Berkeley Social Justice Fellowship

 We are now accepting applications for the Berkeley Social Justice Fellowship, which provides three $2,000 stipends for Cal sociology graduate students to conduct summer internships with social change organizations. This is an opportunity to hone practical research skills outside of the academy, collect data (ideally for a master's paper or article), and—hopefully—contribute to a social cause that you believe in. The application deadline is March 18.

This is the second year of the Fellowship, and we are continuing to build our network of organizations. We have created a Google Doc of organizations that have been recommended by alumni, grad students, and faculty (we’d be grateful for more suggestions!). As you can see in the database, some of these organizations have already expressed interest in hosting graduate students and proposed projects. You may pick from this list or select an organization of your own choosing. 

Last summer, Fellows worked with the Environmental Defense Fund (an organization that ties economic prosperity and environmental protection), the California Reentry Program (a non-profit organization housed at San Quentin State Prison), and dowser.org (an online news site dedicated to covering stories of innovative social change). Fellows provided research support including: survey design, report writing, data construction, management and analysis, reviews of academic literature, and qualitative research.

We are somewhat flexible about the timing and duration of the internship, but we expect Fellows to work around 6-8 weeks, or 240 hours over a longer period of time.  All fellows must commit to a preparation meeting before the summer and a feedback meeting after to present their research and internship experience.  

HOW TO APPLY:

If you are considering applying, please send an email indicating your interest to rfelliott@berkeley.edu as soon as possible so that we can gauge interest in the Fellowship. Formal applications should be sent to the same address by 5 pm on Monday, March 18. The application consists of a CV or resume and a cover letter that explains: 

(a) Your interest in working for an organization of your choice;
(b) How this work will contribute to social justice;
(c) How this work will contribute to your career.

Additionally, you must submit a letter of support from your host organization detailing your specific duties as an intern, and how this will contribute to its mission and work. If you are interested in working with one of the organizations listed in the database and would like us to facilitate an e-introduction, let us know. If you are not able to secure the letter by the deadline, please let us know and we will consider granting extensions.