Fellowships

Gaither Junior Fellows Program

Is it for you?

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing cooperation between nations and promoting active international engagement by the U.S. As one of the world’s leading think tanks specializing in international affairs, the Endowment conducts programs of research, discussion, publication, and education. The James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program (formerly the Carnegie Junior Fellows Program) at the CEIP is designed to provide a substantive work experience for students who have a serious career interest in international affairs research. Students will be paid to work at the CEIP in Washington, DC on a full-time basis for a period of 10-12 months beginning September 1.

Gaither Junior Fellows provide research assistance to scholars working on the Carnegie Endowment’s projects, including democracy, conflict, and governance, American statecraft, nuclear policy, technology and international affairs, Middle East, China studies, Japan studies, economics (Asia program), Russia/Eurasia, and Africa. Junior Fellows have the opportunity to conduct research, contribute to op-eds, papers, reports, and books, edit documents, participate in meetings with high-level officials, contribute to congressional testimony and organize briefings attended by scholars, activists, journalists and government officials.

What are the key dates?

Prospective applicants for the Gaither Junior Fellows Program should email [email protected] in October 2024 to receive the application instructions for 2025-26 fellowships. Your first step is to read through these and consider which program(s) you’re interested in. Then, please make an appointment to see an NFP adviser ([email protected]).

Campus deadline: December 20, 2024 at 9 am ET

To be considered for nomination by Johns Hopkins, applicants must email to [email protected] by the campus deadline the following materials as one continuous Word file:

  • One- to two-page résumé.
  • Personal essay: An essay of no more than one page, double-spaced, on why you would like to become a junior fellow.
  • Analytical essay: An essay of no more than three double-spaced pages on one of the assigned topics related to the Endowment’s programs (prompts are available in the Gaither Junior Fellows Program application instructions). You are very strongly encouraged to work with your adviser or another professor on this essay.
  • Name, title, and contact information of your two recommenders. At least one should be from a professor in your major; the other could be from an internship or research assistantship supervisor.

Please also submit one PDF file containing unofficial undergraduate transcripts from all institutions attended, including study abroad.

National deadline: January 15, 2025

Are you eligible?

Candidates for the GJFP must:

  • be eligible to work in the U.S., although U.S. citizenship is not required.
  • be graduating seniors or students who have graduated during the last academic year. No one who has started graduate study is eligible. However, graduating, dual-degree BA/MA candidates are eligible.
  • have a 3.7+ overall GPA.
  • have completed a significant amount of coursework related to their discipline of interest. Language and other skills may also be required for certain assignments (see the GJFP website programs list).

How do you work with the NFP?

JHU nomination is required through a campus selection process (JHU may nominate up to two candidates). To be considered for nomination, applicants must email to [email protected] by the campus deadline the materials detailed above. A campus committee will review the applications and choose up to two nominees.

Before the official deadline, the nominee(s) will need to have two letters of recommendation submitted via email to [email protected] on their behalf and complete an application form in addition to the materials cited above.

The timeline gives an overview of the application process and when to reach out to us. In preparation, see “have a closer look” below for more resources about the Gaither Junior Fellows Program.

OctoberGJFP makes application materials available (email [email protected] to request them)
mid-October – early DecemberMeet individually with NFP adviser
November – December
Work with mentor on analytical essay
mid-DecemberMeet JHU campus deadline; JHU may nominate 2 candidates
late December – mid-JanuaryContinue to revise application with NFP support (nominees only)
mid-JanuaryMeet official GJFP deadline (nominees only)

Are you competitive?

Around 11-13 fellowships are awarded each year.

Selection decisions (both on-campus and at the national level) are based on the following criteria:

  • Quality of the analytical essay: The topics are intended to test skills in analysis, logic, and written expression. The essays should be thought pieces, not research papers. Students should submit an essay related to their primary research program interests, although the Carnegie Endowment may ultimately select an applicant for a program outside their designated primary interest or make an assignment to more than one program.
  • Academic record: The selection process for the Junior Fellows Program is very competitive and generally a GPA of 3.7 or above is expected. In addition, students must have ample subject matter coursework and/or experience in the program for which they apply and, when applicable, must meet the program’s requirements (such as language skills).
  • Commitment to a career in international affairs: Previous internships, research experience, and related employment strengthen a student’s application.

Have a closer look:

Visit the Official Website

James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace