Apply by April 15th: Bridging Differences in Higher Education Learning Fellowship

​The Bridging Differences in Higher Education Learning Fellowship is an exciting opportunity for higher education professionals to develop science-based strategies for fostering dialogue across differences. Hosted by UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, this free, 8-month virtual fellowship offers two participation tracks—one for campus leaders and another for organizations supporting cross-campus bridge-building efforts. Participants will engage in monthly sessions featuring research insights, practitioner-led discussions, and collaborative learning experiences. Applications are open until April 15, 2025. Read more in the blog post below.

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NCDD is pleased to share this exciting opportunity from UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center for higher education professionals committed to fostering dialogue across differences.
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In today's polarized campus environments, the ability to bridge differences and facilitate meaningful dialogue has never been more crucial. That's why we're highlighting the Bridging Differences in Higher Education Learning Fellowship, an 8-month facilitated virtual learning community hosted by UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center (GGSC). 

Program Overview

This fellowship offers higher education leaders a research-based approach to fostering constructive dialogue and understanding across group lines on college campuses—including differences of race, religious faith, politics, and beyond. The experience centers on GGSC's free Bridging Differences online course, providing participants with science-based strategies and a common foundation.
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Led by Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith, GGSC Senior Fellow and co-instructor of the Bridging Differences course, this fellowship runs from Fall 2025 through Spring 2026.

Two Fellowship Tracks

Campus Cohort	Organizational Cohort
For up to 100 leaders from individual colleges and universities across the United States Open to faculty, administrators, staff, and students Designed as an introductory experience for those interested in learning key principles and skills Prior bridge-building experience is not required, though participants should have ideas for implementing what they learn	For representatives from up to 10 organizations that work to bridge differences across at least five different college campuses Geared toward professionals with more experience supporting cross-group dialogue and bridge-building efforts Focuses on identifying field challenges, refining skills, and uniting around common goals

What Participants Will Gain

Through monthly 90-minute Zoom calls over eight months, participants will:

• Develop a deeper understanding of science-based strategies to bridge differences
• Explore practical applications for various campus settings
• Hone specific skills for bridging work
• Connect with like-minded leaders and potential collaborators
• Learn from leading practitioners in the field

Each monthly session will include:

• Grounding exercises
• Overview of relevant research
• Presentations from experienced practitioners
• Small-group discussions for sharing experiences and applications
• All-group conversations to connect with the broader fellowship community

Important Details

• Cost: Free (though the fellowship provides no financial support to participants)
• Application Deadline: April 15, 2025
• Notification: May 16, 2025
• Program Dates: September 2025 - May 2026
• Eligibility: Applicants must work on a college or university campus in the United States

Importance to NCDD Members

For dialogue and deliberation practitioners working in higher education, this fellowship represents a valuable opportunity to:

• Ground your practice in cutting-edge research
• Connect with a community of practice focused specifically on higher education contexts
• Develop new skills and approaches for challenging campus environments
• Build relationships with potential collaborators and allies

The fellowship's emphasis on science-based strategies aligns well with NCDD's commitment to evidence-informed dialogue practices, while its focus on practical application provides immediate value for practitioners.

How to Apply

Applications are now open through April 15, 2025. To apply, visit:

• Campus Cohort Application
• Organizational Cohort Application

For questions about this opportunity, contact: [email protected]

Read more on the original announcement linked here!

Have you participated in previous GGSC bridging programs? Share your experience in the comments below!