The NYU Democracy Project

Fellowships

The NYU Democracy Project offers two funded fellowships: LEAD Fellowships (open to all continuing and graduating NYU students) and Parke Fellowships (only for continuing and graduating Wagner students).

Applications for the summer 2023 Democracy Fellowships are now closed.

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SUMMER PARKE FELLOWSHIP:  

Work with the Brennan Center for Justice, one of the most prominent voting rights and pro-democracy think tanks in the country 

The Brennan Center is a nonpartisan law and policy center, and is affiliated with the NYU School of Law. Their mission is to research and advocate for policy reforms targeted at expanding democracy, ensuring fair elections, and ending mass incarceration, among many others. Read more about the Brennan Center for Justice on their website. Applications have closed for Summer 2023 fellowships.

Eligibility: Continuing and recently graduated Wagner students

Duration and funding for Summer Fellowships*:

• $9625 for 10, 35-hour weeks

What to expect:

• Fellowships will be placed on one of the 3 following projects:
  • Voting Rights Program
  • Elections and Government Program
  • Redistricting
  • Click here to read position descriptions and expectations.
• Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in leadership development events.
• Fellows at this time work virtually, though this is subject to change.
• Pending approval from placement supervisors, fellows will be permitted to renew their fellowship up to one time.

*Stipend amounts for graduate student workers subject to change with increases to graduate hourly rate. 

LEAD FELLOWSHIP: 

Work with one of our many partner organizations doing critical pro-democracy and social justice work through a wide array of voter engagement efforts and strategic advocacy. 

LEAD Fellows will be matched with one of 10+ organizational partners defending democracy at both the grassroots and policy level. See some of our current and past participating organizations below.

Eligibility: All NYU undergraduate and graduate students (including incoming students and graduating students). 

Duration and funding for Fall and Spring Fellowships*:

• 10-20 hours/week 
• Stipends (dependent on number of hours/weeks):
  • Graduate:  
    • $6600 for 12, 20-hour weeks
    • $3300 for 12, 10-hour weeks
  • Undergraduate:
    • $3150 for 12, 20-hour weeks
    • $1800 for 12, 10-hour weeks

Duration and funding for Summer Fellowships*:

• Graduate:  
  • $9625 for 10, 35-hour weeks
• Undergraduate:
  • $6000 for 10, 35-hour weeks

What to expect:

• Fellows will work with organizations that support voter registration, voting rights, and GOTV efforts. 
  • Examples of previous organizational placements: Mi Familia Vota, One Fair Wage, Detroit Action, Public Citizen, American Association of People with Disabilities, Headcount, Vote Riders, Protect the Vote Georgia, Environmental Voters Project, Texas Organizing Project, Ohio Organizing Collaborative, and more. 
  • Students can express a preference for an organization in their application, but the NYU Democracy Project cannot guarantee accepted students' placement at their organization of choice, as this will depend on organizational capacity, desired skills, and other variables that shape the matching process. 
• Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in leadership development events.
• Fellows may work virtually or on the ground, depending on the partner organization's needs. 
• Pending approval from placement supervisors, fellows will be permitted to renew their fellowship up to one time.