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Undergraduate Fellowship Program

What is the Undergraduate Humanities Fellowship Program?
The undergraduate Humanities Fellowship Program is a mentoring program for NYU Juniors and Seniors working in the humanities. The selected Humanities Fellows explore academic topics and other interests (arts, politics, work) in conversation with students from other disciplines. Humanities Fellows meet bi-weekly during the spring semester to engage in structured discussion on issues chosen by the students, and on topical debates. Students participate in organized field trips and meetings with working professionals in the humanities such as curators, activists and artists and other group activities based on their interests. The program is led by University Professor Ulrich Baer, Faculty Director of the Center for the Humanities. The cohort of selected fellows meet every two weeks for two hours; meetings take place on Fridays, from 2:30-4:30 pm.

Who is eligible to apply?
NYU Juniors and Seniors from all disciplines and from across the university are invited to apply to the program for a spring 2023 fellowship. Applicants need not be majoring in a humanities discipline, but should indicate how they engage with the humanities in their program of study. Applicants need to be in residence in NYC for the duration of the fellowship.

What funding is provided?
Each Undergraduate Humanities Fellow receives a scholarship of $300. Fellows may also apply for funds (up to $500) to cover expenses supporting their research or other academic work, especially work related to team-based, interdisciplinary, public-facing, or community-engaged projects.

What is the application process?
Applicants are asked to complete an application form and upload the following:

  • An unofficial transcript; indication of your school/major/concentration.
  • A brief personal statement responding to the following questions (max 250 words for each):
  1. Why do you want to be a Humanities Fellow? Include a summary of past academic or other activities in the humanities, your current interests, and how your personal background, experience or identity can contribute to the cohort.
  2. Exposure to a wide range of perspectives is essential to the fellowships goal of collaboration and knowledge sharing. What might your perspective bring to the program?
  3. Please articulate a research question that you are interested in exploring with the cohort.
  • A brief statement of support from an instructor, advisor, or other NYU professional with whom you have worked.

Please note that we are not currently accepting applications. Please check back with us spring semester 2024 for information on applying to be a fellow in the 2024-25 academic year.

Questions?
If you have any questions about the program, your eligibility, or the application process, please contact the Center using the “contact” form on this site.