The James Madison Foundation Fellowships were created to honor Madison's legacy and Madisonian principles by providing support for graduate study that focuses on the Constitution — its history and contemporary relevance to the practices and policies of democratic government. 

Fellowship recipients have a unique opportunity to strengthen their research, writing, and analytical skills and, in the process, they form a deeper understanding of the principles of constitutional government which they in turn transmit to their students and will ensure that the spirit and practical wisdom of the Constitution will guide the actions of future generations of American citizens. Junior fellowships are awarded to students who are about to complete, or have completed, their undergraduate course of study and intend to pursue full-time graduate work. After earning the master's degree, a James Madison Fellow is required to teach American history, American government and/or social studies full-time in grades 7-12 for one full year for each academic year of funding received under a fellowship, preferably in the state from which the recipient won the fellowship. The maximum amount of each award is $24,000. Fellowship payments cover the actual cost of tuition, required fees, books, and room and board but cannot exceed $12,000 per academic year.

Deadlines

Internal: First Wednesday in February
External: March 1 of each year
Here's the link to view this year's specific deadline dates.

Eligibility

  • Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. national;
  • Be a teacher, or plan to become a teacher of American history, American government or civics classes where you will teach topics on the constitution at the secondary school level (grades 7-12);
  • Possess a bachelor's degree or plan to receive a bachelor's degree no later than August 31 of the year in which you are applying;
  • Fellows are expected to complete one of the following: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), Master of Education (MEd)  with a concentration in American history or American government, political institutions and political theory.

Application

  • Register and complete the online application at scholarsapply.org/jamesmadison/;
  • Write a constitutional essay of approximately 900 words;
  • Brief essays about life and experiences, teaching techniques, career goals;
  • Provide information regarding past academic achievement;
  • Provide all transcripts that pertain to your undergraduate degree;
  • Two to three recommendations from faculty, supervisors, colleagues, or other professional persons who can attest to the applicant's intellectual and personal qualifications.

Learn more about the James Madison Fellowship Program at jamesmadison.gov, by visiting the Office of National Fellowships & Scholarships, or by contacting the faculty liaison.