THE BEYOND THE BARS FELLOWSHIP offers students and community members an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of mass incarceration and social change; and to collaborate with social justice organizers, activists, and academics to plan the annual Beyond the Bars Conference. This interdisciplinary leadership program aims to bring together a diverse group of Fellows to further develop their leadership skills – Fellows will gain a theoretical and practical understanding of mass incarceration – inclusive of its origins, and wide spread personal and societal consequence. Fellows will also be introduced to various models of social change while having an opportunity to interact and learn from community activists and organizers. In addition, Fellows will work together with the Center for Justice and the Criminal Justice Caucus to organize the annual Beyond the Bars Conference on mass incarceration. The Fellowship is made up of both Student and Community members. 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. The goal is 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; However, please note that extensive knowledge or experience is not a requirement.
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. Students from other colleges / universities are welcome to apply. We encourage applicants who are not students or have not attended college to apply as well.
WHAT WILL YOU GAIN?
- Leadership Development: Participate in regular seminars, 1-2 per month, and develop both your understanding of justice issues and your capacity to enact change.
- Organizing Experience: Work collaboratively to organize the annual Beyond the Bars Conference
- A Community of Mentors and Colleagues: 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.
Selection Process
Applications for the Fellowship will be reviewed by a selection committee including Center for Justice faculty and staff.
TO APPLY
Application Period and Timeline
The priority application deadline is August 20th. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through 9pm August 27th. Interviews with potential Fellows will be held the weeks of August 31st and Sept 7th. Selected Fellows will be notified by September 10th. The Fellowship will begin September 22nd.
Application Materials
- A 1 page cover letter including; why you are interested in becoming a Beyond the Bars Fellow, what you hope to gain from the Fellowship, and an assessment of your strengths and challenges.
- A resume
Send application materials to Leyla Martinez at [email protected]
Tentative Fellowship Calendar
Application Process
July 31st: Application Period Opens
August 20th: Priority Application Deadline
August 27th: Application Period Closes
August 20th- Sept 7th – Interviews
September 10th: Accepted Applicants are Notified
Fellowship
Fall
September 22nd: Seminar 1 – Intro to the Fellowship
September 29th: First Conference Planning Meeting
October 3rd and 4th: 2 Day Retreat (One day in NYC, One Day outside of the City)
October 13th: Seminar 2 – Starting with Self
October 20th: Conference Planning Meeting
October 27th: Dinner with Leaders
November 3rd: Seminar 3 – Understanding Mass Incarceration Pt 1
November 10th: Conference Planning Meeting
November 17th: Seminar 4 – Understanding Mass Incarceration Pt 2
December 8th: Conference Planning Meeting
December 15th: Seminar 5 – Social Justice and Leadership Pt 1
Spring
January 23rd: Half Day Conference Planning Meeting
January 26th: Seminar 6 – Social Justice and Leadership Pt 2
February 2nd: Conference Planning Meeting
February 9th: Seminar 7 – Organizing and Advocacy Look Like in the 21st Pt 1
February 16th: Seminar 8 – Organizing and Advocacy Look Like in the 21st Pt 2
February 23rd: Conference Planning Meeting
March 1st: Conference Planning Meeting
March 4th – 6th: Beyond the Bars Conference
March 15th: Closing and Reflections