Fellowship applications open for UC’s National Center for Free Speech

Starting today (Nov. 9), the University of California will accept applications from individuals interested in joining the inaugural group of fellows for its National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement in Washington, D.C. The fellowship program is the cornerstone of the university’s newly established center, which aims to explore the timely, critical issue of free speech on our nation’s college campuses and in society as a whole.

UC seeks applicants who are passionate about channeling their expertise into advancing knowledge and discourse of the First Amendment and civic engagement. The center aims to support individuals who are established in their respective fields — including policy thinkers, legal scholars, social scientists and journalists — and who will leverage this opportunity to shape the national debate through pioneering work.

“The national center’s first class of fellows will have the challenging and exciting mission of exploring new ground concerning free speech issues,” said UC President and Center Chair Janet Napolitano. “They will represent a cross-section of the country’s brightest, most influential minds focused on new approaches to fostering and broadening civil discourse.”

Applicants should submit the following materials to the fellowship application page by Friday, Jan. 12, 2018:

  • A resume;
  • A personal statement of 500 words or fewer; and
  • An outline of a research or project proposal.

Following the close of the application period, the center’s advisory board will review and select up to eight applicants to serve a one-year fellowship at the beginning of 2018.

Selected fellows will support the center by conducting research or developing a project to further freedom of expression, such as creating a toolkit for campuses, a student app or a published paper. As part of their hands-on work, fellows will also engage current UC students at the UCDC center in Washington, D.C., as well as during a week in residence at one of UC’s 10 campuses. Finally, the fellows will present their yearlong project at a national conference in 2018, with the aim of developing new approaches for educating students about the critical role of the First Amendment in American democracy.

UC will provide a $20,000 stipend for each part-time fellowship opportunity. Applicants need not be based in Washington, D.C., although they must be available for travel to periodic events at the National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement as well as for the one-week residence at a UC campus.

For more information, please visit the website for the National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement.