Through this summer fellowship, students receive invaluable training and work experience at an assigned school district, education agency, higher education institution, or nonprofit organization in the southern region of the United States working on issues of educational equity. During this experiential learning opportunity, students explore strategies for improving public education, addressing community needs, and putting theory into practice. Students are assigned summer placements that pair well with their experience, educational interests, career paths, and developmental needs. To date, more than 225 SELI fellows have worked in more than 107 nonprofit organizations, school districts, state agencies, and higher education institutions that provide advocacy, grant- making, policy analysis, research, community organizing, and direct service in education. Applications are due March 1, 2021.

Applicants should have the flexibility to relocate for the summer to a new city or town in the southern United States.

Fellows receive:

• Experience: The opportunity to work for 8 weeks in an organization focused on equity and excellence in education e.g., a policy institution, school district, community-based organization, or philanthropic institution;
• Stipend: A living expense stipend of $4,500 (for undergraduates) or $5,000 (for graduate students who are currently enrolled and will have completed at least one term by June 1, 2021);
• Travel Expenses: Airfare/car mileage expenses associated with traveling between home, Orientation and Closing meetings in Atlanta, and summer placement site (assistance also provided by SEF in making travel arrangements);
• Training: Fellows will participate in a two-day orientation (May 19-21, 2021) through which they will learn about research in the field, understand the importance of educational equity, learn strategies for making change, and learn from SELI alumni and SEF staff (attendance in full is required);
• Fellowship Placement- May 24-July 16, 2021: Fellows will be supervised by seasoned sector leaders as they work on challenging research, education policy, and nonprofit program-related projects (Full-time 40 hr/week, in-person attendance required); and
• Opportunities to Share and Reflect on the Experience: During the SELI closing meeting (July 21-23, 2021), fellows will come together to share lessons learned, reflect, and brainstorm on how to continue making change as part of a network of emerging leaders in the sector (attendance in full is required).