PRRI Public Fellows Program: A Gateway to Public Scholarship

The PRRI Public Fellows Program offers a unique 11-month opportunity for mid-career scholars to translate their academic research into impactful public commentary and analysis. Launched in 2017, this non-residential fellowship aims to equip researchers with the skills needed to reach a wider audience, focusing on the intersection of religion, culture, and politics. The program is designed for those who wish to shape their work for public consumption and contribute to public discourse.

Program Focus Areas

The PRRI Public Fellows program actively seeks a diverse group of nine scholars each year. These fellows are expected to work within PRRI’s key research areas. These areas are Pluralism and Democracy, which examines the health and future of democratic societies; Immigration and American Society, exploring the social and cultural impacts of immigration; and LGBTQ Rights and Gender Politics, focusing on the evolving landscape of these social issues.

Benefits for Public Fellows

Participants in the 2026-2027 PRRI Public Fellows cohort will receive a range of valuable benefits. The fellowship includes a stipend of $5,000 and course release funds of up to $10,000 for the Spring 2027 semester, allowing fellows to dedicate time to their public scholarship projects. Fellows also gain access to annual microgrants, up to $10,000 in each of PRRI’s research areas, to support new interdisciplinary scholarly projects within the cohort.

The program features virtual monthly meetings and quarterly trainings and workshops designed to foster collaboration and skill development. A significant in-person convening will take place in Washington, D.C., during Spring 2027, with PRRI covering all travel expenses. During this convening, fellows will have the chance to meet with writers from prominent media outlets, receive media training, and engage in discussions with experts on writing for various public platforms, including trade books and non-academic publications. Fellows will also benefit from advance access to PRRI data and archives, and will collaborate closely with PRRI’s research and communications teams. For those with primarily qualitative or humanities backgrounds, PRRI offers specific training and support to help connect their expertise with public-opinion survey research.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the PRRI Public Fellows Program, candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or a comparable terminal degree and maintain a formal affiliation with an accredited college, university, seminary, or research institute located in the United States. A key requirement is that fellows must have earned their terminal degree between three and twelve years prior to the application deadline.

Demonstrable academic expertise in at least one of PRRI’s core research areas—Pluralism and Democracy, Immigration and American Society, or LGBTQ Rights and Gender Politics—is essential. Furthermore, all applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Application Process

The application for the PRRI Public Fellows Program requires several components. Applicants must submit a statement of interest, no more than 800 words, detailing their motivation for pursuing the fellowship and their professional development goals in public scholarship. A current curriculum vitae is also required. Additionally, applicants need to provide three work samples. These samples should consist of links and PDF copies of articles, op-eds, or blog posts published within the last three years, ideally in publications or on platforms aimed at a general audience. These samples are intended to showcase the applicant’s best recent work in public-facing writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PRRI Public Fellows Program?

It’s an 11-month program for mid-career scholars to develop their skills in writing for the public about religion, culture, and politics.

What are the main research areas for the fellowship?

The program focuses on Pluralism and Democracy, Immigration and American Society, and LGBTQ Rights and Gender Politics.

What financial support does the fellowship offer?

Fellows receive a $5,000 stipend, up to $10,000 for course release, and annual microgrants up to $10,000.

Who is eligible to apply for the program?

You need a Ph.D. or equivalent, an affiliation with a US college or university, and to have earned your degree between 3 and 12 years ago.