The Beyond the Bars Fellowship offers students and community members an interdisciplinary leadership development program to develop and deepen their identity, analysis, skills and network towards ending mass incarceration and creating a more just and safe world. Through seminars, workshops and guest lectures Fellows explore their own experiences and identities as people working for social change; gain a theoretical and practical understanding of mass incarceration; and are introduced to various models of social change including community organizing, legislative advocacy, messaging and communications and more. In addition Fellows work together with the Center for Justice and the Criminal Justice Caucus to organize the annual Beyond the Bars Conference on ending mass incarceration and realizing social justice. The Fellowship is made up of both Students and Community members and our aim is to work collaboratively with the University and Community towards social change.
Is the Fellowship Right for me?
We aim to bring together Columbia University students with the larger NYC community to create a diverse and rich learning environment that can be mutually beneficial to all Fellows. We encourage people impacted (directly and indirectly) by mass incarceration to apply. Please note that extensive experience is not a requirement.
What will you gain?
- Leadership Development: Participate in regular seminars, workshops and guest lectures and deepen your understanding of yourself as well as develop your understanding of justice issues and your capacity to enact change.
- Organizing Experience: Work collaboratively to help organize the annual Beyond the Bars Conference
- A Community of Mentors and Colleagues: The Fellowship is an intentional and experiential learning community that will support your growth as a social justice advocate.
All applicants should meet the following:
- Have a desire to be a part of group learning environment
- Demonstrated enthusiasm for social justice.
- Commitment to fulfill all requirements of the Fellowship
Columbia Fellows should be Current Columbia student enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate or graduate program.
Community Fellows are not enrolled at Columbia University. We encourage applicants who are not students or have not attended college to apply. Students from other colleges / universities are welcome to apply.
Deadlines
The priority application deadline is Monday August 19th. After that we will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until Monday August 26th.
Application Materials
- 1 page cover letter including:
- Why you are interested in becoming a Beyond the Bars Fellow
- What you hope to gain from the Fellowship
- An assessment of your strengths and challenges
- Resume / CV
To Apply
Email your application materials to: [email protected]
Application Process
- July 17th: Application Period Opens
- August 19th: Priority Application Deadline
- August 26th: Application Period Closes
- August 22nd- August 30th – Interviews
- September 7th: Accepted Applicants are Notified
- September 20th: Fellowship Starts
Tentative Fellowship Calendar
The Fellowship meets most Thursday nights from 6:15-8:30pm starting September 19th going through to early April 2nd.
Fall Dates
- September 19th
- September 26th
- Oct 4th – Oct 6th: 3 Day Opening Retreat
- October 10th
- October 17th
- October 31st
- November 7th
- November 14th
- November 21st
- December 5th
- December 12th
Spring Dates
- Saturday January 11th – Day long Conference Planning Retreat
- January 16th
- January 23rd
- January 30th
- February 6th
- February 13th
- February 20st
- February 27th
- March 5th-8th: Beyond the Bars Conference
- March 12th
- March 26th
- April 2nd: Fellowship Graduation
- April 10th-12th: 3 Day Closing Retreat