The American Economic Association’s Summer Economics Fellows Program places senior graduate students, postdocs and junior faculty in residence at a sponsoring research institution for one summer. Fellows pursue a research project of their own choosing and are mentored on research and careers.
An ad hoc committee appointed by the chairs of CSWEP and CSMGEP runs it, to advance women and underrepresented minorities in economics. Recent sponsors include the Federal Reserve Board, regional Reserve Banks and the Upjohn Institute.
Benefits & funding
- Pay is set by each sponsor, normally in line with what it pays an economist of equivalent experience; no figure is published.
- Eight to twelve weeks in residence, dates agreed with the sponsor.
- Mentoring on research and on careers.
- Fellows cover their own living and travel costs; a sponsor may pay expenses instead of a stipend, usually only where visa rules require it.
Eligibility
- Senior graduate students, postdoctoral scholars and junior faculty (usually a PhD within the last six years; sponsors decide). Master’s students, undergraduates and senior economists are not eligible.
- A well-defined research project is required; research-assistant roles are not offered.
- Applicants explain how their participation advances women or underrepresented minorities in economics; men and non-minority applicants may apply.
- Open to all nationalities and to applicants based outside the US; each applicant must hold a visa allowing paid work in the US, and individual sponsors may add citizenship or visa limits.
- Past fellows may apply again.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Education required
PhD Enrolled · PhD
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Application process
- 1Apply through the program’s online portal, open 15 November to 1 February; late applications are not accepted.
- 2Submit the information form, a CV and a research proposal of one page at most, references included (PDFs).
- 3Graduate students name one faculty recommender (required); junior faculty are encouraged to add a senior economist’s letter.
- 4Sponsors receive all applications with the screening committee’s recommendations, then interview and hire their own fellows.
Program timeline
15 November
portal opens (the FAQ also says it launches each December)
application deadline
1 February
sponsor interviews begin
25 March
initial offers held open until then
Late April
Late May
final notifications expected (FAQ: decisions by 1 May)