some lenders may permit Scoville Fellows to defer college loan payments during their fellowship. Check with your individual lenders.
Selection Criteria
Prospective Fellows are expected to demonstrate excellent academic accomplishments and a strong interest in issues of peace and security. Graduate study, a college major, course work, or substantial independent reading that reflects the substantive focus of the fellowship is also a plus. Prior experience with public-interest activism or advocacy is highly desirable. It is preferred, but not required, that such activities be focused on peace and security issues.
Experience with public-interest activism or advocacy can include the following:
– Organizing a campus forum, letter-writing campaign, meeting with decision-makers, or rallies
– Working with or joining a campus, local, or national organization
– Active participation in conferences
– Writing and publication of opinion pieces
Candidates are required to have completed a baccalaureate degree by the time the fellowship commences. Preference is given to United States citizens, although a fellowship to a foreign national residing in the U.S. is awarded periodically based on availability of funding. Non-U.S. citizens living outside the United States are not eligible to apply. The Scoville Fellowship is not intended for students or scholars interested in pursuing independent research in Washington, DC.
Preference will be given to individuals who have not had substantial prior public-interest or government experience in the Washington, DC area.
Selection Process
The Fellowship’s board of directors selects the top applicants for Washington interviews. The fellowship pays for travel and accommodations for the finalists during the interview weekend. Interviews take place approximately 12-15 weeks after the application deadline. All unsuccessful applicants will be notified at that time.
Last date for submitting the applications is October 3, 2011 for Spring 2012 Fellowships.
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