Humanity in Action

Next deadline: Late February 2025 (application will open in mid-January)

Humanity in Action Summer Fellows spend 2–4 weeks with about 25 peers from around the world emerging themselves in topics of social justice, democracy, and human rights. The program – offered in different international cities each year [2025 locations not yet announced] – provides a country and context-specific curriculum that examines historical and contemporary challenges to human rights, pluralism and equality. The topics are illuminated by a wide range of experts, workshops, site visits, Fellow presentations and discussions. After the program, Fellows embark on developing civil society initiatives (Action Projects) in their own communities, supported by ongoing virtual training from August to May. Humanity in Action is a transatlantic, non-profit, non-partisan and non-governmental educational organization working toward social justice as a community of emerging and established leaders.

Note: The fellowship covers the program, housing, and lunches; Fellows are financially responsible for transportation to the program site, breakfasts/dinners, and social activities. Stipends may be granted on a financial need basis.

Prospective applicants, including recent graduates, should make an advising appointment with Keila Diehl, the campus representative for the Humanity in Action Summer Fellowship.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants to the Humanity in Action Fellowship must be one of the following:

currently enrolled undergraduate student from the U.S. or at U.S.-based college or university (sophomores, juniors, and seniors); or
recent graduate (for the 2025 Fellowship, “recent graduates” are individuals from the undergraduate or graduate classes of 2023 and 2024; for undergraduates, “recent graduates” are individuals who attended accredited, four-year undergraduate colleges or universities in the U.S. and graduated in spring 2023 or later); or
currently enrolled Masters and PhD students at U.S.-based universities; or
U.S. citizen studying at a foreign university; or
non-U.S. citizen studying at a university in the U.S.

Selection Criteria

Successful applicants:

seek an educational experience that combines academic research and accounts of lived experience; that underscores how historical and cultural dynamics shape a society in the local context of the Fellowship program; that imparts an awareness of how different cultures and norms of belonging impact perceptions of truth; and that deepens and challenges the ability to navigate tensions within diverse societies
care deeply about social justice, human rights, and the values of pluralism and liberal democracy and are committed to a continued civic engagement to mediate contemporary socio-political tensions and realities
demonstrate openness, humility, and a readiness to challenge one’s own preconceptions
engage in difficult yet constructive and meaningful dialogue; appreciate the complex interweavings of many identities and perspectives
reach beyond their comfort zone and are comfortable with feeling uncomfortable
allow space for misunderstanding and mistakes in the process of learning; and are willing to acknowledge others’ learning and healing processes
aspire to strengthen the Humanity in Action Network through educational, professional, and grant opportunities that foster human rights, lifelong learning and cross-cultural exchange