2016-17 Beyond the Bars Fellowship – Apply Now
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 organize 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, organizers, academics and more. 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 and 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; However, please note that extensive 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. We encourage applicants who are not students or have not attended college to apply. Students from other colleges / universities are welcome to apply.
What will you gain?
- Leadership Development: Participate in regular seminars, 1-2 per month, and develop both your understanding of incarceration related 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: 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.
An Evening with Angela Davis @ Columbia Univ. 2016
Time Commitment
The Fellowship will meet most Tuesday evenings from 6:30-8:30pm starting September 20th through the end of March 2017. The Fellowship will not meet during holidays and will break from mid December to mid January. In addition to Tuesday nights, there will be light reading for seminars and some work related to conference planning will be expected.
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, and an assessment of your strengths and challenges.
- Resume/CV
To Apply
Email your application materials to [email protected]
Deadlines
The priority application deadline is Friday August 19th. After that we will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until Friday August 26th.
Application Process
July 28th: Application Period Opens
August 19th: Priority Application Deadline
August 26th: Application Period Closes
August 29th- Sept 2nd – Interviews
September 9th: Accepted Applicants are Notified