Fellowship (2026-2027) - UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement

The UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement offers an 18-month fellowship (July 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027) for candidates from diverse disciplines to address expression and democratic participation on college campuses. Fellows research and develop projects in the first year, receiving written updates and feedback. In the final six months, they engage the public through Center programming, op-eds, conference presentations, or campus presentations. Projects of interest include safeguarding academic freedom, exploring anti-discrimination laws and campus expression, navigating political polarization in higher education, AI and social media’s role in free speech, democracy and democratic learning, civic engagement strategies, and the intersection of campus climate and expression. Monthly virtual meetings, two two-day in-person colloquia with travel covered, and engagement with the UC community are part of the fellowship. Applications require a CV, project statement (1,250 words max), qualifications statement (500 words max), fellowship interest statement (250 words max), and project timeline, due March 30, 2026, at midnight.

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Organization Name: UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement

Role Title: Fellowship (2026-2027)

Employment Type: Fellowship (18 months, non-residential)

Compensation: $15,000 stipend

Location: Remote (non-residential, with two in-person colloquia at UC campus or UC Center in Washington, D.C.)

Link to Apply: https://freespeechcenter.universityofcalifornia.edu/programs-and-resources/fellows/fellows/
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Position Overview: The UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement offers an 18-month fellowship (July 1, 2026 - December 31, 2027) for candidates from diverse disciplines to complete projects addressing expression and democratic participation on college campuses. Fellows spend the first year on research and development with written updates and feedback, and the final six months engaging the broader public through Center programming, op-eds, conference presentations, or campus presentations. Projects of particular interest include safeguarding academic freedom, exploring anti-discrimination laws and campus expression, navigating political polarization in higher education, AI and social media's role in free speech, democracy and democratic learning, civic engagement strategies, and the intersection of campus climate and expression. Fellows participate in monthly virtual meetings, two two-day in-person colloquia with travel covered, and engage with the UC community and broader network. Applications require CV, project statement (1,250 words max), qualifications statement (500 words max), fellowship interest statement (250 words max), and project timeline, due March 30, 2026, at midnight.