The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) runs this fellowship with Mellon Foundation support. It places recent PhDs in the humanities and interpretive social sciences in full-time roles at US nonprofits working on justice and equity.
Fellows take on research, communications, policy or evaluation work. The 2026 round was the eighth and offered 14 positions; updated information on the 2027 round is due starting in winter 2026.
Benefits & funding
- Stipend (2026 round): in person US$72,000 in year one and US$74,000 in year two; remote US$70,000 and US$72,000.
- Health insurance and professional development funding.
- Up to US$5,000 relocation for in-person posts.
- 24 months, full time; no other significant employment, no deferral.
Eligibility
- PhD conferred within a set window (2026 round: 1 September 2021 to 31 August 2026); a defense or filing date does not count.
- PhD in the humanities or interpretive social sciences; EdDs, master’s degrees and applied or professional PhDs (business, public policy, law, social work, public health and similar) are excluded.
- Authorized to work in, and living in, the United States for the whole term, including DACA, TPS, asylee or refugee status and Jay Treaty rights; no visa sponsorship. Any nationality; foreign PhDs accepted.
Application process
- 1Choose up to two host positions; each runs its own selection.
- 2Apply on the ACLS online system by 10 March 2027, 5:00 PM ET: form with short answers, plus a cover letter, résumé and three references (no letters) for each position.
- 3Finalists are interviewed by the host, then by ACLS. Do not contact host organizations.
Program timeline
Application deadline
10 March 2027, 5:00 PM ET
By mid-May
All applicants notified (2026 round)
Early June
Cohort announced (2026 round)
September
Fellowship starts (2026 round: September 2026)